Last Chapter: The Finals! Rivals Forever!

Last time on "Pokémon Sinnoh Journey", Chimchar joins Ash in a happy way, making Chimchar Ash's fifth Pokémon. Hikaru explains his reasons for fearing the Zangoose, and on how he got his scar across his right eye. Hikaru explains how he fears Zangoose, just like when Ash's Chimchar fears the Zangoose as well.

The next day, it was the semifinals matches, as Hikaru and Lucas defeats Dawn and Conway in the semifinals. Ash and Paul make their match quick against Brock and Holly. This means that Hikaru and Lucas will have a chance of battling both Ash and Paul in the Tag Battle finals! What will the outcome be?

At the Pokémon Center, Brock was shocked of the news Nurse Joy made. "WHAT!? What do you mean she just left!?" Brock yelled in surprise. Nurse Joy smiled, feeling sorry for the breeder. "You see, Brock. She told me it was all her fault that you lost in the Tag Battle in the first place!" Nurse Joy explained.

Hikaru sweat dropped at that. "Even if Brock tells her that it wasn't, she still insists... huh." Hikaru muttered. "So, she was going to spend every waking hour training hard as she could so she could become the kind of Tag Team partner you deserve!" Nurse Jou finished. Ash and Dawn smiled at that.

"Hey! That sounds cool to me!" Ash exclaimed. "Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed. "See, Brock? No need to worry!" Dawn assured. Brock still hanged his head low in despair. "Great... I finally found a woman who likes me for what I am..." Brock groaned. He then turned to both Ash and Hikaru fiercely!

"Ash! Hikaru! You two get out there and show them who's the boss, and do it for me!" Brock yelled. Both Monferno and Hikaru sweat dropped, before nodding slowly. Ash smiled and agreed. "Sure!" Ash exclaimed. "Well, you sound very excited." Hikaru smirked. "So do you, Hikaru!" Ash grinned.

Hikaru shrugged, until Nurse Joy called for Paul. "Oh, Paul? I'm all finished taking care of your Torterra, so good luck in the final match this afternoon!" Nurse Joy explained. Paul took the Pokéball from the nurse. "Thank you very much." Paul called, as he turned to leave. Paul then noticed Ash glaring at him.

Paul stared back, as he continued walking away.

Later...

"Alright, folks! This is it! The final matchup of Hearthome City Tag Battle competition I our warm and kind city where our hearts beat! And very soon, for their winning performance, one of our most gifted Tag Battle teams will receive the magnificent Soothe Bell!" Enta announced.

Ash and Paul stared over at Hikaru and Lucas, who stared back. "Alright! There's only one Pokémon I want to get this job done!" Ash yelled. He threw out Chimchar's Pokéball, sending Chimchar out. Dawn, at the sidelines grew surprised. "Huh? Chimchar!?" Dawn gasped in surprise.

"I had a feeling Ash might do that." Brock replied. "Elekid, standby for battle!" Paul called. Elekid appeared, ready to fight. Chimchar looked over to Elekid. He grew worried, turning to Ash. "Don't worry! You're working with me now!" Ash called. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu called.

"Char!" Chimchar agreed. Hikaru smiled, knowing that this battle will be more than just challenging. "Well then. Monferno! Ready to give it a shot?" Hikaru asked. "Ferno! Mon!" Monferno screeched in agreement. He hopped ont the battlefield, facing Chimchar and Elekid. Lucas smiled as he took out his Pokéball.

"Grotle! It's you!" Lucas called. The Grove Pokémon stood next to Monferno, ready to fight. Ash saw the two starters, before smiling. "Okay. There's no surprise that Hikaru is using Monferno... But, since Grotle is a Grass Type, this should give Chimchar the advantage!" Ash exclaimed.

"Brock, who do you think is going to win?" Dawn asked. "We'll just have to see as the battle goes on." Brock answered. "Alright then! Battle begin!" Enta shouted.

Hikaru & Lucas: Monferno & Grotle VS Ash & Paul: Chimchar & Elekid

"We'll make the first move! Chimchar! Use Flamethrower!" Ash shouted. Chimchar unleashed his Flamethrower towards Grotle! "Elekid! Use Thunder!" Paul called. Elekid leapt in th air, before sending electricity towards Monferno. Hikaru smirked at this, however. "I thought they might do that." Hikaru replied.

Lucas nodded, before turning to Hikaru. "Shall we do it, Hikaru?" Lucas asked. Hikaru nodded and turned to Monferno. "Dodge it, Monferno! Then, take Flamethrower for Grotle, quick!" Hikaru yelled. Monferno swiftly dodged Thunder, much to Ash's surprise. "That's fast!" Ash yelped. "Pika!" Pikachu agreed.

Monferno went in front of Grtle, and took the Flamethrower! "And Monferno takes Flamethrower for Grotle! Due to being the same type a Chimchar, and being the evolved form of Chimchar, it barely does a thing!" Enta commented. Monferno's tail flared up, making his Fire attacks stronger.

"No way! Monferno absorbed Flamethrower!?" Ash gasped. "Alright! Grotle! Use Withdraw, now!" Lucas called. Grotle glowed for a moment, before standing back up. "Brick Break, let's go!" Paul shouted. Elekid leapt up to the strike with the Fighting Type move. "Counter with Flame Wheel!" Hikaru yelled.

Monferno flared up, before slamming into Brick Break with the Flame Wheel! "It's an even match between Flame Wheel and Brick Break... Wait! What's this!?" Enta started, then stopped. Flame Wheel smashed into Eleid, sending him to the ground! "Amazing! That Flame Wheel took down Elekid to the ground!" Enta commented.

"Brock! How did that happen!?" Dawn asked. Brock made some thought, before coming to a guess. "I'm guessing it had to do when Momferno took Chimchar's Flamethrower. It must've boosted Monferno's Flame Wheel when he attacked!" Brock explained. "Stand up, Elekid! Now!" Paul snapped.

Elekid started to stand up, until Lucas made the next move. "Grotle! Use Curse!" Lucas shouted. Ash widened his eyes at Curse. "Curse!?" Ash yelped. Suddenly, Grotle glowed with red light, then to yellow light. "What did that do!?" Dawn asked.

"Curse can cut half of the user's health to curse a Pokémon when the user is a Ghost Type... But, when it's not a Ghost Type. It can decrease speed, but increase Attack and defense at the same time! Lucas is trying to sacrifice Grotle's speed in order to make his attacks stronger!" Brock explained.

"Argh! Chimchar! Use Flame Wheel on Grotle!" Ash yelled. Chimchar flared up, attempting to hit Grotle. "I don't think so, Ash! Use Flame Wheel again, Monferno!" Hikaru shouted. Monferno used Flame Wheel as well, bashing into Chimchar's. The two clashed together multiple times.

"It's a tough match for fire against fire! Neither Chimchar or Monferno is giving an inch to surrender!" Enta announced. "Grotle! Use this chance to use Curse again!" Lucas called. Grotle glowed again, raising his Attack and defense once more. "Elekid! Use ThunderPunch on Grotle, go!" Paul called. Elekid charged at Grotle for the Attack.

"Grotle! Crunch, let's go!" Lucas called. Grotle chomped on Elekid's arm, making ThunderPunch useless. Elekid yelled in pain as he was tossed into the air. "Now! Use Razor Leaf!" Lucas shouted. With the power of Curse, Grotle shot Razor Leaf, blasting Elekd to the ground.

Paul gritted his teeth, annoyed by this. "Hang tough, Chimchar! Use Dig!" Ash called. Chimchar dug underground to make a surprise Attack. "Monferno! Use Mach Punch on the ground!" Hikaru shotued. Ash widened his eyes at this. "On the ground?" Ash asked. Monferno slammed his fist at the ground.

Chimchar was forced, and stopped from using Dig! "Oh no!" Ash gasped. Both Pikachu and Chimchar gasped as well. "Whoa! What power!" Dawn stated. "Using Mach Punch with some force on the ground was a great strategy! Hikaru must've planned this all out with Lucas!" Brock stated.

Chimchar landed on th ground, panting. Elekid was in the same situation, taking heavy hits from Grotle. "Paul! If we don't start working together, we're gonna lose!" Ash snapped. "So, what if we do!?" Paul retorted. Ash gritted his teeth and looked back. "I don't know about you... But I'm winning his thing!" Ash shouted.

"Don't get so confident, Ash! Monferno! Flamethrower!" Hikaru shouted. "Grotle! Use Razor Leaf!" Lucas called. Flamethrower and Razor Leaf both hit Elekid and Chimchar, forcing them to skid back to their trainers. "Chimchar! Hang in there!" Ash yelled. Chimchar got up, ready for some more.

Elekid struggled, thought to get up. Chimchar tried to help Elekid out, but was snapped back, not wanting any help. "ThunderPunch!" Paul called again. Elekid leapt into thae air for another punch with electricity. "I don't think so! Monferno! Mach Punch, now!" Hikaru yelled.

Mach Punch and ThunderPunch met together as they caused an explosion. Monferno an Elekid landed on the ground, both ready for more. Suddenly, Eleid narrowed his eyes with a grin, and began to evolve. "Now what!?" Ash asked. "Pika!" "Chim!?" Pikachu and Chimchar asked, surprised as well.

Both Lucas and Hikaru widened their eyes. "Hikaru... You don't think that's..." Lucas started. Hikaru answered with narrowed eyes. "It is. Elekid is beginning to evolve!" Hikaru answered. The new form looked like Elekid, but it was bigger and it had a tail! "Electabuzz!" The Pokémon yelled.

"Elekid evolves into Electabuzz before our eyes!" Enta called. Hikaru took out his Pokèdex to scan Electabuzz. "Electabuzz, the Electric Pokémon, and the evolved form of Elekid. It appears near power generators and because it eats electricity, it can cause a blackout." Hikaru's Pokédex buzzed.

"Electabuzz, Thunder!" Paul called. Electabuzz began to charge up electricity for the powerful Attack. "Electabuzz seems to be storing up tremendous power!" Enta announced. Hikaru gritted his teeth, knowing that it could be powerful. "Brace yourself for an impact! Monferno! Flamethrower on Electabuzz!" Hikaru yelled.

"Grotle! Use Razor Leaf on Electabuzz as well!" Lucas yelled. Both evolved starters attacked, trying to stop Electabuzz. "Chimchar, use Flamethrower, let's go!" Ash yelled. "Electabuzz, Thunder, now!" Paul yelled. Both Chimchar and Electabuzz shot their attacks, intercepting their opponents.

The four attacks kept colliding with each other. Suddenly, Flamethrower and Thunder managed to overpower Razor Leaf and the other Flamethrower! The two attacks exploded on Monferno and Grotle! The two screamed in pain as they were caught in the explosion. "No! No, Monferno!" Hikaru yelled.

"Grotle!" Lucas called out. The smoke cleared everyone's sight as Chimchar and Electabuzz landed on the ground. "Great, Chimchar! Awesome move!" Ash complimented. Chimchar looked back at Ash with thanks. Suddenly, as the dust cleared, both Monferno and Grotle were still standing!

"No way!" Ash yelled. "And after all those attacks, both Monferno and Grole are still standing!" Enta called. "Great! Grotle! Use Crunch on Chimchar!" Lucas called, sighing in relief. "This is our last chance! Monferno! Use Mach Punch on Electabuzz!" Hikaru shouted.

The two starters charged for Chimchar and Electabuzz. "Chimchar! Use Flame Wheel on Grotle, quick!" Ash yelled. "Electabuzz! Counter with ThunderPunch!" Paul yelled. Chimchar and Electabuzz charged with their physical moves as well. All the four Pokémon collided, creating an explosion!

Chimchar managed to overpower Grotle, smashing him to the wall! "No! Grotle!" Lucas gasped. As Chimchar got away, the dust cleared, showing that Grotle has fainted. "Grotle is unable to battle!" The referee declared. "And Grotle is taken down, despite of the high defense and Attack!" Enta announced.

Monferno and Electabuzz still were collided, using Mach Punch and ThunderPunch. The two were skidded back, causing them to both pant heavily. The two remained standing for a while. Suddenly, Monferno lost his balance and fainted, by the heavy blows he took from the battle. "No... Monferno... This can't be..." Hikaru stuttered.

Hikaru's face darkened as he fell to his knees. "Monferno is unable to battle! The winners are Chimchar an Electabuzz!" The referee declared. The crowd cheered for Ash and Paul's victory, as Enta announced the results.

Ash & Paul: Winner!

"And there you have it! The victory in this year's Hearthome City's Tag Battle competition goes to Ash and Paul!" Enta announced. Ash and Pikachu cheered as they danced around excitedly. "Yeah! We did it! We won!" Ash exclaimed happily. "Pika! Pika Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed, cheering as well.

Chimchar ran over to Ash, giving him a big hug. "See, Chimchar? You're the best!" Ash exclaimed, hugging the Fire Type. Chimchar laughed happily, as Paul returned the evolved Electabuzz back to his Pokéball. Ash then stood up, looking at Paul.

"Wow, Paul! Everything totally changed better after your Elekid evolved into Electabuzz, you know!" Ash exclaimed. "Your so pathetic." Paul sneered. Ash, Pikachu, and Chimchar looked at Paul in confusion. "That Flamethrower of Chimchar should've put Heracross out on the spot, but it was still standing up! If not for Electabuzz's Thunder, we couldn't have won! You two deserve each other, just like I said!" Paul snapped.

"Talk all you want!" Ash retorted. Paul looked back, to see Ash rubbing Chimchar's head. "Chimchar was awesome! I knew it! And we're gonna keep getting stronger!" Ash assured. Chimchar laughed happily, with Pikachu smiling as well. Paul said nothing as he walked out of the battlefield.

As for Lucas and Hikaru, Lucas was thanking Grotle for the help. "Thanks, Grotle. You were the best out there." Lucas thanked. "Grotle..." Grotle replied, nudging Lucas' arm with a smile. Hikaru said nothing, except holding Monferno tight into his arms. "Well... That was some battle, wasn't it?" Hikaru weakly asked.

"Ferno..." Monferno said sadly, hugging Hikaru. Hikaru smiled weakly as he embraced Monferno back.

Later...

Ash and his Pokémon were with Paul, with his Electabuzz and Torterra in the awarding ceremony. "Yes, there might've been scary moments, but I think this Tag Battle challenge has brought out something new and exciting in you both! So now, I'm pleased to present you both each with a Soothe Bell!" Enta announced.

He handed both Ash and Paul a silver Soothe Bell. "Thank you very much!" Ash thanked, accepting the bell. "And let's also give a big hand to all the other Pokémon, who battled so hard during the competition!" Enta announced. The crowd cheered and applauded for the two winners of the competition.

The others who lost their matches, applauded for the two winners as well. "If you ask me, Paul's greatest reward was his Elekid evolving." Brock explained. "Well, don't forget he only did this so he could power up his Pokémon." Dawn reminded. "It's rather ironic, that the least well suited team managed to win the Tag Battle!" Conway assured.

He then adjusted his glasses. "I guess every rule has to have an exception!" Conway smirked. Lucas looked around to see that someone was missing. "Wait a minute, where's Hikaru?" Lucas asked. Brock, Dawn, and Conway looked around to see that the Twinleaf boy was nowhere to be seen.

"He could be at the Pokémon Center, probably to heal his Monferno up." Brock guessed. "Yeah. He didn't take the loss too well, especially since it was his Monferno who got really hurt." Dawn agreed, feeling sorry for her best friend.

At the ceremony stage, Ash raised his prize up high. "I just got... The Soothe Bell!" Ash called. Pikachu, Chimchar, Turtwig, and Staravia joined Ash with the victory pose.

Later...

Ash, Dawn, and Brock were inside the Pokémon Center's cafeteria, looking at Ash's soothe bell. "That's great, Ash! You earned this!" Dawn complimented. "Hey, thanks, Dawn!" Ash thanked. Dawn smiled and turned to Piplup. "It's never fun losing a competition, but we'll win the next one, right?" Dawn assured.

"Piplup!" Piplup exclaimed, agreeing with Dawn's words. "This was great. There's been a great change of pace!" Brock chuckled. "Hm! No need to worry!" Dawn assured. Just then, Dawn looked to see Paul. "Oh! It's Paul." Dawn called. Both Ash and Brock turned to see Paul coming next to them.

Paul then threw his Soothe Bell at Ash, which Ash caught. "What was that for!?" Ash snapped. "I have no need for that." Paul snorted, walking away. Both Ash and Chimchar glared at Paul as he walked away. Ash turned to Chimchar with a smile.

"Don't mind him! We're a team now!" Ash exclaimed. "Chimchar!" Chimchar agreed. "Say, I've got an idea." Conway called out. Everyone turned to see Conway at the other table. "Why not head to the Veilstone Gym, which is in Veilstone City?" Conway suggested, sneering.

"Hey, Ash! Isn't Veilstone City where Paul is from?" Brock asked. Ash grinned and pumped his fist. "Yeah! And next stop, it's Veilstone City! And then, I'll get my third Sinnoh Gym Badge for sure!" Ash exclaimed. Pikachu and Chimchar cheered, with Piplup cheering as well.

But, Piplup lost balance and fell on the seat. Everyone laughed at Piplup's silliness. Then, Dawn stopped laughing to look around. "Seriously! Where is Hikaru? He said he would be here soon!" Dawn pouted, looking around. "Sorry that I'm late." A voice called out.

Everyone turned to see who it was. They all widened their eyes to see who it was. "Hikaru?" Dawn gasped. "Is that really you?" Brock asked. Hikaru grew confused as he smiled. "Of course it's me! Why wouldn't it be?" Hikaru asked. "But... Your outfit... It's... Different!" Ash exclaimed.

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed. "Chim!" Chimchar screeched along.

Hikaru's face still remained the same, with his black, spiky hair the same as well. However, Hikaru was now wearing black outdoor pants, white t-shirt, black fingerless gloves. He also wore red, big sneakers, with dark blue, thin, hooded jacket! Monferno hung on his shoulder with a grin.

"What? I can't change my outfit? My mom sent this to me, saying that it could be more better on the journey." Hikaru explained. He rubbed the back of his head with a sigh. "Ferno!" Monferno agreed. Dawn blushed at Hikaru's new sight and shook his head. "I think you look perfect in that!" Dawn answered.

"Cool style!" Ash exclaimed. "I agree with the cool style part." Brock replied. "Pip!" "Pikachu!" "Chimchar!" The three Pokémon agreed. Hikaru smiled and nodded in acceptance. "Thanks, guys. Veilstone City is where we're going?" Hikaru asked. "Yep! You heard it right! And that's where our third Gym Badge will be!" Ash exclaimed.

Hikaru laughed lightly, making Ash confused. "This is so like you, Ash. Always getting excited even if we're not in there yet!" Hikaru chuckled. "Mon!" Monferno agreed with a fist pump in the air. Ash grew embarrassed as he argued back. "Well, Monferno seems pumped up!" Ash argued.

The others laughed along, with Ash being bewildered by his friends. Hikaru stopped laughing for a while, and looked outside. "I'm really having fun... This journey might be the best one I'd ever had." Hikaru thought, smiling at all the things he did with the others in the past days and weeks.

Hikaru's journey has gone off to a great progress. Although, this is still a beginning to him! What other exciting adventure could wait for the Twinleaf boy and his friends, with his Pokémon? Stay tuned!

To be continued in VOL. 2!

Hikaru's Team:

Monferno: (M): (Flamethrower, Flame Wheel, Mach Punch, Fury Swipes)

Luxio: (F): (Spark, Thunder Fang, Iron Tail, Hidden Power)

Leafeon: (F): (Magical Leaf, Synthesis, Shadow Ball, Iron Tail)

Buizel: (M): (Ice Beam, Water Gun, Aqua Jet, Swift)

Dratini: (M): (Dragon Rage, Wrap, Twister, Thunder Wave)

Kirlia: (F): (Psychic, Shock Wave, Magical Leaf, Teleport)

Hikaru's Badges & Ribbons

Badges: 2

Coal Badge

Forest Badge

Ribbons: 2

Jublife Ribbon

Hearthome Ribbon