Hearthome Tag Team Tournament

Today was the start of the tag battle tournament in Hearthome City. The gang was in the Pokemon Center and Ash was handing Dawn an entry card for the tournament. 
"Zoey suggested that you enter the tournament to lift your battling spirit." Brock explained.
"She didn't say anything about that to me." Dawn said.
She wasn't fond of people making decisions for her without her knowledge.
"Come on Dawn." Ash said. "I can feel that you're still low spirited because of your loss at the Pokemon contest. And this tournament is exactly what you need to perk up again."
The other boys agreed and so did Piplup. Dawn hesitated, but she could see that Ash was right and she did need some perking up. So she agreed to enter the tournament.
Soon everyone was at a stadium, where the tournament was taking place. A man named Enta, who was the mayor of Hearthome City and announcer of the tournament, welcomed everyone to the tournament. He made a speech about the tag battle tournament was to have two trainers work together as one against their opponents. Next he explained that the numbers on the trainer's entry cards were to help the trainers find their partners and see what block they were in. A big TV screen lit up to show the rounds and boxes that held the numbers. There were 32 trainers in total. Enta pressed a button and the trainers' numbers appeared. Tomo was in the E block, Dawn was in the B block, Ash was in the H block and Brock was in the E block. 
It took some time, but the gang started to find their partners. Tomo's partner number was 26 and it was a teenage boy named Bert. Dawn's partner number was 9 and it was a boy named Conway. Conway had a creepy aura around him. Brock's partner number was 21 and it was a woman named Holly with a Wingull. Soon Ash managed to find his partner number which was 5, but it ended up as bad luck to him. His partner was Paul; he had come to the tag battle tournament too. Ash wasn't too thrilled to see him and it was the same for Paul. Dawn, Tomo and Brock saw the situation.
'Ash has the worst luck.' Dawn thought.
"You make sure to stay out of my way." Paul told Ash, rudely.
That made Ash angry.
"Give it a rest, will ya!" He shouted.
Pikachu wanted to welcome Paul's Elekid to try and make things friendly, but Ash quickly stopped him. 
"Don't bother Pikachu." Ash whispered. 
He knew that Paul's Elekid was no friendly Pokemon and Pikachu did as he was told. 
"Brock, is Ash going to be okay?" Dawn asked. 
"He made it clear that Paul is not a friendly rival." Brock said. "All we can do is see what happens during this tournament."
Etna then showed the grand prize of the tag battle tournament. It was two bells. The bells were called Soothe Bells and their chimes had the ability to calm Pokemon even in a rage or panic. As the tournament wasn't going to start until the afternoon he told everyone to learn about their partners. Ash felt he shouldn't bother with Paul because he already knew what he was like. 
That afternoon the tournament was underway and Dawn and Conway went up first with the partners from Block A. The rules were every trainer only used one Pokemon and substitutions were not allowed. And the first team to defeat the other time was the winner of the round. Dawn sent out Piplup and Conway sent out Slowking. The other team sent out a Scyther and Koffing. 
"You do the attacking Dawn and leave the defending to me." Conway said.
Scyther attacked with Razor Wind and Koffing attacked with Sludge Bomb.
Piplup used Bubble Beam to defeat the Razor Wind and Slowking used Safeguard to protect itself and Piplup from Sludge Bomb. Koffing attacked next with Thunderbolt, but Slowking used Protect to protect itself and Piplup from the attack.
"You see." Conway said. "Now you do whatever you want because I'll be covering you."
This was why he told Dawn to leave defending to him. Scyther moved in with X-Scissor, but Piplup moved in with Peck and struck Scyther really hard. Scyther fainted after being hit by that strong attack. Koffing attacked next with Gyro Ball, but Slowking used Psychic to stop it in it's tracks and made it fall to the ground hard. Koffing fainted and Conway and Dawn were the winners of the first round.
"Dawn has an interesting partner." Brock said. "Especially since Conway is very big in defensive moves."
Ash could see that Conway and Dawn really know how to battle together. He turned towards Paul who was standing someplace behind him.
"We should try and work together too." He said.
But then a Flamethrower attack nearly hit him.
"What was that for?!" Ash shouted.
"Give Chimchar your opinion." Paul said.
The Flamethrower had come from Chimchar.
"Oh, so you learned Flamethrower huh Chimchar?" Ash said. 
Chimchar replied with a yes. 
"That was a weak Flamethrower from a weak flame." Paul rudely said.
"It was good." Ash said. "Let me help you with Chimchar."
"We don't need your help." Paul said, rudely.
"Will you put aside that stubbornness and pride of yours for one day already!" Ash said, angrily. "This is a tag team tournament and we are supposed to be helping each other here!"
Paul didn't take that to heart. Dawn reminded him Cynthia said that Pokemon and Trainers should work as one. Paul still didn't take the working together thing to heart.
"Why are you competing in this tournament anyway?" Ash asked him. 
He didn't see why somebody like Paul would want to come here.
"To meet fire type Pokemon." Paul answered. 
He then left with Chimchar.
"What did Paul mean?" Dawn asked.
"He wants to use a opponent's fire type Pokemon to power Chimchar up." Brock explained.
Ash didn't like this; he felt something bad was going to happen later.
Soon Tomo and Bert faced their opponents in block F. Tomo used Growlithe and Bert used a Yanma. Their opponents used Shedinja and Aron. Bert's Yanma's ability Speed Boost made it so Shedinja and Aron couldn't hit it with attacks, and while the two Pokemon were distracted Growlithe knocked them both out with Flamethrower. Tomo and Bert gave each other a thumbs up. Soon it was Brock and Holly's turn to face their opponents. Brock used Sudowoodo and Holly used her Wingull. Their opponents used Bagon and Yanma. It turned out their opponents didn't get along well and kept arguing during the battle. In the end Wingull defeated Yanma with Aerial Ace and Sudowoodo used Wood Hammer to defeat Bagon. So Dawn, Tomo and Brock would move onto the second round, which was tomorrow. 
Now it was time for Ash and Paul to face their opponents. Ash sent out Pikachu and Paul sent out Chimchar. Their opponents sent out a Rhydon and a Magmar.
"This will be tough." Ash said.
"With Pikachu, tough is right." Paul said, rudely.
"Chimchar isn't a good match either." Ash argued.
"Who asked you?" Paul argued.
"I have a bit of a bad feeling about this." Tomo said.
"Yes with a fire and rock/ground type, both Chimchar and Pikachu have a type disadvantage." Conway said.
Dawn was worried because Ash and Paul weren't a great match up. 
"Hidden Power." Ash told Pikachu.
He knew Rhydon had the Lightning Rod ability that attracted electricity; his Rhydon had this ability as well.
Hidden Power turned out to be super effective.
"How was Hidden Power effective on Rhydon?" Dawn asked.
"Pikachu's Hidden Power is ground type." Tomo answered.
The gang had told Dawn before that Hidden Power had a different type for different Pokemon. 
"Not bad I guess, but you are still in the way." Paul told Ash.
"Shut up Paul!" Ash shouted, angrily. "I'm in this whether you like it or not!"
Magmar attacked next with Lava Plume, which was an attack that spreads fire everywhere in a area and everyone takes damage. As Rhydon was a rock/ground type it wasn't affected much. 
"Chimchar, jump into the fire." Paul ordered.
"Dodge it Pikachu." Ash ordered.
As Chimchar was engulfed in the flames, the flame on it's tail raged and then Chimchar used Flamethrower on Rhydon.
"It's as I suspected." Brock said. "Paul is using that Lava Plume to power up Chimchar's Flamethrower."
Unfortunately it wasn't enough to damage Rhydon. Rhydon broke the flames apart and started to charge towards Chimchar. Paul wasn't happy with Chimchar's performance. Just then Pikachu jumped up and whacked Rhydon really hard with Iron Tail. Rhydon's trainer noticed that Pikachu was very strong and warned his partner to be careful. Next Magmar used Protect while Rhydon used Surf. Protect would keep Magmar safe from Surf. Everyone was surprised that Rhydon knew Surf.
"Chimchar, Flame Wheel." Paul said.
He wanted Chimchar to use Flame Wheel while the water hit it.
"What are you doing? That will cause us to lose." Ash demanded.
The others thought Paul was crazy. Ash knew that Chimchar would be knocked out, but then he got an idea. He remembered what Zoey's Glameow did with Water Pulse.
"Use Iron Tail." Ash told Pikachu.
Pikachu hit the wave with Iron Tail and the water broke apart. He then proceeded to hit Rhydon with Iron Tail once again and it fainted.
"Hey, that's what Zoey did during the Pokemon contest." Dawn said, remembering that move.
"Watching other coordinators always gives Ash some inspiration." Brock said.
With Rhydon out of the way, Ash prepared for the next part.
"Volt Tackle." He told Pikachu.
"Chimchar, Dig." Paul ordered.
Magmar collided with Pikachu's Volt Tackle using Fire Punch. While Magmar was occupied with Pikachu, Chimchar emerged from the ground and tackled Magmar really hard. Magmar fainted after that, earning Ash and Paul the victory. 
The others were happy that Ash and Paul made it to the second round, but they knew this battle had no teamwork. Conway called this separate effort.
"Stay out of my way." Paul told Ash.
"Wake up and get it already!" Ash argued. "This is a tag team tournament and I'm supposed to be your partner." 
Paul still wouldn't accept it, irritating Ash.
So Ash, Tomo, Dawn, Brock and their partners made it through the 1st round of the tag team tournament. But there were still some more battles to get through to become the champions.
That night...
Everyone was resting up for the 2nd round of the tournament, which was tomorrow. Nurse Joy was occupied caring for everyone's Pokemon, but Brock assisted her and Nurse Joy accepted the help. 
Dawn was talking to Conway.
"The stronger the friendships between trainers and their Pokemon are, the stronger they will become." He explained.
"Oh yes, Ash and Brock once told me about this." Dawn said. "They also mentioned that you have to have real trust with each other too."
"That's true." Conway nodded. "They seem to be really smart individuals."
"They are." Dawn agreed with him.
She then decided to speak with Ash; she was still concerned that he was paired up with Paul.
Ash was with his Pikachu, Turtwig, Riolu, Staravia, Cranidos and Mothim. 
"Okay you guys, let's get some training in for tomorrow." He said. "Riolu, I've decided to use you for the second round."
Riolu was happy to hear that because he wanted to battle and he was ready now.
Just then, Cranidos started digging in the ground.
"What are you doing, Cranidos?" Ash asked.
Cranidos stopped digging and showed Ash what he found.
"It's another one of those strange plates." He said.
This plate was grayish-purple.
"This is getting weird. Nearly everywhere I go I end up finding these plates and I've already found five. The one in Oreburgh City, the one Gardenia gave me in Eterna Forest, the one just before we entered Jubilife City, the one just before we left Eterna City and now this one. This is starting to become confusing." Ash's Pokemon were also confused.
Suddenly they noticed a Flamethrower being fired in the sky.
"What was that?" Ash asked.
He, Pikachu and Riolu went to see what was happening. The source of the Flamethrower was Chimchar; Paul was training it with his Elekid, Torterra, Murkrow and Ursaring. But this training was harsh; he had his four Pokemon attack Chimchar all together and Chimchar had to defend himself with Flamethrower. Chimchar was starting to become exhausted. 
Ash then came over.
"What's going on?" He asked.
Suddenly Chimchar blew Flamethrower and accidentally hit Ash with it.
Chimchar quickly ran over to see if Ash was okay.
"Chim." He apologized.
"Hmm." Ash muttered. "I have to say Chimchar you keep getting stronger you know."
Chimchar appreciated his kind comment.
"We're not through yet Chimchar." Paul said.
Chimchar didn't really like the hard training, but he didn't like disobeying Paul either.
"Hold it Paul." Ash said. "Why are you putting Chimchar through harsh training like that?"
He had seeing harsh training before, but Paul's form of training was abusive.
"That is none of your business." Paul said.
"Since I'm your tag partner, it is." Ash argued. "And I dislike the fact that you only entered this tournament to power Chimchar up like this."
"Your point?" Paul asked.
Ash was about argue back when Dawn came over.
"Paul, you are being rude to all the trainers and their Pokemon here!" She shouted.
Paul didn't acknowledge what she was saying.
"I wanted Chimchar to be hit by Surf during the battle." Ash didn't like what he was saying and grabbed a hold of his jacket.
"Listen to me Paul!" He shouted. "Surf would've not only seriously injured Chimchar; it would have caused him to drown. And if that happened what would you have done then?"
Dawn quickly got him to let go of Paul.
"Please calm down Ash." She said.
She didn't want to see any violence; even if what Paul just said was terrible.
"Paul, if you want to power Chimchar up you should really do it by working on his strong points and weak points." Ash said.
Paul thought there was no point doing that; to him it was like bathing a spoiled brat and it was a waste of his time.
"Chimchar wants this." He said.
"Is that true Chimchar?" Ash asked. "You don't really have to train like this."
"Ignore them." Paul told Chimchar.
He and the Pokemon then walked away to train somewhere else.
"Chimchar looks so sad." Dawn said after they walked away.
"Chimchar is like an abused child." Ash said. "He's trying hard to meet Paul's expectations and keep him happy, despite the abuse. But it's helpless to do anything about it like most abused people, especially children, do."
Dawn nodded in agreement.
Paul started to do more abusive training for Chimchar and all his other Pokemon were firing their attacks at Chimchar. It got weaker and weaker before fainting from it's injuries.
"Wake it up with Thunder Elekid." Paul said.
Before Elekid's Thunder struck Chimchar, the shadow of a wing appeared over it.
"This has gone on long enough Paul!" A deep voice growled out.
"That was way too cruel!" Dawn shouted.
"Take Chimchar to the Pokemon Center." Dawn carefully picked Chimchar up and ran off.
Chimchar was soon in the Pokemon Center and Brock tended to it's wounds. Ash, Tomo and Dawn watched through the glass and Holly was with them too.
"I'm amazed Brock knows how to treat Pokemon." Holly said.
"Brock spent years learning about medicine and caring for Pokemon. He wants to become a Pokemon doctor." Tomo said.
Holly was impressed. Ash kept quietly staring at Chimchar; he hated that it went through abusive training. This caused him to recall Damian abuse and abandon Charizard when he was a Charmander. Soon Brock came out.
"How is he Brock?" Ash asked.
"Chimchar needs a lot of rest." Brock answered. "But it will be okay."
Ash was relieved after hearing that.
Later Brock and the others had a talk with Paul; Brock could tell Chimchar went through severe training because of it's injuries.
"At this point Chimchar will either become strong or emotionally scarred for life. Why do you push Chimchar so hard in training?"
"It's what we both want." Paul said.
He told everyone about the day he got Chimchar.
Flashback
One day
Paul was catching a Ninjask, when he saw Chimchar running away from a herd of Zangoose. It might have been a fight over territory. Paul was curious to see what would happen and followed the Pokemon. The Zangoose chased Chimchar to the edge of a cliff above a stream. The Zangoose began to attack with moves like Slash. Just when it looked hopeless for Chimchar, it suddenly built up a lot of strength with it's flames and defeated the Zangoose with Flame Wheel, scaring them off. It was more like he activated the Blaze ability. Paul witnessed everything and was impressed with the power Chimchar displayed. It was the power that convinced Paul to catch him.
End flashback
"With that kind of firepower I felt I could win the Pokemon League for sure, but ever since that day we haven't been able to replicate that power." Paul said.
"I get it." Brock said. "You're trying to recreate the stress of when those Zangoose attacked by subjecting Chimchar to harsh training constantly."
"But Chimchar can be strong even without using the Blaze ability." Ash said. "Lots of my Pokemon used their abilities before, but they ended up winning battles for me without having to use them. Trying to have Chimchar use Blaze all the time isn't right, Paul."
Paul huffed.
"You don't know anything." He said. "I need to push Chimchar to activate Blaze so it can become stronger than any other fire type Pokemon."
He got out of his seat.
"Hold it Paul." Ash said. "You're not going to subject Chimchar to any more training tonight."
It was obvious to him what Paul had in mind.
"He needs to rest before his condition gets worse."
"Ash is right. Chimchar needs lots of rest." Dawn said.
"You have to listen to them." Nurse Joy insisted, hearing everything. "The reason you push your Chimchar so hard is because you're plain impatient. I'm going to insist that you let Chimchar get some rest."
Paul just nodded and walked away. Ash looked at him angrily; Paul reminded him of how Damian used to treat his Pokemon.
The next day
It was the second round of the tag tournament. Dawn and Conway defeated their opponents with Aggron and Pachirisu. Tomo and Bert defeated their opponents with Pelipper and Graveler. Brock and Holly defeated their opponents with Croagunk and Nosepass. Then it was finally time for Ash and Paul to face their opponents. Ash sent out his Riolu and to his shock, Paul sent Chimchar out.
"Hey Chimchar should be resting." Ash said.
He was right because Chimchar hadn't fully recovered after yesterday's events.
Chimchar insisted that he was okay to battle. Ash wasn't entirely convinced though.
"Make sure to help Chimchar out during the battle." He told Riolu.
Riolu nodded.
Their opponents sent out a Metagross and Zangoose. 
"Riolu's in trouble because Metagross is also a psychic type." Conway pointed out.
Metagross began the battle by getting ready to use Bullet Punch. Chimchar moved forward to use Flamethrower, but Zangoose jumped in to stop Chimchar. 
"Riolu, attack it with Aura Sphere." Ash ordered.
Aura Sphere hit Zangoose. It was too late though as Metagross hit Chimchar with Bullet Punch. Zangoose moved it and scratched Riolu with X-Scissor. 
"Chimchar, Dig." Paul ordered.
Metagross levitated into the air with Magnet Rise to prevent Chimchar from hitting it and Zangoose used Crush Claw on him. Paul was becoming angry with Chimchar's performance. 
"Riolu, use Blaze Kick on Zangoose." Ash ordered.
Zangoose dodged the flaming kick and Metagross used Psychic. Zangoose moved in to use Crush Claw. Chimchar was scared because he had a fear of Zangoose ever since the encounter with the Zangoose swarm. Riolu used Protect to keep himself and Chimchar safe. 
"Use Flame Wheel on Riolu." Paul ordered.
Ash couldn't believe what he just heard. Chimchar didn't want to.
"Do it." Paul angrily ordered.
"Move out of Chimchar's way." Ash told Riolu.
Riolu got out of the way before Chimchar hit him and he ended up hitting Metagross with Flame Wheel. Ash was incensed.
"Have you lost your mind?!" He demanded.
Zangoose attacked next and pinned Chimchar to the ground before he could do anything.
"Chimchar, Flamethrower." Paul ordered.
Chimchar was too afraid of Zangoose to do anything.
"Guess that's it." Paul said.
"Help Chimchar with Aura." Ash told Riolu.
Zangoose blew a five pointed symbol of fire from his mouth. The attack looked really strong and there was no time for Riolu to dodge. Chimchar then jumped in and defended Riolu from Fire Blast. The attack powered it's flames up. Metagross then moved forward to use Bullet Punch. 
"Quick give Chimchar a command." Ash told Paul.
Paul turned away; he was giving up on Chimchar. 
Ash then issued a command. "Use Flamethrower on Metagross."
Metagross fainted after being hit by Flamethrower. 
"Well done Chimchar." Ash said.
Chimchar looked worried because Ash gave him a command, not Paul. Now Riolu could deal with Zangoose alone. First he struck Zangoose really hard with Sky Uppercut and then used Bullet Punch. That caused Zangoose to faint. Ash and Paul were the winners.
Ash praised Chimchar and Riolu for a job well done. Chimchar looked at Paul; he still had his head turned. Chimchar knew Paul wasn't happy with how he battled.
That evening
The worst happened. Paul released Chimchar.
"You're no longer part of my team." He told Chimchar.
The gang witnessed this transpire.
"You've given up on Chimchar, haven't you?" Ash asked.
"That's right I need a new fire type Pokemon." Paul said.
The gang couldn't believe this and Chimchar sadly started to walk away. Ash wasn't going to let it end like this for Chimchar.
"Hey Chimchar, come with us." He said.
Chimchar stopped in surprise and everyone else was stunned with what Ash just said, even Paul. Ash walked over to Chimchar and extended his hand.
"We will work hard together." He said.
Chimchar stared in amazement that Ash asked him to be on his team.
So now the question was would Chimchar join Ash's team after being abandoned by Paul.
Chimchar felt uncertainty after Ash asked him to become his Pokemon.
"Come on Chimchar." He said.
Pikachu and Riolu encouraged Chimchar to join them too.
"I've seen how strong you are during battles, especially when you give it your all." Ash said. "I'd love to have a strong fire type Pokemon like you on my team."
"You two belong together." Paul rudely said. "Both of you are pathetic."
"Hey, my brother isn't pathetic and neither is Chimchar!" Tomo shouted.
"Ignore him." Ash instructed. "We will prove Paul is wrong about you Chimchar."
Paul huffed and walked away.
Chimchar stared at Ash's eyes; he could see they weren't cold and angry like Paul's, they were warm and kind. Chimchar placed a hand on Ash's hand, he accepted Ash's offer. Brock, Dawn and Tomo smiled; this was a very touching scene. Ash took out a Poke Ball and used it to catch Chimchar.
"Chimchar is mine now." Ash smiled.
After capturing Chimchar, Ash talked with Prof. Oak on the phone. Chimchar was at the lab. He informed Prof. Oak about Chimchar and Paul.
"I see, so Chimchar went through very harsh training and was then abandoned by Paul." Prof. Oak said. "Well it's a good thing you decided to capture Chimchar, Ash."
"Professor, let Chimchar take a good, long rest." Ash said. "He's still worn out from the training yesterday and today. Oh and let him get acquainted with my Charizard and Tomo's Chimchar; they also had to deal with abusive trainers as well."
"I understand and I will do just that." Prof. Oak said.
The phone call then ended.
The next day
It was the semi-finals of the tag tournament. Dawn and Conway were up against Tomo and Bert in the first round. Tomo and Bert did their best, but Dawn and Conway defeated them. Now it was Ash and Paul's turn and they were facing Brock and Holly. Ash called out his Staravia and Paul called out his Torterra. Brock called out his Nosepass and Holly sent out a Farfetch'd. Since Torterra could easily deal with Nosepass, Ash had Staravia attack Farfetch'd with Aerial Ace. 
"Nosepass, use Discharge on Staravia." Brock ordered.
"Farfetch'd, Air Slash on Torterra." Holly ordered.
Ash had Staravia move out of the way before Discharge hit him. 
"Torterra, Hyper Beam." Paul ordered.
Torterra's Hyper Beam was no joke; it effortlessly tore through Farfetch'd's Air Slash and knocked it out. Brock and Holly were surprised.
Brock then issued a command.
"Nosepass, Stone Edge." He ordered.
Torterra couldn't move after using Hyper Beam and was hit by pointed stones.
"Staravia, use Steel Wing on Nosepass." Ash ordered.
"Nosepass, use Discharge on Staravia." Brock ordered.
Before they could do anything, Torterra used Leaf Storm. It could move now. Nosepass was knocked out by the attack. Ash and Paul won the round. Ash wasn't happy because Paul didn't allow him to do anything during the battle.
Before the final round, being held this afternoon, the gang quickly rested at the Pokemon Center. By that time, Holly and Bert had left to continue their journeys and training; they didn't want to stay for the remainder of the tournament after losing. Ash saw Paul get his Torterra back from Nurse Joy. Paul stared at him and then left.
"I never thought I'd say this, but I'll be glad when this tournament comes to a end." Ash told the others.
He was starting to get fed up with his team up with Paul. The others understood his reasoning.
That afternoon
It was time for the final round of the tag tournament.
"The winner of the last battle will obtain the Soothe Bells." Enta reminded everyone.
Dawn and Conway sent out Buizel and Heracross and Ash and Paul sent out Vigoroth and Elekid. Paul snorted.
"I can't believe you have a Vigoroth." He said.
"Hey, don't go thinking my Vigoroth is pathetic." Ash angrily said. "My Vigoroth is a lot tougher than he looks."
Paul wasn't convinced.
"Bulk Up." Ash told Vigoroth.
"Elekid, Thunder." Paul ordered.
"Buizel, use Aqua Jet on Vigoroth." Dawn ordered.
"Counter." Ash ordered.
When Buizel hit Vigoroth, he bounced back injured. Elekid then shocked Heracross with Thunder. Heracross then retaliated with Revenge and knocked Elekid back with it's horn.
"Vigoroth, Thunderbolt." Ash ordered.
Buizel was struck by a thunderbolt.
"Oh no." Dawn gasped.
She hadn't expected this.
"Calm down." Conway said. "We must stay focused and focus on Elekid like we planned."
"Aqua Jet." Dawn told Buizel.
Buizel headed towards Elekid. Elekid used Protect, but Heracross had a surprise for it. It knew a move called Feint. That was a move that could break through Protect and Detect. Heracross broke through Elekid's barrier and struck it with it's horn. Buizel tried to hit Vigoroth with Water Gun, but it dodged and scratched it. 
"Elekid, Thunder Punch." Paul ordered.
"Counter with Mega Punch." Conway ordered.
The two Pokemon collided and were thrown back. Suddenly Elekid glowed and evolved into Electabuzz. This was troublesome for Dawn and Conway because Electabuzz was a lot stronger than Elekid. 
"Electabuzz, Thunder." Paul ordered.
"Heracross, use Megahorn on Electabuzz." Conway ordered.
"Buizel, use Water Gun on Vigoroth." Dawn ordered.
Vigoroth dodged the burst of water and sent a stream of fire at Heracross while Electabuzz hit Buizel with a large lightning bolt.
Buizel and Heracross took a lot of damage, then fainted.
Ash and Paul not only won the battle, they won the tournament. Ash was happy and hugged his Vigoroth. Paul merely snorted.
"Your Vigoroth wasn't too shabby." He rudely said. "But Electabuzz was the reason we won."
"Whatever." Ash said.
He decided to ignore it because they won the tournament.
The closing ceremony then took place. Ash and Paul stood on a stage because they were the winners. Paul's Torterra and Electabuzz were standing next to him while Ash's Pikachu, Riolu, Staravia and Vigoroth stood next to him. Enta presented the Soothe Bells to Ash and Paul. Ash thanked Enta and accepted it while Paul just took his. The audience and the other contestants, who stayed behind for the closing ceremony, clapped and cheered for Ash, Paul and their Pokemon. 
"Paul's real reward was Elekid evolving into Electabuzz." Brock pointed out.
"The only reason he entered this tournament was to power up his Pokemon." Dawn reminded him.
"It's ironic that the team that trusted each other the least won the tournament." Conway noted, accepting it nonetheless.
Ash was happy he won the tournament and Soothe Bell.
When it was all over, the gang went to rest in the Pokemon Center. Dawn was happy Ash won and she promised herself she would win the competition she entered in the future.
"I take it you feel better now, Dawn?" Brock asked.
"I do and I'm glad I participated in this; it was a nice change of pace for me." Dawn answered.
Just then Paul appeared and gave his Soothe Bell to Ash; he didn't want it to begin with. Then he took his leave. Ash ended up acquiring two Soothe Bells and he hoped he would never have to partner up with Paul in a competition again. Then Conway appeared.
"There's a gym in Paul's hometown Veilstone City." He told Ash.
So the next destination to obtain gym badges was Veilstone City.
With the tag team tournament complete, the gang could leave Hearthome City to continue their journey. Dawn was happy now after her loss during the Pokemon contest and vowed to work hard for the next one. Ash was not only he won the tournament and bells; he captured Paul's Chimchar and could give him a happier life.