DP179: Difference between revisions

Having returned to the now-repaired [[Sunyshore Gym]], {{Ash}} is ready to finally battle [[Volkner]] for the {{badge|Beacon}}, the final [[badge|Gym Badge]] he needs to enter the [[Sinnoh League]]. {{an|Dawn}}, as thanks to Ash for cheering for her during the [[Grand Festival]], has donned her cheerleading uniform and, along with {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} and {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}, start to chant for Ash's victory while {{an|Brock}} sits with {{E4|Flint}}. The Elite Four member tells Brock that since it was announced that Volkner had started accepting challenges again, people have been queuing outside the Gym for the chance to battle; however as promised, Volkner would not battle any other {{pkmn|Trainer}}s before Ash.  The robotic referee states the rules; the battle will be three-on-three, and only Ash will be allowed to make substitutions. Ash gets ready to battle, determined to earn his final Sinnoh League badge.

Back at the gym Ash and Volkner note their regret that the match will soon be over but nevertheless they'll still battle with all of their might. Ash sends Infernape back out against Luxray. Infernape uses {{m|Flamethrower}} while Luxray uses Shock Wave and the two attacks collide. Infernape uses Mach Punch but Luxray uses {{m|Double Team}} and creates a series of clones. Infernape hits a few of the clones and Luxray comes out and bites Infernape with Thunder Fang which hurts it badly. Infernape responds with a Mach Punch but Luxray dodges Infernape and uses another Thunder Fang causing even more damage. Flint notes that Ash is in the same position as before, unable to attack from a distance therefore having to risk going up close and receiving damage. Luxray uses another Shock Wave as a finisher, but Infernape jumps to dodge. Luxray also jumps and uses Thunder Fang, managing to get another hit and sending Infernape into a fall. Luxray prepares for another Thunder Fang, but Ash tells Infernape to use {{m|Dig}}. Infernape escapes underground, however Volkner is prepared for this and tells Luxray to use Iron Tail which breaks the ground and Infernape is thrown into to the air before falling to the ground. Volkner notes that it's time for him to stop having fun and tells Luxray to finish Infernape off with Thunder Fang. Ash screams for Infernape to get up, however Infernape isn't moving and appears to have nearly reached its limit as Luxray quickly approaches.

As Luxray speeds towards Infernape with Thunder Fang powered, Team Rocket's damage to Sunyshore Tower causes the lights of the gym to suddenly go out stopping Luxray in its tracks. Volkner and Ash agree to continue the battle regardless and Volkner orders Luxray to prepare to use Thunder Fang, but just when it prepares to do so, Luxray is shocked at what is going on with Infernape. Infernape begins to start glowing and its eyes become completely red indicating that {{a|Blaze}} has been activated! Infernape screams in rage causing its flame crown to erupt. Flint notes that Blaze being activated means that while Infernape is close to being defeated, its {{type|Fire}} moves have been powered up to help it out. Brock and Dawn tell Flint that there's a possibility that Infernape could start rampaging, having done so before while it was a {{p|Chimchar}} [[DP081|during a battle]] and then again when it was a {{p|Monferno}} [[DP163|just before it evolved]] and both times it wouldn't listen to Ash's commands. There's a good chance that it could happen again, causing Flint to become concerned and Dawn to become worried, as she doesn't know how Ash would handle it now since Infernape is far more powerful now than it was when it was a Chimchar and a Monferno.

Infernape fires a massive Flamethrower without Ash's command, which glances past Luxray and causes damage to the wall. Infernape then starts to use Flamethrower on the ceiling, causing rubble to nearly fall on Brock, Flint, Dawn and her Pokémon. Ash tells Infernape to get control of itself, and Infernape slowly turns around and starts to walk towards Ash dangerously while growling. Pikachu prepares to fight Infernape off but Ash tells him to stand down. As everyone nervously watches, Infernape is soon right in front of Ash, who tells the Flame Pokémon that he believes in it. Infernape responds to this by smiling, indicating he is fully in control of Blaze at last. The battle resumes and Ash tells Infernape to use Flamethrower. Thanks to the power-up from Blaze, Flamethrower is far more powerful and sends Luxray back, and Volkner commands Luxray to use Thunder Fang. Infernape withstands the attack and uses Mach Punch which scores a hard hit on Luxray who is told to use Iron Tail. Infernape however uses another Mach Punch which hits Luxray before Iron Tail could land a hit, causing even more damage. Ash tells Infernape to use {{m|Flame Wheel}}, and Infernape powers up and slams Luxray hard into the wall, finally knocking it out. The robotic referee declares Luxray unable to battle and Ash is awarded his hard-earned victory. Ash and Infernape jump into each other's arms and as Ash tells Infernape how amazing it is. The two celebrate, overjoyed that it controlled its Blaze and helped Ash finally defeat Volkner. Later Volkner congratulates Ash and his Pokémon and presents him with the {{badge|Beacon}}. Ash thanks Volkner and takes the badge, finally completing his requirement for the Sinnoh League.

* {{Ash}} arrives back at [[Sunyshore Gym]] for his Gym Battle against [[Volkner]].

* Ash defeats Volkner and earns the {{badge|Beacon}}, allowing him to participate in the [[Sinnoh League]].

* This episode marks the first time Ash has won a Gym Badge since ''[[DP127|Sliding Into Seventh!]]'', 52 episodes, and just over one year, previous. This is the longest gap between badges of the same region.