EP178: Difference between revisions

On the route to [[Ecruteak City]], {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} notice an array of Grass type Pokémon around them. Brock points out groups of Sunflora, Oddish, and Bellsprout, and Misty notices a Gloom. Suddenly, a {{p|Skiploom}} runs by the three trainers. Ash, Misty, and Brock follow the Pokémon and soon encounter its Trainer, a young boy named [[Ephraim]]. Ephraim introduces his Skiploom as "Skippy", and asks Ash if he is a trainer, and Ash shows Ephraim his three badges as proof. Ephraim immediately challenges Ash to a battle, eager to train Skippy. Ash accepts, calling upon his {{AP|Chikorita}}. Ephraim calls for Skippy to use its {{m|Double Team}} attack, and Chikorita is dazed by Skippy's speed. Ash commands for Chikorita's {{m|Razor Leaf}}, which successfully hits Skippy and causes it to faint. Ash celebrates his victory, but Misty scolds him, saying he should be ashamed of how badly he hurt Ephraim's Skiploom. Skippy proves to be fine, and Ephraim invites the trainers back to his house.  

At his house, Ephraim introduces the group to his parents. He then tells Ash that the reason he challenged him is that he and his Skiploom are training for the upcoming annual [[Grass Tournament]]. The Grass Tournament is a competition for {{type|Grass}} Pokémon only, with a large collection of [[Leaf Stone]]s as the prize. Confident he can win any “local” tournament, Ash decides he and his {{AP|Bulbasaur}} will enter as well. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} finds a flyer advertising the Grass Tournament and decides that they will enter too, in hopes of winning the prize Leaf Stones. James will use his {{Tp|James|Victreebel}}, but Jessie, having no Grass type Pokémon, resorts to having Meowth disguise himself as a Sunflora. That evening, Ephraim is seen training with Skippy and practicing their Double Team and speed moves. Misty asks Ash if he is planning to train, but Ash arrogantly replies that a small local tournament is far too easy for him, and he does not need to train.  

The following day, the tournament begins. Ash is the first to battle, facing a trainer with a Gloom. Ash and Bulbasaur manage to defeat their opponent with a single attack, advancing Ash to the next round. Ephraim's first round battle is against James, posing as "Mr. Semaj" and his Victreebel. Though intimidated at first, Ephraim and Skippy manage to easily take down Victreebel with {{m|Leech Seed}} and {{m|Double Team}}. The moment he wins the match, Ephraim's parents rejoice over their son's accomplishment, much to Ephraim's embarrassment.  

Ash's second round battle is shown after, and he challenges Jessie and a disguised Meowth. By using Razor Leaf, Bulbasaur is able to shred Meowth's costume and reveal Jessie's dishonesty. At this, the Team Rocket trio removes their disguises and recites their motto. The three try to steal the Leaf Stones, but Ash blasts them off with Bulbasaur's {{m|Vine Whip}}. Afterward, a montage is shown of Ash and Ephraim winning their rounds in the tournament with relative ease.  

The final is Ephraim and Skippy against Ash and Bulbasaur. At first, Ash and Bulbasaur dominate the match, smashing through Skippy's Double Team attack. After an array of attacks, Ash tells Ephraim he doesn't want to harm the Skiploom any more than necessary. Ephraim asks Skippy if it is okay to keep fighting or if it would like to stop. Skiploom affirms that it wants to continue, and Ephraim agrees and tells Skippy to do "whatever it takes to win". At this, Skiploom unleashes a powerful {{m|Solar Beam}} attack, must to everyone's shock. This unexpected attack hits Bulbasaur straight on sending it flying. Bulbasaur is finished with a {{m|Tackle}} attack from Skippy, winning Ephraim the match and the tournament. Later, as Ephraim is handed the trophy, Ash remembers that pride and power aren't the only things a Trainer needs to win a battle. After this lesson in humility, Ash, Misty, and Brock continue their journey.