DP179: Difference between revisions

Volkner tells Ash that he never thought he'd be the first to send out his final Pokémon and sends out the first Pokémon he used against Ash before their previous match was canceled, {{p|Luxray}}. Ash recalls Infernape and sends Pikachu back out, hoping that he's recovered from the battle against Electivire. Ash starts with Quick Attack, but Luxray uses {{m|Shock Wave}}, which hits and sends Pikachu flying. Brock notes that although Shock Wave is not very effective against Electric-types, it still carries a lot of power. Ash orders an Iron Tail, which hits Luxray hard. Pikachu uses two more Iron Tails, and both make direct hits and Pikachu begins to corner Luxray. Volkner responds with a {{m|Thunder Fang}} attack from Luxray. Luxray grabs Pikachu's tail with the Thunder Fang and Pikachu takes the hit hard and slams against the ground. As Pikachu struggles to get up, Luxray uses Shock Wave, which sends Pikachu flying against the wall, knocking him out.

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 smashes the battlefield and forcibly removes Infernape from the earth, shooting into the air before plummeting into the ground. Volkner notes that it is time for him to stop having fun and tells Luxray to finish Infernape off with Thunder Fang. Ash frantically calls for Infernape to get up, but Infernape appears to have reached his limit as Luxray quickly approaches.

As Luxray speeds towards Infernape with Thunder Fang, 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 his flaming crown to erupt. Flint notes that Blaze has been activated, meaning that while Infernape is close to being defeated, his {{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 he was a {{p|Chimchar}} [[DP081|during a battle]] and then again when he was a {{p|Monferno}} [[DP163|just before it evolved]] and both times, he ignored all of Ash's commands. There now lies a good chance that it could happen again, causing Flint to become concerned and Dawn to become worried, as she has no clue how Ash would handle it now since Infernape is far more powerful now than when he 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 snap out of it and Infernape slowly turns around and starts to walk toward 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 {{pkmn|category|Flame Pokémon}} that he believes in him. 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 a 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 celebrate, overjoyed that Infernape controlled his Blaze Ability 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.