AG143: Difference between revisions

{{an|May}} sends out {{cat|May's Pokémon|her three Pokémon}} and begins her speech about the [[Kanto]] [[Pokémon Contest]] circuit. Though {{TP|May|Munchlax}} and {{TP|May|Squirtle}} seem to not be interested, to which {{an|Brock}} admits that it will be their first Contest experience. The group notices that there are already people entering the [[Saffron City]] [[Contest Hall]], which a guy with his {{p|Mankey}} tells them that it is open so that people can check out the stage. Inside the Contest Hall, preparations are being made just as May steps in. The group notices the [[Contest announcer|announcer]] in the middle of the stage and are unsure whether she is [[Vivian Meridian]] or not. As part of a rehearsal, the announcer steps into the stadium centre and calls out her {{p|Espeon}}, whose magnificent coat shimmers under the stadium lights. She tells Espeon to use {{m|Swift}}, followed by a {{m|Psychic}} which causes the stars to form several rings. Espeon leaps and somersaults several times through the rings and gracefully lands on the stage. May's Squirtle becomes excited and rushes down to the center of the ring, whereupon it performs {{m|Bubble}}s. The announcer picks Squirtle up, admitting it was a cute act, and hands it back to May, who apologizes. While in May's arms, Squirtle begins to cry. The announcer thinks that Squirtle wants to be on stage, which is confirmed by its sudden joy. May greets her familiarly as Vivian, but the announcer says that they have not met before. The woman clarifies that her name is [[Lilian Meridian|Lilian]], Vivian's younger sister and the master of ceremonies for [[Kanto]] Pokémon Contests.

The group heads outside so that May can train her Pokémon. Ash offers to battle her, but just after she sends out Squirtle, mechanical arms snatch it and {{AP|Pikachu}} away and drop them into a cage suspended by {{TRT}}'s {{DL|Team Rocket's mechas|Meowth Hot Air Balloon}}. James and Meowth perform the {{motto}} themselves, with the group noticing Jessie's absence. Seeing Squirtle inside the cage alongside Pikachu, Ash cannot order any {{t|Electric}} attacks. Team Rocket acquire more Pokémon at a high rate. James and Meowth begin to float away, but Harley runs outside and has his {{p|Ariados}} use {{m|Spider Web}} to prevent their escape. Harley urges May to follow up, and she calls out Combusken to use {{m|Sky Uppercut}} on the bottom of the cage, breaking it and releasing the Pokémon into their Trainers' arms. James is still determined to make their getaway, so Meowth readies his claws to cut the web with {{m|Fury Swipes}}. Squirtle suddenly fires an {{m|Ice Beam}} at the balloon, exploding it and sending a {{status|frozen}} James and Meowth blasting off. Everyone is surprised at Squirtle's spontaneous new [[move]]. The group acknowledges May and Squirtle for saving the Pokémon, but she extends the honor to Harley. She and Harley shake hands and wish each other luck in the Contest. That night, James and Meowth, still bruised, report to Jessie that they attempted to capture the other Contest Pokémon so she could win. Jessie is touched by the gesture, though admits that she and Cacnea will win tomorrow. James and Meowth are glad to see Jessie is confident despite her signature locks being severely cut, much to Jessie’s embarrassment.