DP184: Difference between revisions

As the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]] continues, {{Ash}} wins his second-round match after {{AP|Snorlax}} uses {{m|Body Slam}} to defeat his opponent's {{p|Grumpig}}. With the second round of battles over, the battling pairs for the third round are shown: [[Conway]] will be battling Ash, and {{an|Barry}} is up against [[Paul]]. Outside the stadium, Ash and {{ashfr}} are looking up at the screen. Then, Conway appears out of nowhere again. As whispers something, {{an|Dawn}} walks back in fear and accidentally bumps into Barry. Barry scolds Dawn for making him fall, and Dawn tells him that he shouldn't be running. The two start to fight, but {{an|Brock}} stops them. Barry explains that he is looking for Paul, determined to let him know what he is up against. Dawn, who is well aware of Paul's coldness, advises Barry against it, but Barry ignores her and runs off. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} attempts to sell their food and toy combo deals to the crowds, however the passing trade doesn't stop. [[Jessie]] is quick to blame the quality of the Meowth figurine, though {{MTR}} denies that, and says that the Jessilina figurine is not nice. Both of them start to quarrel, though [[James]] suggests they try to learn why they aren't connecting to the customers. Together the trio point to the sky, determined to make their stall a resounding success.

By evening, Barry finally finds Paul, who is busy looking up Barry’s data for their upcoming match. Barry is thrilled by this development and interprets it as Paul feeling threatened by his strength. Barry warns him, however, that the computer data is all outdated as he is always improving. Paul quickly shuts down the computer and orders Barry to reassess his overconfidence, as it is only a third-round battle, before leaving. After Paul leaves, Barry checks out Paul's data, but admits it might be outdated. Ash also researches Conway, with the analysis revealing his impulsive nature and multi-skilled battle strategy. As Dawn mentions this makes him rather unpredictable, Conway startles everyone when he makes an appearance. Conway reveals that he has been looking up {{si|Tobias}}, a Trainer who has won the previous rounds and all eight of his [[Gym]] [[Badge]]s with only his {{p|Darkrai}}. Conway goes away as Barry and Ash rush outside to burn off their excitement.

The next day, Paul and Barry's battle begins on a rock field. Barry chooses {{p|Skarmory}} as his first Pokémon and Paul chooses {{TP|Paul|Magmortar}}. Barry starts the battle with {{m|Spikes}}, a strategy which will come into play anytime Paul switches Pokémon. Paul scores a one-hit KO with Magmortar's {{m|Flamethrower}}, taking Skarmory out immediately. Skarmory is declared out of battle. Barry thanks his Skarmory and returns it to its {{i|Poké Ball}}, before sending out his {{TP|Barry|Empoleon}}. Empoleon uses {{m|Hydro Cannon}} on Magmortar, injuring it. Despite knowing that his Pokémon will be injured under the effects of Spikes, Paul calls back Magmortar and sends out {{TP|Paul|Ursaring}}, who immediately suffers damage from Spikes.

Barry opts for the [[type]] advantage, and switches Empoleon for his {{type|Fighting}} {{p|Hitmonlee}}. Paul tells Ursaring to use {{m|Bulk Up}} to increase its offense and defense. Hitmonlee uses {{m|Mega Kick}}, which lands a solid hit. Ursaring fires back with {{m|Hammer Arm}}, but Hitmonlee dodges it by jumping on a rock. Ursaring uses {{m|Slash}} and Barry tells Hitmonlee to dodge them all. Then, Hitmonlee lands several blows with {{m|Close Combat}}. Ursaring replies with Hammer Arm again, sending Hitmonlee flying backwards. As Hitmonlee is about to crash into a rock, Barry offers his encouragement, and Hitmonlee bounces back with a {{m|High Jump Kick}}, scoring another successful hit. Paul calls for a {{m|Focus Blast}}. Although Hitmonlee attempts to dodge it by jumping behind a rock, the impact of the attack on the rock flings Hitmonlee back. Ursaring uses Hammer Arm again, Hitmonlee counters it by using {{m|Blaze Kick}}, {{status|burn}}ing Ursaring. This, however, triggers Ursaring's {{a|Guts}} [[Ability]], and it uses Hammer Arm to counter Hitmonlee's second Blaze Kick. The strong impact causes an explosion, which, after the smoke fades, Hitmonlee collapses in defeat.

Barry is down to his last Pokémon and calls out Empoleon again. Paul tells Ursaring to use Slash while Barry calls for Empoleon to use {{m|Drill Peck}}. Both attacks are evenly matched and both sides take damage. Ursaring uses Focus Blast, but Barry is prepared for this and has Empoleon use {{m|Steel Wing}} to reflect the attack, much to Paul's shock, resulting in Ursaring taking super-effective damage. Now having the upper-hand, Barry feels much more confident, but to his surprise Paul calls Ursaring back and sends out his newly evolved {{TP|Paul|Electivire}}, who immediately suffers the effect of Spikes. As Ash looks up Electivire in his [[Pokédex]], Brock remains impressed with Paul's levelheadedness and strive for a sure victory, while Dawn casts doubt on Barry's ability to overcome Electivire with Empoleon. Empoleon starts off strong with a {{m|Hyper Beam}} and Electivire counters it with {{m|Thunder}}. The attacks collide and causes a massive explosion. As the smoke clears, Empoleon is breathing heavily, needing to recharge after using Hyper Beam. Electivire uses {{m|Thunder Punch}} and Barry tells Empoleon to dodge it, which it barely manages to do so. Paul orders Electivire to continue using Thunder Punch, but Empoleon dodges them all. When Empoleon gets cornered, Electivire uses {{m|Giga Impact}}, striking Empoleon at point-blank range. Empoleon manages to stand up. Electivire uses Thunder Punch. Empoleon fails to dodge it and takes a direct hit, and is sent flying back, smashing through numerous rocks in the process. Empoleon tries to get up, but it is clear it is nearly at the end of its rope. Barry worries for his partner but calms himself and yells for Empoleon to continue doing its best. Empoleon hears the passionate cry and is suddenly surrounded with a blue aura, much to the shock of Barry and Paul. Ash instantly recognizes the aura as Empoleon's {{a|Torrent}} Ability having been activated, increasing the strength of its Water-type attacks since its stamina is low. With Torrent's boost, Empoleon fires a massive Hydro Cannon, which proves strong enough to tear through the rocky terrain of the field with ease. Ash, Brock and Dawn are all pleased with this breakthrough, though Paul has Electivire use {{m|Protect}} to shield itself from the attack. Barry is incensed that Paul would use Protect, and since Empoleon has to recharge from the attack, this allows Electivire to attack with Thunder. As Electivire finishes its attack, Empoleon faints while still standing, and Paul is declared the victor with a decisive 3-0 win over Barry.

After spotting a passing {{p|Murkrow}}, James comes up with an idea to bring customers in – customized merchandise. He later returns to the store, bringing a big sack of things. Jessie and Meowth remove the ropes quickly. They begin to promote their merchandise, which consists of various memorabilia of Paul's and Barry's Pokémon. A crowd appears, wanting to buy their wares. Meanwhile, as Paul is about to leave, Barry calls out to him. Though Barry is sad he lost, he has no regrets and wishes to battle Paul again in the future. Paul states that their battle was great and agrees to Barry's request. Barry is thrilled, admitting he has never been so fired up. He tells Ash that he will cheer for him as he takes on Conway. Conway makes another creepy appearance, warning Ash that his secret strategy will defeat Ash. Ash stares him down, determined that he will be victorious in the third round.