DP067: Difference between revisions

After the events of [[DP066|the previous episode]], {{an|Dawn}} announces her plan to have a [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}} with [[Maylene]], but Maylene asks to postpone until the next day for preparation. While {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} {{pkmn|training|trains}} with {{AP|Buizel}}, [[Reggie]] calls to {{Ash}} to train as well. {{an|Brock}} asks about Dawn’s strategy for the battle. Dawn decides to use Piplup since it knows {{m|Peck}}, {{TP|Dawn|Ambipom}} for her prior battle [[experience]] and {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}'s {{m|Bounce}}. Reggie's {{p|Staraptor}} demonstrates {{m|Brave Bird}}, smashing a rock top to pieces. Staraptor takes some damage, something Reggie points out. While {{TP|Paul|Electabuzz}} munches on a [[Berry]], {{AP|Staravia}} makes its first Brave Bird attempt, but it comes apart mid-flight and Staravia crashes to the ground. Ash tends to Staravia as Reggie notes that a moving target would be much better for Staravia’s concentration. Ash volunteers to be the target despite the danger. Staravia makes another attempt as Ash runs, eventually dodging the attack and giving Staravia its first successful attempt.  

Ash continues to train with Staravia, inspiring Dawn to train more as well as shocking Electabuzz. Reggie mentions to {{an|Brock}} that Ash is the opposite of [[Paul]] in terms of training, being more involved. He also asks about Dawn’s intention to battle Maylene as her {{pkmn|Coordinator}} career makes it difficult for Reggie to believe. Brock notes that it is to help Maylene's confidence as well as her own. In the {{gy|Veilstone|Gym}}, Maylene tries to Meditate, but her stomach rumbles, angering {{TP|Maylene|Lucario}}, but she mentions that she is training seriously and asks [[Connally]] to be the referee. {{TRT}} wants to steal Lucario, but [[Jessie]] notes Lucario's power, preferring to take one of Maylene's other {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} instead. During the night, Ash and Dawn check on their training progress, which is going well for both. Dawn is nervous about the Gym battle, which Ash sympathizes, something he felt many times before. Brock mentions his experience at {{gy|Pewter}} and how he learned from his challengers, which could allow Maylene to learn as well.  

Dawn summons Buneary first. Buneary jumps rapidly as the duel begins. Buneary goes first with Bounce, jumping and coming down, but Meditite uses {{m|Detect}}, dodging the attack. Meditite uses {{m|Drain Punch}}, everyone noticing Maylene mimicking her Pokémon’s movements and demonstrating synchronization. Despite a spin-dodge, Buneary takes a severe hit. Buneary struggles to get up as they notice Dawn's lack of battling experience. Buneary fires {{m|Ice Beam}}, {{status|freeze|freezing}} Meditite solid. Buneary charges, but Meditite uses {{m|Confusion}} to break from the ice and send ice shards at Buneary, which the Pokémon dodges. Another Confusion sends Buneary into the air and tosses the Pokémon down to the ground, but Buneary uses its flexible ears to soften the impact and go right into a Bounce attack. Meditite counters with Drain Punch, both attacks connecting and causing an explosion. Both Pokémon are shaken, but Buneary took too much damage, its legs buckling before falling down, [[fainting|knocked out]].

Lucario notices Maylene's improved attitude as Dawn summons Ambipom. Ambipom fires {{m|Swift}}, coming around in a circle and hitting Meditite from all angles, similar to a {{pkmn|Contest}}-style move. Meditite uses Drain Punch as Ambipom blocks with one of her tails before using {{m|Double Hit}} to knock out Meditite. Maylene smiles as she notices Dawn's approach is similar to a [[Contest Battle]]. She summons Lucario to the field, the Pokémon ready to battle. Everyone notices Lucario’s improved attitude towards Maylene as her confidence grows. She tells Lucario to not let Dawn's Contest-style tactics confuse it. Ambipom uses Double Hit as Lucario uses {{m|Bone Rush}} to block both strikes and toss Ambipom against the edge of the battlefield, knocking her out.

They notice Lucario’s stylish movements as Dawn summons Piplup as her final. Piplup fires {{m|BubbleBeam}} as Lucario dodges and fires {{m|Aura Sphere}}. The attack hits Piplup directly and tosses the Pokémon around, but it recovers. Piplup uses {{m|Whirlpool}} to trap Lucario in it before coming down the side with Peck. Everyone notes Dawn's Contest approach covering up the poor [[type]] [[Damage modification|match-up]]. Lucario uses {{m|Metal Claw}} to break the Whirlpool. Reggie notes Dawn's Contest approach awakening Maylene’s battle spirit. Piplup fires BubbleBeam as Lucario charges forward and grabs Piplup with one palm before using {{m|Force Palm}} to toss Piplup back, {{status|paralysis|paralyzed}}.

Watching from a camera, Team Rocket decides to go back to the original plan and try to steal Lucario. Piplup breaks the paralysis effect as Maylene and Lucario are both energized. Lucario fires Aura Sphere again as Piplup breaks it with Peck and lands a hit, tossing Lucario back but not critically wounding the Pokémon. Lucario fires Aura Sphere again as Piplup blocks with BubbleBeam, negating the attack and creating a smoke screen. Piplup charges into the smoke with Peck, but Lucario is not where Piplup expected. Lucario comes down from above with Force Palm, creating a massive explosion. When the dust clears, Lucario removes its palm from Piplup’s head, leaving the Pokémon knocked out and giving the match to Maylene. Everyone commends Dawn’s first battle and how Maylene has a much stronger spirit now. Ash compliments Dawn and is excited for his match against Maylene. Maylene thanks Dawn for helping her recover as Maylene prepares for her battle against Ash.

* [[Connally]]  

* ''[[Challenger!!]]'' can be heard when {{Ash}} is teaching {{AP|Staravia}} {{m|Brave Bird}}.

* [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]]: {{AP|Ash's Chimchar|Monferno}}  

{{Epilang|color=FFCCCC|bordercolor=9999FF

{{EpicodePrevNext|

prevcode=DP066 |

prevtitle=Lost Leader Strategy! |

nextcode=DP068 |

nexttitle=A Triple Fighting Chance! |

series=Diamond & Pearl series |

colorscheme=Sinnoh}}