EP076: Difference between revisions

{{Ash}} is in his second preliminary {{pkmn|battle}}, on the Rock field. Both he and his opponent are down to their last {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Ash sends out {{AP|Squirtle}}, while the opponent sends out {{p|Nidorino}}. Both put up a fierce fight, with Nidorina charging forward with a {{m|Tackle}} attack which sends Squirtle into a spin. Squirtle continues rolling while its opponent chases after it. The {{t|Water}} Pokémon makes its way up a curved rock and launches a powerful {{m|Water Gun}} which propels Nidorino into a rock. Squirtle follows up with a {{m|Skull Bash}} and knocks out its opponent, allowing Ash to advance to the third round.

It is revealed that {{Gary}} was watching Ash's battle with [[Gary's cheerleaders|his cheerleaders]]. He scoffs at Ash's confidence for winning what he calls two easy matches. Gary walks off while his entourage cheers his name, seemingly jealous and a bit spiteful toward Ash.

{{an|Misty}} arrives at the group's accommodation, only to notice Ash's absence while {{an|Brock}} takes care of Ash's Pokémon. She criticises his selfishness, and the two soon reunite with Ash and {{AP|Pikachu}} who are in midst of searching for a place to eat. Ash soon locates an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant, where he and Misty indulge. During the meal Pikachu saves {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}'s life from falling cutlery, though Misty only sees Pikachu performing a seemingly dangerous stunt, warns her Pokémon not to follow suit and goes on to criticise Ash's training method.

Ash and {{ashfr}} search for a [[Pokémon Center]] so Ash can heal his Pokémon before the third round. The Centers are crowded and many [[Nurse Joy]]s and [[Officer Jenny|Jennies]] are running everywhere in the streets to cater to all the {{pkmn|Trainer}}s needs. Brock's love meter skyrockets at this rate. {{TRT}} relishes this opportunity to swipe {{cat|Ash's Pokémon}} and they do so by opening a fake Pokémon Center. They beckon Ash and his friends over as they wait in line and [[James]], disguised in a nurses outfit with facemask, lures them into the auspicious building. Ash submits his Pokémon for healing as Brock's suspicions grow as he isn't attracted to the Center's Nurse Joy, which is soon revealed to be [[Jessie]]. While Ash and friends are talking they mention a few key words which trigger Team Rocket to recite their {{motto}} and reveal themselves. {{MTR}} clicks a button and the Pokémon Center façade falls apart as Team Rocket begin their balloon escape with Ash's Pokémon. [[Brock's Onix]] stops them and gives Ash his Pokémon back. After biting a hole into their balloon, Onix sends Team Rocket blasting off again. After fending off Team Rocket, the group then hears that new Pokémon will be admitted into the Pokémon Center. Ash takes this opportunity to heal his Pokémon.

Now Ash is now in the middle of the third round match with [[Pete Pebbleman]] on the Ice Field. Both Trainers are each down one Pokémon. Ash uses {{AP|Kingler}} for the battle, while Pete uses {{p|Cloyster}} for the battle. Pete orders Cloyster to {{m|Withdraw}} into its spiked shell, helping it to defend itself from Kingler's barrage of {{m|Crabhammer}}s. While Ash fears that Kingler will be exhausted, Misty and Brock encourage him to keep going, because Cloyster is still losing health despite the defense boost. Kingler keeps hitting Cloyster with its Crabhammer until Cloyster's shell finally cracks, [[fainting|knocking it out]]. Pete recalls Cloyster and sends out {{p|Arcanine}}. Kingler tries a {{m|Bubble}} attack, but Pete's Arcanine dodges it and uses {{m|Dragon Rage}}. Kingler is caught in the icy twister, but with Ash's plea it manages to stand up. Ash still recalls Kingler and sends {{AP|Pikachu}} onto the battlefield. Hoping to confuse his opponent, Ash has Pikachu use {{m|Agility}} and it narrowly evades Arcanine's {{m|Fire Blast}} attacks. Pete soon reveals his strategy, the Fire Blast attacks are to melt the field. The technique takes Ash by surprise, but with Brock's suggestion, Ash has Pikachu dive into the water. Misty reminds him that water conducts electricity, so Ash tells Pikachu to use {{m|Thunderbolt}}. Pete's Arcanine is defeated, and Ash is heading for the fourth round.