XY006: Difference between revisions

{{Ash}} continues training with [[Alexa]] so he can battle [[Viola]] again at the [[Santalune Gym]]. After saving his Pokémon from {{TP|Alexa|Noivern}}'s {{m|Gust}}, Ash ponders his strategy for defeating Viola and all of her tactics. As he does so, {{an|Serena}} offers Ash a handkerchief and asks if he remembers her. She explains that the two of them met at [[Professor Oak]]'s Pokémon Summer Camp, and Ash remembers going there but not specifically meeting her, much to Serena's disappointment. Serena reminds Ash how he once told her to never give up until it's over, and that he hasn't changed at all since they met. Thanking Serena for her help, Ash resumes training. {{AP|Pikachu}} and {{AP|Fletchling}} make steady progress on dealing with Gust and their training continues into the evening.

At the Pokémon Center, while everyone is eating dinner, Ash tells the group that he has come up with an idea to counter {{p|Surskit}}'s {{m|Ice Beam|ice battlefield}}, but refuses to tell anyone until they can see for themselves the next day, to {{an|Bonnie}}'s general annoyance. {{an|Clemont}} volunteers to provide his assistance for dealing with {{m|Sticky Web}}, leading the group outside and introducing his newest invention, the "Sticky Web Sticky Wicked Whacker Wonk" - a cannon that fires a synthetic material resembling Sticky Web. However, when Clemont sets the machine to its maximum level, it tilts upwards and clogs itself with its own artificial web, causing the machine to explode. Instead, Ash sends out {{AP|Froakie}} so that its frubbles can function as their Sticky Web training.

The next morning, Ash returns to the Santalune Gym and begins his rematch with Viola. Off to the side, Alexa mentions to Serena her surprise that she was the one to give Ash his much-needed encouragement and inspiration. Both Viola and Ash are excited for the match, and so they begin by sending out Surskit and Pikachu, respectively. Uncharacteristically for Ash, he is waiting for Viola to make the first move. Surskit fires its Sticky Web attack, which Pikachu has no trouble dodging thanks to his special training. Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}} is blocked by Surskit's {{m|Protect}} before the former lands a hit with {{m|Iron Tail}}. As Surskit attempts to counter with its ice battlefield strategy, Pikachu jumps onto it and starts to use Thunderbolt, but is thrown off too quickly and fails to stop Surskit from creating its special battlefield. Surskit then starts skating around Pikachu, [[XY005|just like before.]] As Viola orders a {{m|Signal Beam}} attack, Pikachu lodges his tail into the ice to stay balanced, which was Ash's secret plan for the ice battlefield. With his balance restored, Pikachu aims a perfect Thunderbolt at Surskit, overpowering its Signal Beam and knocking it out.

As Viola recalls Surskit, Ash does the same with Pikachu, wanting to give Fletchling a second chance at defeating {{p|Vivillon}}. Bonnie notes that Sticky Web will not be an issue this time, which Serena credits to Pikachu. Clemont adds that since Ash's Gust countermeasure is ready, this battle is nothing like the last one. Fletchling leads off with {{m|Steel Wing}}, but Vivillon uses {{m|Psychic}} to catch Fletchling mid-attack and throw it to the ground. With a second Steel Wing, Fletchling lands a hit on Vivillon and, although Fletchling also scores a {{m|Razor Wind}} attack, a combination of Vivillon's {{m|Sleep Powder}} and {{m|Solar Beam}} knocks Fletchling out, leaving just Pikachu. Although Bonnie is worried that Viola is making a comeback, Serena reassures her with her unwavering confidence in Ash's abilities.

With the match now a one-on-one match between Pikachu and Vivillon, Ash and Viola continue to battle. Vivillon uses Gust, and although Pikachu struggles at first, Ash has him dig into the ground using Iron Tail. With its Gust having failed, Vivillon uses Solar Beam, which is countered and canceled out by Pikachu's Thunderbolt. However, Vivillon manages to hit Pikachu with Sleep Powder and, just as with Fletchling previously, charges another Solar Beam attack. As Ash begins to lose hope in his chances of winning, Serena calls words of encouragement to him. Her support makes him regain focus on the battle and Pikachu uses {{m|Electro Ball}} on himself, destroying the effects of Sleep Powder. Pikachu counters the Solar Beam just in time with an Electro Ball that breaks through Vivillon's attack and knocks Viola's Pokémon against the lamps frozen by Surskit. With Vivillon's wing partially frozen, it is unable to dodge Pikachu's Thunderbolt, securing Ash the victory.

Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena all congratulate Ash on his win, to which he responds that he won due to the effort put in by all of them. Viola presents Ash with the {{badge|Bug}} as proof of his victory over her. Ash proudly accepts it and sets his sights on [[Cyllage City]] for his next Gym battle. The episode then concludes with Ash inquiring as to where Serena is headed next.