JN125: Difference between revisions

The second [[Masters Tournament]] semifinal {{pkmn|battle}} of the [[World Coronation Series]] between [[Ash]] and {{an|Cynthia}} continues, with the former having just {{AP|Lucario}} left to face Cynthia's Togekiss and {{TP|Cynthia|Garchomp}}. Faced with the surprise turn of Cynthia [[Dynamax|Dynamaxing]] Togekiss rather than [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolving]] Garchomp, Ash uses his [[Key Stone]] to Mega Evolve Lucario. Lucario attacks with {{m|Aura Sphere}} while Togekiss counters with {{m|Max Airstream}}. Lucario leaps into the cyclone to continue its attack, but the fierce winds blast it out, while Togekiss smothers the Aura Sphere with its body. Furthermore, Max Airstream's effect increases Togekiss's {{stat|Speed}}. Refusing to give in, Ash calls for {{m|Bullet Punch}} while Cynthia counters with Max Airstream once more. This time, however, Lucario leaps ''over'' the cyclone and begins pummeling Togekiss, dealing super effective [[damage]]. The onslaught causes Togekiss to crash into the ground, but to everyone's shock it manages to get back up, its speed increasing once again. Cynthia orders a third Max Airstream, which meets Aura Sphere as it charges up. Though Lucario resists the attack, it is clearly taking lots of damage. However, Ash and Lucario draw their aura together to fight back, while all the way in [[Kalos]], {{AP|Greninja}} feels the surge of power occur as "G-Max Aura Sphere" pushes forward and finally breaks through to score a direct hit on the {{pkmn|category|Jubilee Pokémon}}, much to Cynthia's shock and awe. Togekiss reverts to its normal size and collapses to the ground, but it amazingly gets up once more, its speed bolstered a third time. Cynthia expresses her excitement over the battle and continues, Togekiss flying around at high speeds and avoiding Lucario's Bullet Punch attempts. When Cynthia calls for {{m|Sky Attack}}, Ash counters with {{m|Double Team}} to avoid the attack, but Togekiss destroys the copies before it can be struck by Aura Sphere. However, it fails to overpower Bullet Punch and is repelled, finally being declared unable to battle. Cynthia [[recall|recalls]] and thanks Togekiss, while Ash praises Lucario.  

With only one Pokémon left for both participants, Cynthia calls upon Garchomp one final time, marking the start of the battle's climax. Backstage, [[Diantha]] and {{an|Leon}} compare the damage both Pokémon have received in their respective battles, believing the battle is a toss-up. Seeing Ash and Lucario's powerful connection, Cynthia and Garchomp think back to their past travels together over their many years: from playing together as children, to [[fishing]] up a {{p|Feebas}}, Garchomp's evolutionary road from {{p|Gible}}, viewing the mural at [[Amity Square]], and their countless battles as partners on their shared road to the present. Cynthia declares they will advance to battle Leon and shouts for {{m|Scale Shot}}. Lucario counters with Bullet Punch and then launches an Aura Sphere, resulting in a large explosion that damages both Pokémon. Cynthia's excitement peaks as she declares how she has longed for a battle this intense. Lucario and Garchomp begin trading blows with Bullet Punch and {{m|Dragon Claw}}, turning the battle into an all-out slugfest. Both Pokémon are repelled and clearly running on empty. When Lucario drops to one knee, Cynthia takes her chance and orders Dragon Claw once more, but Lucario musters the last of his strength to counter with {{m|Reversal}}. Both attacks score devastating blows and both Pokémon simultaneously hit the dirt, seemingly unable to continue. After several agonizing moments of silence, Lucario slowly rises to its feet, while Garchomp remains motionless on the ground. Dan declares Garchomp unable to battle and Ash the winner of the match, allowing Ash to advance to the finals.

Ash stands stupefied as cheers shower down on him. It is not until he sees {{AP|Pikachu}} jumping for joy does he realize his victory, and he subsequently rushes forth and hugs Lucario. In the stands, [[Goh]] and [[Hop]] cheer for Ash's victory, as do {{TRT}}, who are overcome with emotion that their "twerp" has toppled Sinnoh's Champion. In [[Pallet Town]], {{cat|Ash's Pokémon|Ash's Pokémon}} at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|Oak's lab]] rejoice, while {{an|Professor Oak}} fights off tears. Meanwhile, Leon is fired up and can't hold down his excitement over facing Ash in the finals. Cynthia thanks Garchomp for her efforts. The {{pkmn|category|Mach Pokémon}} accepts Lucario's paw and rises to her feet, while Cynthia congratulates Ash on his triumph. She praises his unparalleled connection with all of his Pokémon, admitting that she still has much to learn, and adds that she hopes to battle him again in the future. Meanwhile, the announcer reveals that the matchup of Ash versus Leon in the finals will be another six-on-six [[Full Battle]] to decide the title of Monarch.  

* Cynthia changes her mind about retiring from battles.

* {{p|Gible}} ({{OP|Cynthia|Garchomp|Gible}}; flashback)

* {{p|Gabite}} ({{OP|Cynthia|Garchomp|Gabite}}; flashback)

* [[Rotom Phone|Goh's Rotom Phone]] narrates the preview for the [[JN126|next episode]].