Sinnoh Part 32
The day before the Daybreak Contest will take place, the gang arrives in town. Dawn and her Pokémon are enthusiastic to win their fifth Ribbon, so they all head towards the Contest Hall to practice.
"So Dawn, what combination do you want to use?" Emily asks the girl excitedly.
"I am trying the Flame Ice combo with Mamoswine and Cyndaquil." Dawn replies.
"But you can't only depend on it. You have to do the other appeals." Tox says.
"I know." Dawn replies.
As they finally reach the Contest Hall where other Coordinators are practicing, Dawn is confident that they will win the Contest.
Her mood suddenly plummets, however, when she spots a Coordinator's Plusle and Minun.
"Oh no, it's a Plusle and Minun…" Dawn says as she slumps into the ground, Lucas is also looking at her with worry.
Just as Ash is asking Dawn what's wrong, the Coordinator with the two Cheering Pokémon turns around to see what the commotion is. As everyone recognizes who it is, Dawn calms down a bit and looks up and the person is no other than Ursula.
"It's been a while, so you are here for the contest, Ash?" Ursula asks.
"I already have five, Dawn has four, so she will be participating." Ash says.
"I see, I already have 4 too. And this time I won't lose to you, Dawn." She says to Dawn. "And this time I have Plusle and Minun by my side."
As the two Electric-types jump out with their electric pom-poms, Dawn once again goes pale and falls to the ground.
"Get them away from me!" Dawn yells.
"Hey, you are so rude for hurting my Pokemon's feelings." Ursula says. Then Dawn lowers her arms, apologizing.
"No matter, I am going to let you see Plusle and Minun's appeal, so you have better take a good look and get a good sense of the pressure I'm under." Ursula says.
On cue, Plusle and Minun produce their pom-poms made of sparks and jump towards Dawn, who shudders as they dance on either side of her, producing static electricity between them... and with a sudden explosion, Dawn's hair is standing on end, glittering with sparks.
"Dawn, your hair is sparkling." Ash says.
"Yeah, it looks like Diamond." Lillie says.
In shock, Dawn mutters under her breath about the gliteriness "D-Diamond?!"* before blacking out and falls backwards, to the surprise of all present.
Back at the Pokémon Center, the gang is watching over Dawn, who still hasn't woken up. Piplup shakes her arm worriedly before Dawn's eyes finally open and she jolts into a sitting position, checking to make sure her hair is back to normal. Relieved to find that it is, she gives a sigh.
"Are you okay, Dawn?" Verity asks in worry.
Ash offers her a mug of warm milk, which she accepts after putting her hat back on.
After taking a sip, she smiles and says, "Thank you, Ash."
"No problem, a warm milk often helps one calm down." He says.
Piplup shows concern for her as well, and Dawn assures him that she's all right.
"So why are you so scared of Plusle and Minun?" Tox asks.
"Well..." Dawn is hesitant, but Lucas says, "Dawn, maybe you should tell them this time. I don't think it is good to hide it."
"Fine… they are the reason why Kenny and Leona calls me Dee-Dee." Dawn says.
Dawn goes on to tell them a story of something that happened when she was in kindergarten. She, Kenny, and Leona had been put in charge of taking care of the Plusle and Minun at their school - feeding them, changing their water, and cleaning their living area. One day, however, Dawn was chasing after the two Pokémon while Kenny and Leona were diligently attending to their duties. Her two childhood friends quickly got irritated by her fooling around, and tell her to do her job. Dawn, finally catching Plusle and Minun in her arms, insists that she is helping, by keeping hold of them so that they don't get in the way of changing their food and cleaning. The Cheering Pokémon in her arms yell out in protest and struggle to get free, but Dawn scolds them, telling them that it isn't time for playing.
Kenny realizes that the Pokémon don't like being handled in such a way, but Dawn insists that there's nothing to worry about - she's great friends with Plusle and Minun! She hugs them closer to prove her point, and the two Pokémon, finally reaching their limit, unleash an Electric attack to get her to let go. The attack works, and as Plusle and Minun scamper off, Dawn looks completely stunned, her hair sticking out on end and glittering with static electricity. Leona asks if Dawn is okay, to which Dawn weakly answers the affirmative. Kenny points out how Dawn's hair is sparkling like a diamond, Leona adds that it reminds her of dandruff. Building off both his and Leona's words, Kenny declares that he's going to call her Diamond Dandruff from that day on or Dee Dee for short.
Later on, during story time, Dawn's glittering hair is attracting quite a bit of attention from her classmates. In the middle of the story, Kenny suddenly stands up and cuts the story off by shouting out Dawn's new nickname; their classmates begin whispering and laughing at the nickname, causing Dawn to start crying in utter humiliation.
"And I still doesn't understand why the Plusle and Minun had attacked me." Dawn cries.
The Aether family and the sisters are trying not to laugh, but Ash and Lucas feel concerned while Dawn just glares at them.
"Dawn, I think it is because you have been chasing them, Pokemon won't attack with no reason." Ash says after thinking.
Though shocked that it was her fault, Dawn realizes that it must be true, and looks upset.
"Don't worry, you shouldn't let it bother you." Lillie says.
"Yeah, you can overcome it when you beat Ursula." Tox says.
A bit taken aback, Dawn says that that's a bit much, but agrees that it's a great chance, and assures them that there's no need to worry!
Dawn, Jessie and Ursula have win the performance round, Jessilina and Ursula are the first to face each other. Ursula and her Plusle and Minun make quick work of Jessilina and her Seviper and Yanmega. Soon, the other Coordinators and their Pokémon get eliminated, so it all boils down to the final round. Dawn, with her Cyndaquil and Mamoswine, face off against Ursula and her Plusle and Minun.
Dawn is worried that she can't conquer her fear, especially they use Encore. But Dawn still manages to win, she gets her fifth ribbon in the end. Ursula is frustrated that she loses to Dawn again, but she still shows sportsmanship and says that she won't lose again when they face each other at the Grand Festival.
They meet Barry again and this time he gets all 8 badges. He tries to scold Ash and Lillie that they need to be quick, but Ash says that they are heading to Sunyshore Gym.
"Sunyshore Gym? I already got the badge and that is the most easy one." Barry laughs.
"Really?" Ash asks, he seems unamused. "I don't think that Uncle Volkner is that easy to beat."
"Maybe he held back to him? That could happen." Tox says.
They go to the Pokemon Center and find Paul. Barry goes over to Paul, introduces himself, tells him he has also earned eight Badges, and challenges him to a battle. Paul is unimpressed with Barry, however, and declines the offer, which surprises Barry. After threatening to fine him, Barry tells Paul that he has a reputation as a really strong Trainer with really strong Pokémon and that he'd love to battle him.
"I am declining all challenges now. I am in a middle of serious training for the Sinnoh League. I will not risk his Pokémon's condition by having a pointless battle."
"My battle with you won't be pointless." Barry insists.
"Then you should battle Ash, or Lillie." Paul says.
"I won't battle someone who only has 7 badges." Barry says, and both Ash and Lillie feel offended.
"I think we should get to Sunyshore city to get the badge or else they are looking down on us." Lillie says to Ash.
"What, Sunyshore Gym?" Paul says.
"What's with it?" Ash asks.
"That gym is not a gym. It is the worst gym of all." He says as he leaves.
"One says that it is the best and one says that it is the worst? What's going on with Uncle Volkner?" Verity asks.
"Maybe Paul just didn't like to be underestimated." Lucas says.
Barry tries to shout at him, and then angrily tells him that he is getting a fine.
"Calm down, will you." Barry says.
"What actually happen to you two?" Barry asks Ash.
"We have a full battle." Ash replies.
"Hey, how do you get that lucky chance, no fair."
"But we tie, the battle taught me that, while I may be a good, there is still a lot I need to do if I want to be the best. And I will win against him next time." Ash says.
Barry is impressed by Ash's determination, and then decides to follow Paul's advice to challenge Ash to a battle, which Ash accepts.
It is decided the match will be composed of three one-on-one battles, with Tox refereeing. Dawn uses the Coin Toss application on her Pokétch to decide who goes first. Barry wins the toss, and he and Ash decide to bring out their Pokémon at the same time. Throwing the Poké Balls, Barry sends out Empoleon first while Ash starts with Monferno. Barry is happy, knowing that as Empoleon is Water-type it will have the advantage over the Fire-type Monferno. However Ash and Monferno are ready to show Barry a Pokémon battle is about a lot more than just type and with that, they begin the match.
But Monferno is blasted away after a Hydro Cannon. To make matters worse, Team Rocket tries to steal all the Pokemon and captures Ash and his friends in the Plastic Capsule.
Suddenly, Monferno's Blaze activates and he transforms itself into an extra-powerful Flame Wheel, and heads towards Team Rocket's mecha. It circles around, leaving Barry confused and the others worried about what this might indicate. The Flame Wheel then goes towards Ash and is able to smash open the capsule trapping him. Monferno then screams with fury as powerful flames emerge from its tail.
"What is going on?" Barry asks.
"It is Blaze, when Monferno's HP is lower, he will boost the fire attacks. But Monferno can't control it." Lillie says.
Team Rocket is unable to believe their luck and decides to get Monferno too as it would be a perfect addition to their team. As Monferno starts pounding its chest and screaming in pure fury, Ash runs to his Pokémon and tries holding it like he did before when it went into the same rage before.
However, Monferno is a lot stronger than it was before and furiously sends Ash flying back. Team Rocket takes the chance to grab it, and one of the arms manages to catch Monferno, but this isn't enough and Monferno's sheer power easily destroys the hand that is holding it. It then powers up a Flame Wheel and heads towards Team Rocket. Ash tries to block it and reminds the out-of-control Monferno that the other Pokémon are still trapped and could get hurt. However, Monferno is unable to listen and hits Ash before continuing on and hitting the basket, causing an explosion. Monferno then comes around and uses Mach Punch, completely destroying the basket and sending Team Rocket blasting off as they commiserate another failed plan.
By now, Monferno is completely out of control, and while the controls of the mecha were destroyed, the main body survived and the Pokémon are still trapped. Without anyone controlling it, the legs start to buckle, threatening to crush the Pokémon still in the cage. Ash prepares to send out a Pokémon to help, when Paul suddenly arrives and sends out his Electabuzz. He has it use Protect to support the cage, amazing everyone.
Unfortunately, Monferno decides to destroy the mecha completely, powers up a Flame Wheel, and damages one of the legs, putting the Pokémon in far more danger. Monferno circles around and prepares for another hit, but Ash is determined to save Monferno and all the Pokémon. He intercepts the Flame Wheel, grabbing Monferno when it emerges, and holds on tight.
"Monferno, please remember our promise! We will become stronger together." Ash says.
As the flames emerging from Monferno surround both it and Ash, he begs, "Don't get consumed by Blaze! Try controlling it! We can be even more powerful if you control it!"
Paul looks on in amazement at what Ash is willing to endure to calm his Pokémon down.
Suddenly, Electabuzz's Protect fails, and the mecha starts to collapse, endangering Electabuzz as well as the other Pokémon. Monferno, now back in control, powers up a Flame Wheel, and races towards the cage getting underneath and supporting it. As it supports the cage, Monferno suddenly evolves into Infernape.
Sinnoh Dex Entry No.6 Infernape: The Flame Pokemon: Fire and Fighting Type. Evolved from Monferno at LV:36. It uses unique fighting moves with fire on its hands and feet. It will take on any opponent.
Ash has Infernape throw the cage into the air, and then has it destroyed with Mach Punch. This proves to be no problem for the powerful Pokémon as it frees Pikachu, Sylveon, Absol, Persian, Piplup, and Empoleon. When they start to fall, Infernape absorbs them into a Flame Wheel to allow them to land safely. Ash congratulates Infernape, and Pikachu, Sylveon, Absol, Persian and Piplup thank Infernape for saving them.
"Monferno was not only able to control Blaze, but was able to transform it into a new kind of energy that allowed it to evolve." Paul says as he approaches them.
Infernape releases Verity, Emily, Gladion, Lucas, Tox, Dawn, Lillie and Barry from the capsules.
Paul starts to leave, but Ash thanks him for his help and tells his rival that both he and Infernape would like to have another battle against him one day.
"Fine, Reggie is also wanting to see another full battle. I will be waiting." He says as he leaves.
They finally arrive at Sunyshore City, an area which is reliant heavily on technology with solar panels throughout as well as escalators and treadmills designed to transport people where they want to go.
"Now we are here, Uncle Volkner is the strongest Gym Leader of the Sinnoh League." Lillie says.
"Yeah, and I am willing to beat him." Ash says.
Upon arriving at the gym, they hear a robotic voice. Ash immediately replies that he wants a gym battle. But much to their shock, a box opens and shows a lot of gym badges.
"What, so we just take it and that's it?" Emily asks.
"That isn't really how gyms work." Tox says. "What is Uncle Volkner thinking?"
"So this is why Paul says that the gym is the worse." Ash mutters. "I guess we should find another gym."
"Well if this isn't Ash Ketchum?" They turn around and see a man approaching. The man has red hair and they didn't recognize him. "Who are you?" Verity asks.
"I am Flint, the elite 4. I am also one of Volkner's friends." Flint replies.
"Wait, you are my one of my mother's Elite 4?" Verity asks. "Never mind that, do you know where is Uncle Volkner?"
"Both him and his wife are at the tower." Flint replies.
On their way up, Flint notes that Sunyshore is powered purely from solar energy and all the solar panels throughout the city are controlled from the tower. Volkner is responsible for being the architect and controller of the entire Sunyshore solar network.
Just as they arrive there, they see Volkner and Persephone observing the tower.
"Uncle Volkner, Aunt Persephone!" Lillie greets the two adults, Persephone says, "Oh my, you guys are finally here."
Ash asks, "But Aunt Persephone, what are you doing here? I thought you have Elite 4 duties..."
"Yeah, and you all know what happened to Tremin, right? I lived here due to the fact I need to escape." Persephone says.
"Another victim..." Emily mutters.
Ash says, "Uncle Volkner, I am here to challenge the Gym."
"Then just take the badge, Ash. For one I know how good your strength is and for second I have lost my interest in battling," Volkner says.
"Just where the heck was the electrifying Volkner go?" Flint yanks on Volkner's collar, but Persephone stops them and Volkner just leaves.
"I am sorry that you have to see that." Persephone says as she decides to take them to a café for coffee and sandwiches
In the cafe, Persephone and Flint tell the group that Volkner didn't always find battling dull, he was one of the best Gym Leaders in Sinnoh. Flint explains that he Volkner met when they were both kids, and quickly became rivals after Volkner's Pikachu beat Flint's Chimchar. They battled constantly to prove who was the top Trainer in Sunyshore, Flint and Volkner began to become distant after they pursued their interests, with Volkner becoming Sunyshore's Gym Leader as well as getting married to Persephone and Flint eventually joining the Elite Four. Volkner slowly lost interest in battling as it became repetitive, and became more obsessed with technology and restructuring his vision for Sunyshore City.
"I thought that maybe letting him seeing you guys would get a spark for battling again." Flint says.
"It was just a waste." Volkner also comes into the cafe, and Persephone says, "Volkner, as much as I love you, but you have to stop. Why don't you watch how Ash and Flint battle and that will help you?"
Volkner sighs as he reluctantly agrees, so they all head into the gym.
In the gym, Ash sends out Pikachu and Flint sends out Infernape. Seeing Ash's battle style, he starts to regain his spark for battling. Since his style is like himself when he is younger. Finally, Ash and Flint both have a tie.
"Thank you, Ash, Flint. My spark has come back. I am ready to battle you." Volkner says.
Ash decides to take a rest as he lets Lillie go first. It will be a 2 on 2 battle. Volkner sends out Electivire first, Lillie sends out Probopass. Probopass tries to use Discharge, but she forgets that Electivire's Motor Drive. But she still manages to win when Electivire slows down by Rock Tomb and finishes with Flash Cannon.
His next Pokemon is Raichu, Raichu's battle style is like Ash and his Pikachu, he also thinks like Ash, causing Probopass to faint. Lillie sends out Gabite next. Raichu uses Ice Punch to give him a lot of damage, but Gabite defeats Raichu with a Dragon Pulse.
"It is been a while I have this exciting feeling. You deserve this Beacon Badge." Volkner gives her the badge. But before Ash can start his battle, the electricity runs out.
"What had happened?" Ash asks.
"Someone has do something to the Tower." Volkner says.
They head out and see Team Rocket made the tower into a rocket and tries to escape with it. Ash, Volkner and Lillie has managed to jump inside the ship and face Team Rocket. Ash's Grotle evolves into Torterra in the end and sends them flying.
Sinnoh Dex Entry No.3 Torterra: The Continent Pokemon: Grass and Ground Type. Evolved from Grotle at LV:32. Some Pokémon are born on a Torterra's back and spend their entire life there.
Volkner also uses the controls Team Rocket made to make the ship back to where it belongs.
"I am sorry, Ash. The gym has been damaged. So we can't have a gym battle now. But I will call you if the gym is fixed." Volkner says.
"It is fine. I can go to the Grand Festival first." Ash says as they bid farewell to Volkner and Flint.
They have met a girl named Marley, who wants to bring Shaymin to the Gracidea Garden. They helps her fight Team Rocket. Dawn's Cyndaquil also evolves into Quilava in the process of battling against Team Rocket.
Then they get a call from the rangers that Heatran is nearby and wants Ash to protect him. They also send a Ranger named Ben to help. When they arrive at the Volcano, Team Rocket with their new mecha tries to steal Heatran, but they fails as Heatran use Magma Storm. Ash also captures Heatran thanks to Ben's help.
Sinnoh Dex Entry No.99 Heatran: The Lava Dome Pokemon: Fire and Steel Type. Its body is made of rugged steel. However, it is partially melted in spots because of its own heat.
They meet a young boy named Ian, whose Magby is stolen by Team Rocket. Ash and his friends agree to help him. Then they also meet Bertha the Elite 4, she wants Emily and Verity to hide the fact at first since only they know because of their mother. But when they send Team Rocket flying, Ash and Lillie also recognizes her as the Elite 4 member and Ground Type specialist.
"I don't like to be called an elite 4 member. But since you help my student, I will accept to train your Torterra." Bertha says. She has trained Torterra with the Observation skills that day, and they thank her and bid her farewell.
Now Lillie got her final badge and Dawn got her final ribbon. The next chapter is the Grand Festival.
Butterfree x2, Pikachu, Persian, Chansey, Lapras x2, Mewtwo, Mew, Meganium, Togepi, Espeon, Steelix, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Milotic, Absol, Latias, Latios, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Staraptor, Bibarel, Kricketune, Luxray, Roserade, Rampardos, Bastiodon, Wormadam, Mothim, Combee, Vespiquen, Pachirisu, Floatzel, Cherrim, Gastrodon x2, Drifloon, Lopunny, Mismagius, Honchkrow, Skuntank, Bronzong, Chatot, Spiritomb, Gabite, Lucario x2, Hippowdon, Drapion, Toxicroak, Carnivine, Lumineon, Abomasnow, Weavile, Magnezone, Lickilicky, Rhyperior, Tangrowth, Electivire, Magmortar, Yanmega, Leafeon, Glaceon, Mamoswine, Porygon-Z, Gallade, Probopass, Dusknoir, Froslass x2, Rotom, Dialga, Palkia, Regigigas, Giratina, Cresselia, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Sylveon
In Home:
Venusaur, Blastoise, Beedrill, Pidgeot, Raticate, Fearow, Arbok, Raichu, Sandslash, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Clefable, Wigglytuff, Vileplume, Venomoth, Dugtrio, Golduck, Primeape, Arcanine, Poliwrath, Alakazam, Machamp, Victreebel, Tentacruel, Golem, Rapidash, Slowbro, Farfetch'd, Dodrio, Dewgong, Muk, Cloyster, Gengar, Hypno, Kingler, Electrode, Exeggutor, Marowak, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Weezing, Kangaskhan, Seaking, Starmie, Mr. Mime, Jynx, Pinsir, Tauros, Gyarados, Ditto, Omastar, Kabutops, Aerodactyl, Snorlax, Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Dragonite, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Furret, Noctowl, Ledian, Ariados, Crobat, Lanturn, Xatu, Ampharos, Bellossom, Azumarill, Sudowoodo, Politoed, Jumpluff, Sunflora, Umbreon, Slowking, Unown x28, Wobbuffet, Girafarig, Forretress, Granbull, Qwilfish, Scizor, Shuckle, Heracross, Ursaring, Magcargo, Corsola, Octillery, Delibird, Mantine, Skarmory, Houndoom, Kingdra, Donphan, Stantler, Smeargle, Hitmontop, Miltank, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Larvitar, Tyranitar, Lugia, Blaziken, Swampert, Mightyena, Linoone, Beautifly, Dustox, Ludicolo, Shiftry, Swellow, Pelipper, Masquerain, Breloom, Slaking, Ninjask, Shedinja, Exploud, Hariyama, Delcatty, Sableye, Mawile, Aggron, Medicham, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Volbeat, Illumise, Swalot, Shapedo, Wailord, Camerrput, Torkoal, Spinda, Flygon, Cacturne, Altaria, Zangoose, Seviper, Lunatone, Solrock, Whiscash, Crawdaunt, Claydol, Cradily, Armaldo, Castform, Banette, Tropius, Chimecho, Glalie, Walrein, Huntail, Gorebyss, Relicanth, Luvdisc, Salamence, Metagross, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys,
In training: Charizard, Charla, Ambipom, Gliscor
Dawn's Current Team:
Piplup, Ponyta, Lopunny, Pachirisu, Cherrim, Piloswine, Quilava
Tox's Current Team:
Dragalge, Toxicroak
Gladion's Current Team:
Lucario, Umbreon
Emily's Current Team:
Eevee, Gabite, Drifloon
Verity's Current Team:
Prinplup, Bellossom, Shieldon
Lucas's Current Team:
Torterra, Munchlax, Bastiodon, Lickilicky, Mamoswine.
