#s17e6

What is the point of those face bubbles w/o masks if they’re not gonna seal and you’re putting your stethoscope in there? Ugh

The plot magic of ~overflow~

If only it wasn’t a real thing.

KIDDOS. I’m rooting for those girls

DeLuca and Meredith talking? Sweetie pies

801: Battling on Thin Ice!

810: Hyojo Kessen! Pikachu Tai Bibiyon! 

Pokemopolis Title: Ash vs The Pointer Sisters 

Dodginess: 4/5

Animation: 4/5

Story: Ash has a rematch for his Gym Badge AND destroys Serena's dreams!

Team Rocket: Not needed today

Last episode saw Ash defeated in his first attempt at getting a Kalos Gym Badge, beaten by Alexa's sister Viola who successfully controlled and used the environment in her gym to put him completely on the backfoot.   Experiencing pessimism unusual for the boy too dumb to ever be down for long, the episode ended with Ash offered a cloth by new acquaintance/possible crazy stalker Serena, who also asked him the question she'd been dreading.  He had a huge impact on her life but did she have any impact on his? So she asked him... does he remember her? Be careful how you answer Ash, you're...

Pikachu and Fletchling instantly take off, because even they can see when a big fucking drama bomb is about to drop.  She asks him if he remembers attending camp in Pallet Town, and her heart flutters and her hopes rise as he ponders and then brightly says he does remember! Of course he remembers Professor Oak's Pokémon Summer Camp! All of Serena's dreams are coming true, she's perked up on her toes, her eyes shining and her inner thighs loosening - it seems Ash just can't help but make foolish young girls fall in love with him at summer camp.  Yes, yes, yes he remembers Pokémon Summer Camp.... and then with that same wonderful endearing cluelessness he comments that he doesn't remember her though!

If a girl is making this face at you, you've done something wrong!

She visibly deflates, her hopes and dreams and fantasies of that one boy she feel desperately in love with all those years ago completely dashed.  "Sorry?" says Ash, smiling and clearly with no idea of just how he has destroyed this poor simple French girl's dreams.  She smiles and laughs and pretends it totally doesn't matter it's cool I'm not going to cry myself to sleep in my pillow tonight, and tells him to concentrate on training... for now.  Because oh no she hasn't given up on forcing her fantasy into reality just yet, she's ready to take the step from hopeful stranger to deranged stalker.  As they speak, Clemont cleans Fletchling and a gleeful Bonnie cleans a giggling, squirming Pikachu.  Noivern takes care of itself, while Helioptile beaming adoringly up at Alexa as she dabs herself down while sitting on a park bench in the shade and out of the heat.   Serena's next step is a pretty effective one as she turns the subject to Pokémon battles, which immediately gets her Ash's full attention.  She tells him he did a great job but he points out how badly he messed up, and she takes the opportunity AGAIN to remind him they went to camp and had a "special moment" together - he told her to never give up, and she knows he hasn't changed since then.  Ash laughs, admitting he hasn't changed at all (it's been 17 years, we should all be used to this by now), and Alexa pays attention to his laughter as he steps up and tells Serena he isn't giving up.  He calls to Alexa and asks if they can get back to battling, noting to himself that it isn't like him to get down in the dumps.  His strategy now? He'll fix everything by just refusing to accept reality and pushing on till he gets the result he wants... which is exactly the same as Serena's current strategy! Noivern slams down into the ground to face off with Pikachu and Fletchling again.  Using Gust, the two Pokémon struggle to hold their ground with encouragement from Ash.  Pikachu slams his tail into the ground to help balance him, which impresses Clemont, Bonnie and Serena... while Dedenne joyfully humps the back of Bonnie's head the entire time! Fletchling doesn't have a tail to use as grounding though, but is able to adjust the angle of its tail feathers in order to ride the currents of the Gust and hold itself in place.  Now that they're stabilised, Ash puts them on the offensive and has them do a Thunderbolt/Razor Wind combo.  Noivern dodges the move and Alexa is impressed, but she isn't done with pushing Ash yet, she knows he'll need to be prepared if he wants to beat her sister.  Time passes and the sun begins to set, and they call it a day, satisfied that Pikachu and Fletchling are as prepared for taking on Viola as they could be.  They head inside the Pokémon Center to eat a meal, where Bonnie asks how Ash plans to deal with the OTHER problems he faced with Viola.  Ash reveals cryptically that he has already come up with a counter for the ice-field but says she'll have to wait till tomorrow to see it. 

Grumpy at being denied, Bonnie scoops up a slice of cake and jams it into her mouth, angrily gobbling it up as Clemont offers assistance with dealing with Sticky Web.  Ash is pleased as punch at this, and tells Pikachu and Fletchling that they'll head outside after their meal for more training.  Pikachu and Fletchling, their faces stuffed full with food, turn and demonstrate their fighting spirit, looking like the fattest wannabe warriors this side of a youtube commenter. 

Ash goes back to scoffing his face and drinking his orange juice, while Serena can't take her eyes off of him, still labouring under the misapprehension that there is a mystic and fated connection to be had there. Later that night after dinner, they head back out to the battlefield where Clemont proudly shows off his latest invention.  He's worked quickly in the five seconds that he hasn't been standing watching Ash train, and now he's invented something deeply phallic - a short thick shaft over two round things with a collection of white fluid in the back! Going into his usual schtick about science, he demonstrates again that he has a talent for engineering but is awful at catchy-names, as he declares it is the sticky web sticky wicket whacker wonk! Bonnie and Serena aren't impressed but Ash stares at the machine the way that Serena dreamed he would stare at her.   Apparently Clemont was able to analyse the Sticky Web right down to the DNA level (isn't he like 10-12 years old?) including the smell of it as well as its nutritional value.... as in... he wants to patent people being able to eat the sticky white fluid he collects in a glass vial? Ash happily tells him that he has no idea what he said but thanks him anyway, and then Clemont gets them started.  He targets and opens fire and white globs of sticky fluid pop out of its short, thick shaft directly at the Pokémon.  Pikachu, intrigued, reaches out and is freaked out by the consistency and stickiness of the stuff.  Clemont fires off more (he's been getting plenty of fibre!) and Pikachu and Fletchling quickly dodge the blasts, zipping all about the battlefield and keeping an eye out for where the fluid is coming from and where it is landing.   Clemont is impressed by their agility but notes smugly they haven't seen his full potential yet, and cranks the whacker wonk into full gear.  Unfortunately for him... nothing happens.  He's horrified, though sadly he doesn't insist that nothing like this has ever happened before.  Instead he shows what an idiotic genius he is by sticking his face directly into the shaft.  The machine apparently enjoys having a small boy's face directly in its eye TOO much.  It shakes and then tilts back, sticking right up in the air before unloading several thick blasts of goo into the air which fall right back into the shaft.  Clemont tumbles back and falls on his stomach, presenting his ass to the "whacker" which shakes and trembles from the build-up before exploding.

There's something vaguely Freudian about all this. Where machinery has failed, an organic solution can be found.  While Clemont wails over the destruction of his machine, Ash calls out Froakie to take its place.  Apparently Froakie is aware of everything going on even after being in its Pokéball, as it happily accepts Ash's instruction to blast at its buddies with Frubbles.  It turns out to be a far more effective strategy in any case, as Froakie is able to attack not just randomly, but also to actually take aim at them as they move.   Speeding up when Ash says to, Froakie is going to need some extra fibre of its own soon enough as it blasts white gloop at the two Pokémon as much as it can.  Serena had no idea Ash had a Froakie, and is even more pleased when she learns he got it from Sycamore, that's another connection the two share (well them and literally every single new trainer in Kalos!).  Finally Ash is satisfied with the training and calls an end to it, thanking everybody.  Froakie approaches a tired Fletchling and gives a good-natured but altogether too aggressive congratulatory slap on the back to the little bird,

which stretches out its back painfully afterwards. Meanwhile, Serena and Clemont realize that Bonnie is tuckered right the hell out, because she's only a tiny little girl after all and she is up waaaaay past her bedtime.  Almost out on her feet, rocking back and forth on her heels and mumbling happy encouragement mindlessly. Clemont walks her into the Pokémon Center to tuck her into bed, and Ash thanks them for staying up so late to help him train.  He tells his Pokémon to be ready for their battle the next day, and Serena takes advantage of the momentary privacy to have another go at trying to force her Fantasy-Ash connection to match up with Reality-Ash.  She asks about being a Pokémon Trainer and he encourages her, telling her she can do the same, she'll be catching Pokémon soon enough and be in a position to challenge for Gyms herself.  She seems a little unsure about that though, but still drinks in the attention he is giving her. The next day it is time for the rematch to take place.  Alexa stands on the sidelines where she rather oddly suddenly brings up to Serena that she overheard her conversation with Ash and that she was surprised that the inspiration that Ash needed came from Serena of all people.  It's... weird, because at first it sounds like a happy,"You're a great person!" kind of speech and then at the end it's almost like a,"The fuck you think you're playing at? I'm the new girl trying to latch myself into the main cast" type of thing! Viola comments that Alexa told her about his training, but she is still determined to beat him again.  Ash is confident though, all that earlier pessimism is entirely gone now, the false confidence of his first battle replaced by the optimistic confidence of having actually prepared.  Viola brings out Surskit and Ash sends in Pikachu, and the battle begins, Bonnie (and Dedenne) screaming out encouragement from the sidelines. Viola opens with Sticky Web, thinking she can cut Pikachu's offense off immediately, and is shocked when Pikachu zips across the battlefield easily dodging every attack.  Serena is delighted and Alexa pleased, she did warn her sister after all! Pikachu uses Thunderbolt but Viola is ready, having Surskit instantly block with Protect

and the immediately follow up with Signal Beam.  But Pikachu flips back, leaps high and then smashes Surskit right in the face with Iron Tail.  The twerps and Alexa cheer from the sidelines, and then Clemont points out that the move isn't all that effective but has a definite psychological impact, since Pikachu failed to score any attacks on Surskit in the last battle.... well... apart from an Iron Tail..... Now that she's seen that Ash is better prepared, Viola prepares to play her trump card that gave her the advantage in the previous battle - turning the battlefield into an ice field.  But Ash is ready for this, and sends Pikachu in to... hump Surskit's face! Clutching on tightly, Pikachu won't let go as Surskit stumbles about trying to shake him clear, letting rips with wild untargeted Ice Beams as it tries to escape.  Pikachu doesn't get a chance to use Thunderbolt at close range though and Surskit finally succeeds in knocking him clear, but not before its wild Ice-Beams have frozen various different parts of the gym - including the hanging cables (lights?) from the glass roof.  With Pikachu knocked clear, Surskit blasts into the air and the Ice-Beam scatters and crashes down all over the field as Pikachu desperately dodges.  But while none of the shots score a direct hit, the result is just as deadly - Pikachu is now on a slippery ice-surface just like in the last battle.   Viola is pleased, things seem to be going her way at last, the ice-field gives her a distinct advantage.  The Pokémon can't balance, the trainers are distracted by Viola and Alexa being "The Pointer Sisters" in the cold, and victory is assured.  Except Ash is prepared for the former and immune to the latter. Surskit skates around Pikachu as he struggles to stand, only Serena seemingly assured that Ash has something prepared.  Viola obviously doesn't think so as she confidently orders a Signal Beam... and Ash strikes! Pikachu slams his tail into the ice to ground himself and suddenly he isn't slipping and sliding about - Viola just got outsmarted by an idiot! Thunderbolt blasts into Signal Beam and right through it, easily overpowering the attack.  Surskit is sent sliding back across Viola's oh so precious ice but not without grace - because it is KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT! Viola has obviously trained her Surskit well, but it's got a long way to go if it wants to beat his Pikachu!

Ash calls Pikachu back to his side, surprising Viola.  He explains that Fletchling deserves a chance for revenge too.  She brings out Vivillon, and Bonnie notes that this time Fletchling doesn't have to worry about Sticky Web getting in the way.  Ash opens with Steel Wing but Vivillon dodges, then stops Fletchling in its tracks with Psychic, spins it around the battlefield and crashes it into the ice! Ash shouts to Fletchling not to give up and the tiny bird manages to haul itself back up.  Ash sends it right back in with Steel Wing and this time Vivillon isn't able to dodge in time and takes a direct hit... and smoke comes out? Is Vivillon a robot!?! Fletchling comes back with a Peck but Vivillon dodges, and Fletchling has to twist and turn back, glancing up against the frozen hanging light-cable (Chekov's frozen hanging light-cable) before zooming back in.  Vivillon uses Gust but Fletchling fights the wind and uses its tail feathers to balance itself and ride the current just as they trained.   It spins to use Razor Wind but at the same time Vivillon uses Sleep Powder, and while a Razor Wind does strike a glancing blow, Fletchling is now asleep and plummets towards the ground.  Viola isn't taking his chances though, and has Vivillon unleash a Solar Beam - overkill, yes, but it guarantees that Fletchling isn't getting back up. Alexa, Bonne and Clemont (ABC!) are downcast but Serena keeps the faith, telling them that they'll keep rooting for Ash (Ash will never root you, Serena).  Meanwhile, Viola has Vivillon go back to the Gust well on Pikachu, who struggles to keep hit feet but fails, knocked over onto his stomach.  Viola tells him that Pikachu won't be able to beat Vivillon in his current state, so Ash will just have to wait for that badge.  Ash retorts that he won't give up till the end, flashing Serena once again back to little boy Ash holding out his hand to her and telling her not to give up till it is over.  It was a pivotal and defining moment in her life (and just another day at camp for the oblivious Ash) and proof to her that he's still the inspiring figure she remembers.   Vivillon uses Gust again but it seems Ash has lured Viola into a false sense of security AGAIN.  With a grin he tells Pikachu to use Iron Tail and he slam his tail into the ice, balancing on it utterly indifferent to the Gust blowing around him. The twerps are pleased, especially Bonnie who (along with Dedenne) hoot and holler their childish appreciation.  

But while Viola is impressed too, she quickly recovers, pointing out that Ash has now turned Pikachu into a sitting target.  She orders another Solar Beam, and Ash calls for a Thunderbolt, and both attacks smash into each other.  Viola is somewhat disgruntled to see her Solar Beam negated so simply, but she also knows that for all of Ash's training he was still completely ignorant of the Sleeping Powder move she brought out earlier.  She goes back to that again, and there is little Pikachu can do to avoid it in the close confines.  The green powder wafts over Pikachu who collapses down to the ice, struggling to keep his eyes open and unable to do anything else.  A smug Viola orders another Solar Beam, thinking she can take her time, while the twerps watch on from the sideline and Serena calls out a piece of advice that strikes a chord with Ash, telling Pikachu to remember the training from yesterday.  They didn't train for the Sleeping Powder of course, but something they DID do gives Ash an idea, a chance to demonstrate once again his ability to innovate and improvise during a battle.  So he orders Pikachu to use Electro-Ball... on Pikachu! With one last herculean effort Pikachu stands and lets rip, and the blast crackles over him doing no damage at all... but dispersing/burning off the Sleep Powder and revitalising his body.  Viola is shocked but Vivillon is ready to blast Solar Beam, so she can still win this.... except Ash has Pikachu blast an Electro-Ball at Vivillon next, and once again its Solar Beam proves inferior.  The Electro-Ball smashes through it and directly into Vivillon, sending it crashing backwards through the air.... and smashing through those hanging frozen light-cables too! The ice bangs into the back of Vivillon's exposed head several times, adding injury to the insult that was already added to the injury!

Viola froze the battlefield to turn it to her advantage, and now it has come back to bite her on the ass! That is what Ash does, that is where he excels, he runs into an obstacle and he keeps running at it until he figures out a way to overcome it! Viola shoves her nipples at the screen and clenches a fist, trying to figure out how this can be - well her nipples might be up but Vivillon is going down! Ash orders a final Thunderbolt and the battle is over, Ash wins! Ash wins his first Kalos Gym Badge! Pikachu leaps into Ash's arms and they hug, and the kids rush to congratulate him, Bonnie leaping up and down and so excited that she becomes a Pokémon herself, referring to herself in the third person! "Happy happy Bonnie!" He thanks them for their help and Clemont, embarrassed, reminds him that he didn't actually do anything.  Ash insists though, he got the idea from his machine, and Clemont finds himself oddly touched that his machine's failure inspired Ash's victory.  Ash is happy to share the credit, saying this victory belongs to them all.  Meanwhile, Alexa joins Viola and enjoys a little rubbing the salt in the wound, reminding her that she warned her about Ash.  Viola laughs and admits she was right, then they join Ash where he is presented with the Bug Badge.  He and Pikachu celebrate, Fletchling apparently remaining knocked out inside of its Pokéball.  That makes an interesting point, Ash's first Kalos victory came down to his oldest, most experienced Pokémon.  That makes sense, really, but hopefully with training and experience his new Kalos Pokémon will actually be able to get some wins in as well. A short time later, the twerps prepare to head on their way and say their goodbyes to Viola and Alexa.  Alexa gives some parting advice, as well as a suggestion that he make the next Gym he challenges at the one in Cyllage City.  Ash says a friendly goodbye to Helioptile and they set off together, Bonnie strutting along in front with Dedenne on her head, beaming happily.  Serena smiles serenely (get it) in the back, until Ash asks her the very troubling question - where is she headed off to from here? She uhmmms nervously, not entirely sure how to bring up that she's kind of just latched herself onto them (more specifically, HIM) now.  The episode ends there with her trying to figure out an answer, but let's leave this guide with a rather sweet picture taken by Viola of the whole group.

Meet the new twerps, all of them satellites around the sun that is Ash, who remains the center of attention for all characters at all times. Good luck claiming him for yourself, Serena, because it ain't going to happen!

Moral Learnt: It's not "meant to be", you're just a creepy stalker!