Bulbapedia - User contributions [en]

AG162

2023-08-28T21:22:54Z

Torchickentacos: Added an error.

{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=AG161 |
prevtitle=Odd Pokémon Out! |
nextcode=AG163 |
nexttitle=Cutting the Ties that Bind! |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Emerald }}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=AG162 |
altepcode=EP436 |
colorscheme=Emerald |
title_en=Spontaneous Combusken! |
title_ja=ポケモンコンテスト！ユズリハ大会！！ |
title_ja_trans=Pokémon Contest! Yuzuriha Convention!! |
screen=yes |
broadcast_jp=February 2, 2006 |
broadcast_us=November 4, 2006 |
en_series= |
en_op={{OBP|Battle Frontier|dub}} |
en_ed={{so|Pokémon Go!}} |
ja_op={{so|Battle Frontier|バトルフロンティア}} |
ja_ed=[[GLORY DAY ~That Shining Day~|GLORY DAY 〜輝くその日〜]] ③ |
olmteam=Team Ota |
scenario=冨岡淳広 |
storyboard=藤本義孝 |
director=秦義人 |
art=広岡歳仁 |
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=AG161-AG170 |
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ag|162}}
}}
'''Spontaneous Combusken!''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンコンテスト！ユズリハ大会！！''' ''Pokémon Contest! {{tt|Yuzuriha|Chrysanthemum}} Convention!!'') is the 162nd episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', and the 436th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on February 2, 2006 and in the United States on November 4, 2006.

{{spoilers}}

==Blurb==

May is about to enter her next Contest on Chrysanthemum Island. Drew is there too, but not only is he not competing, he didn't send her the mysterious note she received in Wisteria Town. During a practice battle between Munchlax and Combusken, May meets Brianna, the real sender of the note. Though she rooted for May in Wisteria Town, she's really a huge Drew fan. May introduces her to Drew, which only makes Brianna determined to beat May and earn Drew's respect.

The Contest begins! Jessie teams up with James' Mime Jr. to perform a hula dance, May and Munchlax take the stage with a risky use of Metronome, and Brianna and her Surskit puts on an amazing ice show. All three will move on, but before the second round starts, Brianna wants to know if May likes Drew! Well, May's not so sure about that. Jessie battles May in the second round, and James is horrified to watch Combusken defeat Mime Jr. with a mighty Sky Uppercut.

Now it's Brianna and May in the final round, and Brianna's brought her Vibrava. Vibrava comes on strong, using Sand Tomb to trap Combusken. All looks lost but Combusken learns Mega Kick, just in time to free itself and then knock Vibrava out! Afterward, as Brianna congratulates May, Drew compliments Brianna and sends her into a swoon. May is sure to see Drew and his smooth moves again, but first, it's on to the Battle Palace!

==Plot==
{{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} have arrived on the getaway destination [[Chrysanthemum Island]] for {{an|May}}’s next [[Pokémon Contest]]. Outside the [[Contest Hall]], the registered {{pkmn|Coordinator}}s are preparing their prized {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} while Ash tries to hone {{AP|Sceptile}}'s skills following its [[AG161|heartbreak]]. Sceptile tries to use {{m|Bullet Seed}}, but it only manages to create a small plume of smoke. Ash calls for Sceptile to try again, when [[Drew]] confronts him, adding that he is only making Sceptile more stressed. May asks her rival about the letter she received back in [[Wisteria Town]], though Drew replies that he didn’t send the letter. He explains that he isn’t even going to be competing in this Contest, and he instead travelled to Chrysanthemum Island to rest up. The admission leaves May curious as to who actually wrote her the latter.

Meanwhile, {{TRT}} is by the beach with [[Jessie]] dressed in her Contest attire as she plans to use {{TP|James|Mime Jr.}} in the upcoming Contest. In the distance, May begins to work on {{TP|May|Munchlax}} and {{TP|May|Combusken}}'s skills. Munchlax quickly lunges towards Combusken with a {{m|Focus Punch}}, but misses and continues on to nearly hit a bystander and crash into the soft sand. As everyone tries to remove Munchlax from the sand, May goes to apologize for its actions. [[Brianna]] is pleasantly surprised to see her idol May in-person, adding that she was the one who sent her the letter. She tries to hand May a solitary rose, Munchlax jumps forward and snatches it from her hand, devouring it in one bite. After learning that Brianna is a fan of Drew’s as well, she takes her to a nearby hotel pool to meet him. After a few quick words, the two shake hands and Drew wishes Brianna luck in the Contest. When Drew is finally out of sight, Brianna displays her affection for Drew. Her attitude turns from lovestruck meekness to fiery determination as she tells May that she wants Drew's respect and the quickest way she'll get it is by beating May in this Contest.

The spotlight shines on [[Lilian Meridian|Lilian]] as she begins [[Contest announcer|announcing]] the Contest. The [[Appeal|Appeals Round]] begins and the first contestant is Jessie with her magnificent Mime Jr. dressed in {{wp|Hawaii}}an attire. When Mime Jr. is sent out from its {{i|Poké Ball}}, it rotates on its upper head while Jessie performs a small hula dance. The crowd roars for Jessie's performance. Next, May and her Munchlax take to the stage. May quickly directs Munchlax to unleash its {{m|Solar Beam}}, filling the stadium with a magnificent blend of lights and colors. Munchlax's next move is {{m|Metronome}}, so it begins moving its hands in synchronization. However, the move backfires and Munchlax is put to sleep, having used the move {{m|Rest}}. After a few moments of hesitation, May throws a [[Pokéblock]] into the air. Munchlax instantly awakens and devours the Pokéblock in mid-air while rotating. On its descent, Munchlax comes down with a {{m|Focus Punch}}, gracefully landing on the stadium platform. The third contestant is Brianna, with her {{p|Surskit}}. Surskit uses {{m|Ice Beam}} on the stage, allowing it to gracefully pirouette like an ice skater across the now frozen performance stage. It finishes the performance with a high-velocity spin. The crowd cheers for Surskit's performance as the [[Contest Judge]]s give approval of Brianna's performance.

The other contestants include {{p|Hoothoot}}, {{p|Hypno}}, {{p|Blastoise}}, and {{p|Castform}}. With the first round of competition ending, the results are revealed and among the contestants are May, Brianna, and Jessie. The match-ups are announced, with May to face Jessie in the first round of the tournament.

The stage is set with May and her Combusken facing off against Jessie and her Mime Jr. Combusken begins the battle with a {{m|Fire Spin}}, but Mime Jr. easily dodges and uses {{m|Mimic}}, sending an identical Fire Spin to Combusken. The tricky move deducts more points than usual from May's score. Combusken recomposes itself and rushes toward Mime Jr with {{m|Quick Attack}}, and they both clash. Mime Jr. maneuvers itself in mid-air to begin "{{m|Tickle|tickling}}" Combusken, reducing a substantial amount of points from May. Mime Jr. follows up with another Mimicked Fire Spin, but as the flames engulf Combusken, it recovers and gains power. Combusken leaps through the ongoing Fire Spin and knocks Mime Jr. with a {{m|Sky Uppercut}} to win the round.

After clearing through their other battles, May and Brianna find themselves against one another in the finals. The crowd cheers as the final battle is started. May calls upon her Combusken while Brianna releases her {{p|Vibrava}}. As Combusken moves in for the attack, Vibrava uses its {{m|Screech}} attack, causing Combusken to cover its ears. As Vibrava continues with its Screech attack, Combusken launches a Fire spin for a direct hit. Vibrava retaliates with its {{m|Dragon Breath}} attack, nullifying the Fire Spin. Vibrava uses its {{m|Sand Tomb}} attack to entrap Combusken's legs in a mound of sand. Combusken struggles, but is unable to remove itself from the tomb. Suddenly, Combusken's feathers begin to glow a faint blue. After a moment, Combusken bursts from the Sand Tomb using its new move, {{m|Mega Kick}}. Vibrava doesn't let up, unleashing another Dragon Breath attack and hitting Combusken for great damage, reducing May's points further. Combusken ascends into the air for a {{m|Sky Uppercut}}, but misses its target as Vibrava goes for another Sand Tomb attack. Combusken disperses the sand once more and descends down with a hard {{m|Mega Kick}} on Vibrava. The two Pokémon crash into the ground, and Vibrava is declared unable to battle. With this victory over Brianna, the Chrysanthemum Contest draws to a close and [[Raoul Contesta|Mr. Contesta]] presents May with the Chrysanthemum [[Ribbon]]; her third overall.

As the sun is setting, May and Brianna reflect upon their Contest performances. May's friends join them on the beach, including Drew, who causes Brianna to blush and hide behind May. Drew acknowledges both of their good efforts and wishes Brianna luck, causing her to suddenly faint from swooning. Drew reminds May that she only has two Ribbons left until the [[Grand Festival]]. As he walks off into the distance, May watches him and begins to blush.

==Major events==
[[File:May Chrysanthemum Ribbon.png|thumb|220px|May holding the Chrysanthemum Ribbon]]
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} arrive in [[Chrysanthemum Island]] and meet up with [[Drew]] again.
* It is revealed that May's [[AG160|invitation]] was sent by [[Brianna]] rather than Drew.
* [[James's Mime Jr.]] is revealed to know {{m|Mimic}} and {{m|Tickle}}.
* [[May's Combusken]] learns {{m|Mega Kick}}.
* May enters the Chrysanthemum {{pkmn|Contest}} and wins, earning her third [[Kanto]] [[Ribbon]].
{{animeevents}}

===Debuts===
====Humans====
* [[Brianna]]

====Pokémon debuts====

==Characters==
===Humans===
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|May}}
* {{an|Brock}}
* [[Max]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[Nurse Joy]]
* [[Drew]]
* [[Lilian Meridian]]
* [[Raoul Contesta]]
* [[Mr. Sukizo]]
* [[Brianna]]
* {{pkmn|Coordinator}}s
* {{pkmn|Trainer}}s
* Audience

===Pokémon===
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Mime Jr.}} ({{OP|James|Mime Jr.}})
* {{p|Sceptile}} ({{OP|Ash|Sceptile}})
* {{p|Combusken}} ({{OP|May|Combusken}})
* {{p|Munchlax}} ({{OP|May|Munchlax}})
* {{p|Roselia}} ({{OP|Drew|Roselia}})
* {{p|Vibrava}} ([[Brianna]]'s)
* {{p|Surskit}} ([[Brianna]]'s)
* {{p|Castform}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Hoothoot}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Gardevoir}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Skarmory}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Nidorina}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Blastoise}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Hypno}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Makuhita}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Breloom}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Psyduck}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Machop}}
* {{p|Meditite}}

==Trivia==
[[File:Frontier Ash Lineup 3.png|thumb|205px|Ash's Sceptile in the opening]]
* [[Ash's Sceptile]] was added to the {{so|Battle Frontier|opening}} credits.
* The episode's English and {{pmin|Spain|Spanish}} [[dub]] titles refer to {{wp|spontaneous combustion}}, which is a sudden ignition or explosion.
* In the original Japanese version, [[Drew's Roselia]]'s voice was supplied by a different, uncredited voice actor due to the absence of its regular actress, [[Ikue Ohtani]], because it didn't have as much stock audio as [[Ash's Pikachu]].
* [[Sarah Natochenny]] becomes the English voice actress for [[Drew's Roselia]] as of this episode, as it is its first appearance since the voice acting switch.
* [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] background music is used in this episode.
* {{TRT}} neither blasts off nor recites their {{motto}} in this episode.
* [[Pokémon Symphonic Medley]] is used as background music after Combusken learns {{m|Mega Kick}}.
* Brianna's {{p|Vibrava}} is seen defeating a trainer’s {{p|Gardevoir}} with {{m|Dragon Breath}}. While this is possible during [[Generation III]], it is [[Generation VI|no longer possible]] because Gardevoir is now a {{type|Fairy}}.

===Errors===
* {{TP|May|Combusken}} is misspelled as ''Combuskin'' on the English dub's title card. This was later corrected, though the error remained on the DVD version, foreign language dubs and when it re-aired several other times.
* After {{an|May}} beats [[Jessie]] in the battle round, [[Lilian Meridian|Lilian]] says, "...and May moves on to the final round!" May actually had to defeat one more opponent before moving on to the final round against [[Brianna]].
* After Combusken uses {{m|Fire Spin}} on {{p|Vibrava}}, {{an|Brock}} mentions that {{type|Fire}} moves wouldn't be strong against {{type|Ground}} Pokémon. This is a mistake because Vibrava resists Fire due to its other type, {{t|Dragon}}. The Ground type itself does not resist Fire-type moves.
* In the English dub, Roselia's name is repeatedly pronounced "Ros-ay-lia", both by Drew and by Roselia itself.

===Dub edits===

==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=77FF77|bordercolor=55DD55
|zh_cmn={{tt|神奇寶貝華麗大賽！讓葉大會！|Pokémon Contest! Ràngyè (Chrysanthemum) Convention!}}
|da={{tt|Combuskens store triumf|Combusken's big triumph}}
|nl={{tt|Een vurige strijd!|A Fiercy Battle!}}
|de={{tt|Wenn zwei sich streiten, ...haut der Dritte ab!|When two are fighting, ...the third bunks!}} {{tt|*|The German episode's title is a pun on the saying, ''when two are fighting, the third wins!''}}
|fi={{tt|Yllättävä Combusken|The surprising Combusken}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Troisième ruban|Third Ribbon}}
|hi=कमाल Combusken {{tt|''Kamaal Combusken''|Amazing Combusken}}{{tt|*|Disney XD dub}}
|he={{tt|קומבסקין הספונטני|Spontaneous Combusken}}
|it={{tt|Una rivale anche in amore|A rival also in love}}
|ko={{tt|포켓몬 콘테스트! 굴거리섬 대회!|Pokémon Contest! Chrysanthemum Island Convention!}}
|no={{tt|Raske Combusken!|The quick Combusken!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Combusken Espontâneo|Spontaneous Combusken}}
|ru={{tt|Спонтанный Комбаскен|Spontaneous Combusken}}
|es_la={{tt|Combusken espontáneo|Spontaneous Combusken}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡Combuskión espontánea!|Spontaneous Combuskion!}}
|sv={{tt|Den första kärleken!|The first love!}}
}}
{{-}}

{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=AG161 |
prevtitle=Odd Pokémon Out! |
nextcode=AG163 |
nexttitle=Cutting the Ties that Bind! |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Emerald }}
{{Project Anime notice}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:0436}}
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episodes|162]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Yoshitaka Fujimoto]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Yoshito Hata]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Toshihito Hirooka]]
[[Category:Episodes in which May gets a Ribbon]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Jessie loses a Contest]]
[[Category:Episodes with Contests]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on May]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Jessie]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Drew]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character's Pokémon learns a new move]]

[[de:Wenn zwei sich streiten, ...haut der Dritte ab!]]
[[es:EP439]]
[[fr:AG162]]
[[it:AG162]]
[[ja:AG編第162話]]
[[zh:宝可梦超世代第161集]]

Talk:Sir Aaron

2023-08-28T21:11:16Z

Torchickentacos: Added question for discussion

==Arlon?==

Where the heck does the Japanese version ever call him Arlon? As far as I can tell, the katakana can just as easily be rendered Aaron. In fact, standard romanization would render アーロン as AARON, exactly the same name. So who changed his name to Arlon, or is there some official Japanese material that says his name is Arlon in romaji? [[User:Kumori Satosuke|Satosuke]] 03:01, 10 August 2009 (UTC)
:<strike>Ask {{u|Urutapu}}. I've seen Arlon used on another website, possibly [[Dogasu's Backpack]]. --[[Tracey Sketchit|'''ケンジ''']][[User talk:Kenji-girl|'''の''']][[User:Kenji-girl|'''ガール''']] 03:08, 10 August 2009 (UTC)</strike>
:Oh, wait. Maxim changed it. He said it was an official romanization. --[[Tracey Sketchit|'''ケンジ''']][[User talk:Kenji-girl|'''の''']][[User:Kenji-girl|'''ガール''']] 03:10, 10 August 2009 (UTC)
::Very well. I'd like to see Maxim's evidence, though...[[User:Kumori Satosuke|Satosuke]] 17:18, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

==re: missing VA info==
This page is listed as one with incomplete English and Japanese VA info, but it seems to be present? Is the page complete and just not updated as such? [[User:Torchickentacos|Torchickentacos]] ([[User talk:Torchickentacos|talk]]) 21:11, 28 August 2023 (UTC)

==re: missing VA info==
This page is listed as one with incomplete English and Japanese VA info, but it seems to be present? Is the page complete and just not updated as such?

Talk:Sir Aaron

2023-08-28T21:10:43Z

Torchickentacos: Added question for discussion

Brianna

2023-08-28T20:32:45Z

Torchickentacos:

[[File:Brianna.png‎|thumb|250px|Brianna]]
'''Brianna''' (Japanese: '''ワカナ''' ''Wakana'') is a minor recurring character who appeared in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]''. She is a [[Pokémon Coordinator]].

Following the [[Wisteria Town]] {{pkmn|Contest}} in ''[[AG160|Harley Rides Again]]'', {{an|May}} received a letter from an anonymous sender. However, Brianna forgot to sign it and, as the letter came with a rose, May thought that the letter was from her rival [[Drew]]. May kept the letter until she met Brianna, who revealed that she was the sender, on [[Chrysanthemum Island]] shortly before another Contest in ''[[AG162|Spontaneous Combusken!]]''.

Brianna first appeared in ''Spontaneous Combusken!'', where she revealed that she was too nervous to face May in person, so she sent the letter instead. Her true motives were soon revealed by her crush on Drew. Brianna believed that the best way to get Drew's attention was to defeat May in a Contest. She did not let the subject drop and, after they both got through their Appeals, Brianna asked May about her feelings for Drew, causing May to blush and stutter that she hadn't thought about it much. After her Contest defeat to May in the finals, Drew assured Brianna that she was a good Coordinator, causing her to faint in May's arms.

Brianna reappeared in ''[[AG181|Thinning the Hoard!]]'', where she was seen watching the [[Kanto Grand Festival]] from her home. Her home is shown to have various pictures of her, Drew, and May.

==Character==
Brianna is a sweet, nervous girl at first. She uses reverent honorifics for people she respects, as shown with Drew, and she'll even hide behind people if she feels nervous in a social setting with someone she respects. However, Brianna has a contrasting side to her- when competitive (be it in battle or what Brianna perceives as a romantic rivalry), Brianna is fiery and outspoken. She will verbally push her rival and poke for a response, stubborn and unyielding. Brianna is not afraid to take action for her own goals regardless of the response she might get, as shown in her stating that she will confess her feelings to Drew if she wins against May (she does not win). Overall, she is a mix of sweet and stubborn, reverent and rivalrous.

==Pokémon==
{{MissingInfo|2|enva|java}}
This is a list of Brianna's {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in the {{pkmn|anime}}.
{{TrainerPoké
|trainer=Brianna
|pkmn=Surskit
|type1=Bug
|type2=Water
|img=Brianna Surskit.png
|epnum=AG162
|epname=Spontaneous Combusken
|desc={{p|Surskit}} was used in the [[Appeal]]s round of the [[Chrysanthemum Island]] [[Pokémon Contest]], where its ice skating performance allowed Brianna to move onto the second round.

Surskit's known moves are {{m|Agility}} and {{m|Ice Beam}}.}}

{{TrainerPoké
|trainer=Brianna
|pkmn=Vibrava
|type1=Ground
|type2=Dragon
|img=Brianna Vibrava.png
|epnum=AG162
|epname=Spontaneous Combusken
|vajp=Shin-ichiro Miki
|vaen=
|desc={{p|Vibrava}} was used during the Contest Battle rounds where it was able to sweep most opponents to reach the finals. In the final stage, Vibrava had to go up against [[May's Combusken]]. Vibrava was able to trap Combusken with {{m|Sand Tomb}}, but Combusken was able to escape with its newly learned [[move]], {{m|Mega Kick}}. Combusken was then able to defeat Vibrava and {{an|May}} won herself a [[Ribbon]].

Vibrava's known moves are {{m|Screech}}, {{m|Dragon Breath}}, and {{m|Sand Tomb}}.}}

==Contests==
Brianna has competed in the following [[Pokémon Contest]]s:
* {{isl|Chrysanthemum}} Contest - Runner-Up (''[[AG162|Spontaneous Combusken!]]'')

==Voice actors==
{{vatable|color={{ground color}}|bordercolor={{ground color light}}
|ja=吉田真弓 ''Mayumi Yoshida''
|en=[[Rhonda Krempa]]
|fi=Henna Haverinen
|pt_br=Gilmara Sanchez
|es_eu=Isatxa Mengíbar}}

==Trivia==
* Brianna's Pokémon are both pre-evolved forms of Pokémon Drew owns. This seems to emphasize her admiration of Drew.

{{-}}
{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Coordinators]]
[[Category:Female characters]]

[[de:Brianna]]
[[es:Brianna]]
[[fr:Brianna]]
[[it:Brianna]]
[[ja:ワカナ]]
[[zh:若菜]]

AG187

2023-08-28T04:30:16Z

Torchickentacos: Removed an unnecessary comma.

{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=AG186 |
prevtitle=Overjoyed! |
nextcode=AG188 |
nexttitle=Pinch Healing! |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Emerald}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=AG187 |
altepcode=EP461 |
colorscheme=Emerald |
title_en=The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing! |
title_ja=ハルカVSシュウ！ライバルよ永遠に！！ |
title_ja_trans=Haruka VS Shū! Rivals Forever!! |
screen=yes |
broadcast_jp=August 10, 2006 |
broadcast_us=January 27, 2007 |
en_series= |
en_op={{OBP|Battle Frontier|dub}} |
en_ed={{so|Pokémon Go!}} |
ja_op=[[Spurt!|スパート！]] |
ja_ed=[[I Won't Lose! ~Haruka's Theme~|私、負けない！～ハルカのテーマ～]] |
olmteam=Team Iguchi |
scenario=冨岡淳広 |
storyboard=日高政光 |
director=浅田裕二 |
art=岩根雅明 |
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=AG181-AG192 |
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ag|187}}}}
'''The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!''' (Japanese: '''ハルカVSシュウ！ライバルよ永遠に！！''' ''{{tt|Haruka|May}} VS {{tt|Shū|Drew}}! Rivals Forever!!'') is the 187th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', and the 461st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on August 10, 2006 and in the United States on January 27, 2007.

{{spoilers}}

==Blurb==

Ash is still recovering from his defeat at the Battle Pyramid, while May is also melancholy about her own defeat at the Grand Festival. Professor Oak shows up at the Pokémon Center in Fennel Valley, with a special care package meant to cheer Ash up. It contains a poster with the prints of his Pokémon, a fishing lure from Misty, and food from his mother. There's even a postcard from Gary in Sinnoh, which gets Ash thinking about their rivalry and actually pulls him out of his funk.

May is still in a mood, but Drew visits her and says they should battle. The kids begin to set up, but when they are picking judges to oversee the battle, Team Rocket shows up disguised as the three official Contest judges. The kids are only slightly fooled, but the plot is blown wide open by the appearance of Harley and his Cacturne. He threatens Team Rocket and gets them to sit in the audience instead.

The battle begins, with Professor Oak and Scott as judges, and Nurse Joy as the MC. It's a Double Battle, with May's Combusken and Beautifly versus Drew's Roselia and Butterfree. The two are somewhat evenly matched, until May starts getting hit hard by Drew's awesome combos. He finishes her off with Psybeam combined with SolarBeam. Drew goes to see her after the battle, but she's actually okay with losing, and admits that she got overconfident when it comes to Pokémon Contests. Drew tells her he's going to the Johto region for Pokémon Contests, and Harley jumps in to say he's headed there too. Team Rocket also happens to be nearby, but when Jessie admits she's not going to follow the rest of them to Johto, Harley gets mad and sends the entire team blasting off. With thoughts of Johto on her mind, May encourages Ash, while Professor Oak writes a new poem.

==Plot==
After losing against {{an|Brandon}} in the [[Battle Pyramid]], {{Ash}} sits in a hot spring reflecting. He wonders out loud what could possibly be the thing "only he could teach himself." Meanwhile inside the [[Fennel Valley]] [[Pokémon Center]]'s [[Contest Hall]], {{an|May}} is also going through a hard time, Ash's recent defeat having reminded her of her own loss in the [[Grand Festival]] against [[Solidad]]. Even the return of {{TP|May|Skitty}} and {{TP|May|Beautifly}} is not doing much to lift her spirits. [[Scott]] and {{an|Brock}} comment about how she isn't taking the loss very well and how she is worried about how her battling style is a lot like Ash's. May decides that she should practice her Contest moves. Skitty uses {{m|Blizzard}} and Beautifly uses {{m|Psychic}} which both [[Contest combination|combine]] to create a blue horizontal snow tornado but May doesn't react positively. As Ash and [[Max]] arrive and greet Skitty and Beautifly, May tells them that [[Caroline]] told her that Beautifly had learned how to use Psychic, so she decided to recall them to her team to spend some time together and train. Ash asks how the practicing is going, and May admits that it isn't going very well. Brock and Max suggest that she and Ash practice together, since both are going through the same sort of struggle. Ash is all for it, but May adamantly refuses, much to everyone's confusion. The group's musings are suddenly interrupted by the appearance of {{an|Professor Oak}}.

In the Pokémon Center lounge, Professor Oak states that word of Ash's recent difficulties spread word, so various family and friends put together gifts for him. First, Ash receives a banner made by {{Tracey}} and {{cat|Ash's Pokémon|his Pokémon}}. Ash has no trouble identifying each of the prints, much to the amazement of Max. Next, he receives {{an|Misty}}'s [[Misty's special lure|lure]], and a large box of food from {{Delia}}. Finally, Professor Oak hands Ash a postcard from {{Gary}}, much to the latter's shock. The postcard is from the [[Sinnoh]] [[region]], which is Gary's current base of operations for his Pokémon research. Ash pictures Gary telling him that he shouldn't let a loss get him down, especially since Ash was able to defeat Gary [[EP270|before]]. Ash decides that he is going to work even harder and won't lose against Brandon again. Professor Oak recites a poem for Ash to help him, while [[Nurse Joy]], thrilled at meeting yet another one of her idols, runs up to him and asks for his autograph. Seeing Ash's spirits lifted doesn't seem to do much to lift May's mood, however. Her thoughts are broken by the appearance of a {{TP|Drew|Roselia}}. Recognizing it instantly, May realizes that [[Drew]] must be there as well. Sure enough, Drew approaches the group, surprised they are all in Fennel Valley. Before he can say more, Nurse Joy asks for his autograph.

Back in the Contest Hall arena, May admits that she was shocked to see Drew just as she was thinking of him. Drew is surprised at this admission, though May attempts to brush it off by mentioning Ash's talk of rivals. Drew asks how May is doing after her recent loss, but he sees through her facade of "doing okay." Since the Grand Festival, Drew has been focusing on making sure his Pokémon are taken care of, even bringing them a new friend. When May doesn't react much, he realizes that May hasn't been able to get past her defeat, suggesting her current struggles are from discovering her weak points and not knowing how to conquer them. When Drew asks May to confirm his suspicions, she merely nods in admittance. Drew suggests that they have a Pokémon battle, thinking it would help clear the air after the tension of the Grand Festival. Though May is still hesitant, Ash and Brock tell her to go for it, the latter adding that it would give her mind a much-needed rest. {{TRT}} arrives dressed as [[Mr. Sukizo]], [[Raoul Contesta|Mr. Contesta]], and Nurse Joy and suggest that they should be the ones to judge. The group instantly suspects the three as being phony, their thoughts confirmed when a [[Harley's Cacturne|Cacturne]] suddenly appears and uses {{m|Bullet Seed}} to reveal the ruse. The trio are horrified by the appearance of [[Harley]], who screams that only ''he'' is allowed to mess with May and that he certainly doesn't need Team Rocket's help to do so, having "already waltzed down that muddy road [[AG174|once]] [[AG175|before]]." Team Rocket tries to leave, but Cacturne blocks them. Harley tells them just because he wants the trio to butt out doesn't mean he doesn't want them to leave. He tells Ash and his friends that they will act as cheerleaders today, but nobody trusts them and thinks they are plotting something.

After Nurse Joy eagerly receives an autograph from an exuberant Harley, May asks Professor Oak and Scott to judge, and Nurse Joy to be the [[Contest announcer|announcer]]. As the stands fill up with people from the Pokémon Center, Ash comments on how the battle will now feel like a real [[Contest Battle]]. At Nurse Joy's signal, May brings out {{TP|May|Combusken}} and Beautifly, while Drew brings out Roselia and his newly obtained {{p|Butterfree}}. May opens the battle with Combusken's {{m|Fire Spin}} and Beautifly's Psychic to create a fiery version of Skitty and Beautifly's earlier combination. Roselia uses {{m|Petal Dance}} to break up the flames, but Beautifly used Psychic to send the residual fireballs back at the opponents. Roselia uses {{m|Magical Leaf}} to defend, scattering flaming leaves throughout the air. With the path seemingly clear, Combusken moves into attack, but Butterfree uses a combination of {{m|Confusion}} and {{m|Gust}} to blast both Combusken and Beautifly simultaneously, greatly reducing May's score. The judges comment on how May's combinations were powerful, but Drew's seemed to be a bit more so. May tells Beautifly and Combusken to focus their energy on Butterfree. Butterfree uses {{m|Psybeam}} while Combusken dodges and uses {{m|Sky Uppercut}} which hits its mark. Roselia uses Petal Dance while Beautifly uses {{m|Silver Wind}}, but Beautifly's attack is absorbed into the petals and batter it and Combusken with even more power and beauty. Combusken attempts to turn things around with an {{m|Overheat}} attack at maximum power, but Butterfree uses {{m|Protect}} to completely block the attack. Roselia uses {{m|Solar Beam}} and Butterfree uses Psybeam to land a [[critical hit]] on Combusken and Beautifly to knock them out, giving Drew a decisive victory. May compliments Combusken and Beautifly on their hard work.

Outside, May tells Drew that she felt like she was getting overconfident and that's why she has lost. She also states her desire to find her own unique style just like Drew is attempting to do, so that she can show off her Pokémon much better. Drew reveals his intent to travel to the [[Johto]] region to enter more Contests, and that Solidad is going there as well. Harley interrupts to reveal that he is ''also'' going to the Johto region, though May isn't too thrilled about that idea. Harley asks [[Jessie]] if she is going to Johto as well, but she says that Team Rocket is more important, so she declines the offer. Angered, Harley brings out Cacturne to use Bullet Seed to send Team Rocket blasting off before Jessie can attempt to defend herself. Harley suggests to May that she should go to the Johto region as well as he prances off toward his next challenge. As Ash and the others arrive outside, having been drawn out by Team Rocket's blast off, Drew decides to depart, telling May that he expects that to see her new style the next time they meet. Drew waves good-bye as he heads to the Johto region and May thanks him for all of his help. Hearing that Drew is going to Johto brings back good memories for Ash. Brock suggests that Drew and Harley were destined to help May overcome her problems, and May says that she is not confused anymore. She says that she and Ash are on a new path, finding their own styles, and cheers for Ash to win his rematch at the Battle Pyramid. Professor Oak comes up with a poem to sum up the paths they are taking.

==Major events==
* [[May's Beautifly]] and {{TP|May|Skitty}} return from [[Petalburg City]].
* Beautifly is revealed to have learned {{m|Psychic}}.
* {{Ash}} receives a postcard informing him of the [[Sinnoh]] [[region]] from {{Gary}} and [[Misty's special lure|a fishing lure]] from {{an|Misty}}.
* [[Drew]] is revealed to own a {{p|Butterfree}}.
* {{an|May}} has a practice [[Contest Battle]] against Drew and loses.
* Drew and [[Harley]] announce that they, along with [[Solidad]], are heading to [[Johto]] to participate in [[Pokémon Contest]]s there.
{{animeevents}}

===Debuts===
====Pokémon debuts====

==Characters==
===Humans===
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|May}}
* {{an|Brock}}
* [[Max]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[Nurse Joy]]
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* [[Gary Oak]] (fantasy)
* [[Drew]]
* [[Harley]]
* [[Scott]]
* {{pkmn|Trainer}}s
* Audience

===Pokémon===
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Combusken}} ({{OP|May|Combusken}})
* {{p|Beautifly}} ({{OP|May|Beautifly}})
* {{p|Skitty}} ({{OP|May|Skitty}})
* {{p|Roselia}} ({{OP|Drew|Roselia}})
* {{p|Butterfree}} ([[Drew]]'s)
* {{p|Masquerain}} ([[Drew]]'s; photo)
* {{p|Flygon}} ([[Drew]]'s; photo)
* {{p|Absol}} ([[Drew]]'s; photo)
* {{p|Cacturne}} ({{OP|Harley|Cacturne}})
* {{p|Banette}} ([[Harley]]'s; photo)
* {{p|Ursaring}}
* {{p|Smeargle}}
* {{p|Bellsprout}}
* {{p|Ampharos}}
* {{p|Tyranitar}}

==Trivia==
* This episode's English [[dub]] title is a reference to the 1984 novel ''{{wp|The Unbearable Lightness of Being}}'' by {{wp|Milan Kundera}}.
* This is the first episode in the main series to mention {{Gary}} since his rivalry with {{Ash}} was resolved in ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later!]]''.
* This episode marks the first mention of [[Sinnoh]] in the {{pkmn|anime}}.
* An instrumental version of [[A Small Thing]], a ballad version of [[Advance Adventure]], and music from ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'' and ''[[M08|Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]'' are used in this episode.
** This is the first episode to use music from the eighth movie, but this is replaced in the dub.
* [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] background music is used in this episode.
* {{TRT}} doesn't recite their {{motto}} in this episode.
* [[Drew]] and [[Harley]] appear for the final time as recurring characters in the show, though they later cameo watching the [[Wallace Cup]] with [[Solidad]] and then later watching the [[World Coronation Series]] match between Ash and {{an|Steven}}.
* {{an|Brock}} narrates the preview for the [[AG188|next episode]].
* In Japan, this episode received the lowest ratings in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'' at 4.0, and until [[BW077]] in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]'', it was also the lowest-rated episode in the anime overall.<ref>http://pokeani.s47.xrea.com/s-title/subtitle-ag-bf.html</ref>

===Errors===
* {{an|Professor Oak}}'s eyebrows are gray instead of black in a few scenes.
* The color of Harley's hair when he first appears is duller than normal.
* In the sunset scene at the end, the right side of {{Ash}}'s hair is white against Professor Oak's jacket.
* During {{an|May}} and [[Drew]]'s battle, {{p|Roselia}} doesn't charge up its {{m|Solar Beam}} and uses it immediately.

===Dub edits===
* Drew originally tells {{p|Butterfree}} to use {{m|Confusion}}, then {{m|Gust}}. In the dub, Drew only says to use Gust.
* In the English dub, Professor Oak says that he recognizes Scott from photos he saw. In the original Japanese version, he says that Scott has been helping Ash out and guesses Scott's name, without any mention of seeing Scott in any photos.

==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=77FF77|bordercolor=55DD55
|zh_cmn={{tt|小遙對抗小瞬！永遠的勁敵！！|Drew vs. May! Rivals Forever!!}}
|nl={{tt|De Onverslaanbare Lichtheid van het Besef!|The Unbeatable Lightness of Awareness!}}
|da={{tt|Indsigtens uovervindelige lethed!|The unbeatable ease of insight!}}
|de={{tt|Wie eine Niederlage zum Sieg wird!|How a loss turns out to be a victory!}}
|fi={{tt|Näkemisen sietämätön keveys|The intolerable lightness of seeing}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Remise en question|Reasking a question}}
|hi=सपना देखोगे तभी पूरा होगा {{tt|''Sapna dekhoge tabhi poora hoga''|A dream will be fulfilled only when you dream first}}{{tt|*|Disney XD dub}}
|he={{tt|עידוד לא צפוי|Unexpected Encouragement}}
|it={{tt|Addio amarezza|Good-bye bitterness}}
|ko={{tt|봄이 VS 수형! 라이벌이여 영원하라!|May vs. Drew! Rivals Forever!}}
|no={{tt|Innsiktens Uslåelige Letthet!|The Striking Lightness of Insight!}}
|pt_br={{tt|A Invencível Clareza de se Ver|The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing}}
|ru={{tt|Новый взгляд на вещи|A new look at things}}
|es_la={{tt|¡La inderrotable levedad del ver!|The Unbeatable Lack of Vision}}
|es_eu={{tt|La Imbatible Falta de Visión|The unbeatable lightness of seeing!}}
|sv={{tt|Insiktens ovärderliga ljus!|The unbeatable light of insight!}}
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{-}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=AG186 |
prevtitle=Overjoyed! |
nextcode=AG188 |
nexttitle=Pinch Healing! |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Emerald}}
{{Project Anime notice}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:0461}}
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episodes|187]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Masamitsu Hidaka]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Yūji Asada]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaaki Iwane]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on May]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Drew]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Harley]]

[[de:Wie eine Niederlage zum Sieg wird!]]
[[es:EP464]]
[[fr:AG187]]
[[ja:AG編第187話]]
[[zh:宝可梦超世代第186集]]