08x33 - Like a Meowth to a Flame

[bunniefuu]

[laughing] There it is.

BROCK 'Ever Grand City!'

'We're finally here.'

And here's where it all happens.

[DETERMINED]

NARRATOR Our heroes are excited as they approach the home

of the Hoenn League Championships.

It's the most prestigious Pokémon competition there is

where elite Trainers come to compete.

Trainers who have earned eight badges by emerging victorious

from a variety of Gym battles.

The time has come to prove themselves, to push the limits

of their Pokémon, and to hope their hard work pays off.

I can't wait. Just one more week to go.

And that week's meant for some serious training.

[DETERMINED]

Don't forget, you'll need

just the right fuel for the big victory.

What kind of fuel?

[CURIOUS]

The fuel of champions!

Chicken noodle soup!

ASH/MAX/BROCK Chicken noodle soup?

WOBBUFFET [INSISTENT]

JESSIE 'Wobbuffet, return.'

'You're sucking up all the oxygen.'

WOBBUFFET [RESIGNED]

I'm getting sleepy.

Do you think the Twerps will stop soon so we can take a nap?

How should I know?

Yeah, I'm beat too.

That's two out of three, we vote for a rest.

Too bad, you'll have plenty of time for your naps

after hitting our biggest score ever.

Our biggest score?

What do you mean by that?

Oh, you'll find out.

And believe me, it'll all be worth it.

♪ Ohh oh-oh-oh oh-oh ♪

♪ I'm unbeatable ♪

♪ Walking down this endless highway ♪

♪ With nothing but my friends beside me ♪

♪ We'll never give in we'll never rest ♪

♪ Advanced Battle is the ultimate test ♪

♪ From the earth the land the sea and sky ♪

♪ They can never win but they sure can try ♪

♪ Oh oh-oh-oh oh-oh ♪

♪ I'm unbeatable ♪

♪ Pokémon ♪

♪ Advanced Battle ♪

♪ Oh oh-oh-oh oh-oh ♪

♪ I'm undefeatable ♪

♪ From the stars and the ancient past ♪

♪ They come to play but they'll never last ♪

♪ Oh oh-oh-oh oh-oh ♪

♪ I'm unbeatable ♪

♪ Pokémon ♪

♪ Advanced Battle ♪

♪ Oh oh-oh-oh oh-oh ♪

♪ I'm undefeatable ♪

♪ Oh oh oh ♪

Advanced Battle ♪

♪ I'm unbeatable ♪

♪ Pokémon ♪♪

ASH "Like a Meowth to a Flame"

[crowd murmuring]

I read that there's a totally awesome noodle shop here

called the Ever Grand Noodle Nosh.

They put it in the top three of all restaurants

in the entire Hoenn region.

Word is it's not a fancy place

but one noodle from the Noodle Nosh

and you'll never nosh anywhere else.

Where did you hear all that stuff?

'Tada!'

It's all in this book.

Okay, let's see.

"The Gourmet's Guide to Ever Grand City Restaurants

and Eateries for the True Connoisseur."

Well, what do you know.

So where did you manage to find that?

Isn't it great?

During the Ever Grand Competition

I'm gonna be a real connoisseur

of the Hoenn Region's finest gourmet food.

I just love this kind of thing.

So, Noodle Nosh, here we come. Let's go.

ASH/BROCK/MAX Uh..

This doesn't look right, May.

What was the name of that place again?

It's called "The Noodle Nosh."

These old neighborhoods can look pretty funky at first glance.

But that's just where you find great restaurants

and clothing shops usually run by eccentric people.

Oh, brother.

BROCK Not only is there no noodle place

around here, there's nothing at all.

'But that can't be right.'

'The book says it's right around here.'

[INTENT]

Let's see. Here's the street that we were just on..

[gasps] What was that?

Hey, look. It's a huge flock of Murkrow.

[INTENT]

[AGGRESSIVE]

You're hurting me! Stop that pecking right now!

I guess we wandered into their territory.

I've never seen Murkrow get so mad like this.

Quick, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt.

[AFFIRMATIVE]/[DETERMINED]

[THUNDERBOLT MOVE]

[PAINED]

[INTIMIDATED]

[INTENT]

BROCK 'There's more of them!'

Again, Pikachu.

[THUNDERBOLT MOVE]

[PAINED]

[INTIMIDATED]

[INTENT]

[DISTRESSED]

[AGGRESSIVE]

They don't want to give up.

[INTENT]

[ATTACK]

[PAINED]

[gasps]

[SATISFIED]

A Meowth.

But it's not anything like Team Rocket's Meowth.

MURKROW [INTENT]

[gasps]

Meowth. Fury Swipes, let's go!

[DETERMINED]

[FURY SWIPES MOVE]

[PAINED]

[INTIMIDATED]

That was awesome.

[AWED]

It drove them all off in one shot.

That was a close one, are you folks all in one piece?

ASH/BROCK/MAX/MAY We are.

You really helped us out. Thanks.

That was so nice of you.

Aw, there's really no need to thank me.

I'm just glad we could help out. Hmm?

Whoa, check it out. The Ever Grand Noodle Nosh.

Don't tell me you guys are headed over there too.

ASH/BROCK/MAX/MAY Uh..

TYSON Small world, huh?

You're in the Hoenn League Championships and so am I.

So that makes the two of us rivals, huh?

Guess we are, yeah.

Well, your Meowth is really awesome, Tyson.

You must be pretty good with a Pokémon like that.

Yeah. Your Meowth's obviously been raised well.

'Its speed and attacks are really amazing.'

Thanks a lot.

You know, I'm really surprised

to see my Meowth chowing down on

someone else's Pokémon food like that.

Hey, Brock, you must be one heck

of a great Pokémon Breeder, am I right?

I guess.

You have no idea what a picky eater I've got here.

'My Meowth is actually strong enough to evolve'

'into a Persian, but I think it's just too stubborn.

Wow, you're kidding.

Hey, Ash, you're sure lucky.

Having a good friend like Brock

a friend with all that breeding knowledge.

Yeah. And not only that, Brock's an awesome chef too.

- Is that right? - Yeah.

We should invite Tyson over for dinner and then he can find out.

- That's a great idea. - Yeah.

I'll be sure to make something really special.

Hey, that sounds great.

I'm always on the lookout for some awesome food.

I'm usually traveling all over the place for Gym battles

so I make it a point to try out all the local food spots.

Wow, sounds just like May.

I think I've just met my soulmate. Tyson!

How about you and I work together

to write some sort of gourmet-like book?

What does that mean?

Uh, nothing, it just means you both like food.

[slurping]

Ah. That was great! Huh? Uh.

'Oh, no! Look what time it is!'

Hate to eat and run but we've got to get going.

Meowth, we'd better step on it.

[INTENT]

Uh.. Tyson?

What's the big rush anyway?

The torch will be at the Pokémon Center any minute.

- And I've got to get there. - Really?

I read that the Pokémon League torch gets its flame

from the Legendary Pokémon Moltres.

- Isn't that cool? - Really?

- A flame from Moltres? - That's right.

It's the perfect flame to light the Pokémon League Torch.

And I'm a torch runner so I've got to move.

[gasps]

You are?

[crowd murmuring]

It won't be very long now.

Thank goodness. I hate this waiting.

Officers, this is Officer Jenny.

The torch is arriving soon so I want everyone

at your posts right away.

That must be the score you was talkin' about.

Very nice, Jess, the Pokémon League Torch.

Well, what can I say, when I'm hot, I'm hot.

You know, the torch flame comes from a Moltres.

Legendary Poké-fans will go nuts.

Someone will pay a fortune for that thing.

But someone ain't gettin' it

we're going to steal it and give it to the Boss.

Imagine the Boss riding in to the office one lovely morning.

He'll park his bike, look up and wham!

He'll see the torch lit by Moltres' flame

shimmering above headquarters.

MEOWTH IMITATES BOSS "Ah, yes, burning bright"

"the fire from the Legendary Pokémon"

"Moltres lighting up my life."

MEOWTH Then, after drinking a cup of fresh torch-brewed coffee.

And cooking up a delicious meal on his torch-fired stove.

He'll be soaking in his torch-heated personal Jacooz

and guess what he's going to say?

MEOWTH IMITATES BOSS "Meowth and his friends have given me"

"everything I could ask for"

"so now I shall do the same for them."

JESSIE/JAMES Everything?

♪ Life is good life is cool mucho money means we rule ♪♪

[EMPHATIC]

And they're right on time.

TYSON 'Professor?'

[sighs] Sorry I'm late. I'm Tyson, the torch runner.

Not a problem at all, Tyson.

It appears the torch just arrived as well.

Hey. Professor.

It's nice to see you.

Well, my old friends Ash and Brock.

[gasps] Wait a minute here.

Isn't Professor Goodshow like the head of the League?

So how do both of you know him?

Oh, because Brock and I used to be torch runners once too.

Yes, and that was quite a battle you gave us back then, Ash.

So, are you participating this time also?

And the lovely girl behind Ash is your name May?

Uh, that's right, but how did you know that?

Well, I saw your magnificent

Grande Festival performance on television.

You did? Oh, wow. Thanks so much.

You were spectacular, my dear.

Of course, Norman's daughter should be terrific.

Hey, Professor Goodshow

I didn't know you knew about our dad.

Now, how could I not?

When you're in this line of work

as long as I've been you just know things.

Good luck to both of you.

Thanks.

Alright. Go for it, Tyson.

[EXCITED]

Hmm. What's with that Meowth's getup?

Yeah, I'd be running too if I had on that c*ck footwear.

[grunting] You stuck up little Meowth.

- 'Meowth, come on.' - Huh?

Quit your sightseeing and let's go.

MEOWTH I'm coming, wait for me!

Hey guys, let's head to the stadium.

Yeah, we'll follow them.

Fine with me, I can't wait

to see all the cute shops at the stadium.

Wow. Look at that giant car.

Alright, here we are. After you, Professor.

Say, kids, how'd you all like to come with us?

It's not like we don't have enough room.

Do you mean it?

That would be really cool.

Oh. There it is. Have a look-see kids.

'The Hoenn League Championship's Ever Grand Stadium.'

'Oh, man.'

PIKACHU [AWED]

'It's humongous.'

PROFESSOR 'Has its very own Hoenn League Championship Pokémon Center.'

It's there you'll find the competition schedules

and the pairing information

and everything else you need to know.

You should probably get registered

as soon as we get there, Ash.

I will.

May, I know you're interested

in the shops and trust me you won't be disappointed.

I doubt that you could see them all even if you wanted to.

[laughing] And I can hardly wait to see all the souvenirs.

Hold on, Max, first things first, right?

And that means first thing is checking out the bakery.

No way. Eating again already?

It says here, "Whatever you do

"first try the strawberry cream pie.

"The combination of lots of fresh strawberries

'"and dairy fresh cream, sets up an eating experience'

'not soon forgotten."'

[gulping]

You're right, sounds good.

Just hearing about it from that book of yours is making me..

[tummy rumbling] Hmm? Uh..

PROFESSOR 'There's nothing more inspiring'

'than the rumble of an empty tummy.'

[all laughing]

NURSE JOY 'You're Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, right?'

'Yes, ma'am.'

NURSE JOY 'Then your entry registration is complete.'

Thanks a lot, Nurse Joy.

Wow. An official guidebook.

Hey, Ash, would you mind if I took a look at this first?

No, that's fine.

Wait a minute. Where'd Brock go?

I'll give you one guess.

I'm in Heaven!

Here a Joy. There a Joy.

Everywhere a Nurse Joy.

I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be!

And it just keeps getting better!

Jenny over here. Jenny over there.

Jenny everywhere!

I must have been a very good boy this year.

Really? Well, I don't know.

I do. Let's just say Santa's not bragging.

I think Brock would be very happy to live right here.

Oh, hey, Nurse Joy, do you happen to know

if a Trainer named Morrison has checked in yet?

Oh, is he a friend of yours?

He is. But he's also my big rival.

[EMPHATIC]

Well, then, let's have a look.

I'm afraid he still hasn't registered.

That's kind of weird.

ANNOUNCER 'Ladies and Gentlemen.'

'Tyson, this year's torch runner'

'has just passed through the gates.'

'It's a long and treacherous road that winds its way here'

'from Ever Grand City, but you'd never know it'

'by watching Tyson in action.'

'He's not the least bit winded.'

'A beautiful run to be sure.'

He must have done a lot of training for that run.

Well, he's not the only one.

We've been training like crazy too.

[DETERMINED]

PROFESSOR OAK Ah, that's excellent, I'm glad to see

that you've all arrived safely at the stadium

and no worse for wear.

Thank you. It's good to see you again, professor.

So, Ash, have you decided which Pokémon

you're going to compete with yet?

All of the Pokémon that you left with me

are in tip-top shape.

I can transport them at any time.

Thanks, professor, but you won't have to.

See, when I first left for the Hoenn League

I decided I was going to start all over again

and only bring Pikachu along with me.

Um-hmm. Yes, I remember.

Pikachu and all my new Pokémon

worked really hard to get my eight badges.

And you know what? We all became a team.

I'm sure Charizard and all the others

would like to get out here and see some action

but Grovyle and my other Pokémon have earned it.

So I've decided I'm going to go with the Pokémon

I have here for this competition.

If that's what you want, it's your decision. Good.

There is something to be said for battling with Pokémon

that are considered rare for the Hoenn region

but, it seems you've made up your mind

and if that's the strategy you feel comfortable with

then I say go for it.

Yeah, I will.

[EXCITED]

Well, then that's the last word on that subject.

You just give it everything you've got, Ash

and I'll be behind you percent.

Alright, thanks, Professor Oak.

[EAGER]

I look forward to watching some great battling.

OFFICER JENNY 'We have a code one emergency.'

'Someone has stolen the torch.'

MAY/ASH/BROCK/MAX Oh, no!

Stolen?

OFFICER JENNY 'Squad B, search area number two.'

GUARD 'We need additional backup over at Gate Three immediately.'

- Hey, look, it's Tyson. - Hi, you guys.

Is it true, somebody really stole the torch?

Yeah, I'm afraid so.

It was right after I brought it into the storage room.

- 'Excellent work, Tyson.' - Thank you. It was an honor.

[screaming] I think I just saw a Moltres up there.

[gasps]

False alarm. Oh, well, my mistake.

Alright then, people, time's a wasting. Back to your posts.

They were certainly in a hurry, weren't they?

[gasps]

- 'The torch is gone!' - 'They took it.'

'Hey. Give back that torch!'

I just can't believe that the torch was stolen

right out from under my nose.

By an Officer Jenny and a Nurse Joy.

By crooks, disguised as people we trust.

That would trick anyone, it's not your fault.

OFFICER JENNY 'There they go.'

Costumes worked great.

I may just keep the wig.

Alright, you two, pull over.

Of course...not.

Bet you can't catch us.

Quick. Go around them.

Okay.

Now.

[screaming]

[screaming]

Stop. Now I've got you trapped.

JESSIE I wouldn't bet the force on it.

[gasps]

ASH They're heading for the water.

[laughing]

JESSIE Lose a motorcycle, gain a torch.

- Huh? Criminals! - You can't take our torch.

JESSIE Prepare for trouble, your logic is flawed.

That's right, possession's /ths of law.

To protect the world from devastation.

To unite all peoples within our nation.

To denounce the evils of truth and love.

To extend our reach to the stars above.

Jessie.

James.

Team Rocket torches the competition

at the speed of light.

Surrender now or prepare for a marathon fight.

Meowth, that's right.

[EMPHATIC]

[MERRY]

You guys!

We should have known it would be Team Rocket.

Yes, you should have.

And you should know what happens next.

Us sayin' goodbye.

Go, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt.

[DETERMINED]

[THUNDERBOLT MOVE]

[PAINED]

[gasps]

Pikachu. Uh.

It's always good to keep an anti-electric umbrella

on hand for a rainy day.

Okay, this looks like a job for my Blastoise.

- But, wait. - Huh?

You could possibly put out the torch.

- Good advice. - That's nurse's orders.

What's a torch with out a torch?

Metagross, Confusion.

Stop that balloon!

[CONFIDENT]

[CONFUSION MOVE]

TEAM ROCKET Huh?

Go, Metagross!

Pull that balloon back here now.

[INTENT]

What's going on? Why are we going backwards?

I know.

METAGROSS [WORRIED]

[grunting]

Hey, Ash, do you have any Ice Pokémon with you?

Yeah, I've got my Glalie.

Use an Ice Attack on them.

Then that should keep the torch from extinguishing.

Right. Glalie, use Ice Beam!

[CONFIDENT]/[ICE BEAM MOVE]

TEAM ROCKET Oh. That's chilly.

Hey. The torch didn't freeze.

It worked.

Here I go.

[grunting]

I've got the torch.

MEOWTH Fork over that flame.

No, it's not yours.

It was.

- What happened? - Someone dropped it.

I don't want to point fingers, but..

Okay, Meowth, fetch.

MEOWTH 'It wasn't me!'

[blabbering]

Alright, go and get them, Meowth.

[INTENT]

[EXERTION]

[AGGRESSIVE]

[SATISFIED]

- Perfect landing! - Yeah, good job, Meowth.

[SATISFIED]

Say what?

For your information I am not a "pathetic Meowth."

MEOWTH [DISMISSIVE]

MEOWTH Oh, and you're the expert, huh?

At least I don't walk around with a cowboy complex.

Stop it! How does this feel?

Get that torch, Meowth.

You're not getting it back.

I forgot about the torch.

Hey, listen up, partner, hand over the torch.

[CHALLENGING]

What? Are you daring me to come and get it from you?

Fine with me, make my day.

How about a taste of my Fury Swipes?

MEOWTH [ALERT]

[EXERTION]

Hmm.. Ah!

MEOWTH I missed?

This town ain't big enough for the both of us.

[screaming]

[EXERTION]

[ATTACK]

I ain't through with you yet.

And you can bet your boots on that one!

JESSIE/JAMES Wait, Meowth, come back!

Ash, quick. Jump down!

Okay.

Metagross, use Confusion Attack on Ash!

[CONFUSION MOVE]

[DELIGHTED]

That was awesome, Metagross.

Alright, Meowth, use Thunderbolt!

[THUNDERBOLT MOVE]

[PAINED]

Meowth can use Thunderbolt?

I guess you could say that's a real feather in his cap.

JESSIE/JAMES Hat's off to you!

WOBBUFFET [EXASPERATED]

PROFESSOR GOODSHOW I owe you all quite a debt of thanks.

Our beloved torch is safe and sound.

Without some quick thinking on your part

coupled with some excellent battle maneuvering

I don't know what we would've done.

'But now I'm happy to say the Hoenn League Championships'

'will go on as planned!'

Ash, you're finally going to compete.

And you're going to do great too.

You're definitely ready.

Thanks, guys.

[EXCITED]

You know what? You were great back there.

I can hardly wait to see you

battle it out in the competition.

Thanks, you were great too

and I can't wait to see you either.

Let's make this a competition that we'll never forget.

Yeah.

NARRATOR As the Hoenn League Competition draws near

a new friendship is forged between Tyson and Ash.

Two powerful Trainers destined to become powerful rivals.

Stay tuned for some serious battling.

♪ Walking down this endless highway ♪

♪ With nothing but my friends beside me ♪

♪ We'll never give in we'll never rest ♪

♪ Advanced Battle ♪

♪ Is the ultimate test ♪

♪ Oh oh-oh-oh oh-oh ♪

♪ I'm unbeatable ♪

♪ Pokémon ♪

♪ Advanced Battle ♪

♪ Oh oh-oh-oh oh-oh ♪

♪ I'm undefeatable ♪

♪ Oh oh oh ♪

♪ Advanced Battle ♪

♪ I'm unbeatable ♪

♪ Pokémon ♪♪