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{{undubbed}}
<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=JN103 |
prevcode=JN103 |
prevtitle=The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!|
prevtitle=The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!|
nextcode=JN105 |
nextcode=JN105 |
<!--nexttitle= |-->
nexttitle=Reuniting for the First Time! |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
colorscheme=Galar}}
colorscheme=Galar}}
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title_ja_trans=Hyper Class! VS Dracaena of The Big Four!! |
title_ja_trans=Hyper Class! VS Dracaena of The Big Four!! |
broadcast_jp=April 1, 2022 |
broadcast_jp=April 1, 2022 |
broadcast_us=<!--Do not assume an air date. If you have an air date you should also provide a title and a source.--> |
broadcast_us=February 24, 2023 |
en_op=[[With You]] |
en_op=[[With You]] |
ja_op=[[One, Two, Three|１・２・３]] |
ja_op=[[One, Two, Three|１・２・３]] |
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* {{BMGf|292159|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|292159|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|292459|Original review thread on BMGf}}
* {{BMGf|292459|Original review thread on BMGf}}
<!--* {{BMGf||Dub review thread on BMGf}}-->
* {{BMGf|294232|Dub review thread on BMGf}}
}}
}}
'''Taking Two For The Team!''' (Japanese: '''ハイパークラス！VS四天王ドラセナ！！''' ''{{tt|Hyper Class|Ultra Class}}! VS {{tt|Dracaena|Drasna}} of {{tt|The Big Four|Elite Four}}!!'') is the 104th episode of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and the 1,189th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on April 1, 2022 as a one-hour special alongside [[JN103]], and is scheduled to air in Canada on August 27, 2022<!-- and is scheduled to air in the United States on *day*-->.
'''Taking Two For The Team!''' (Japanese: '''ハイパークラス！VS四天王ドラセナ！！''' ''{{tt|Hyper Class|Ultra Class}}! VS {{tt|Dracaena|Drasna}} of {{tt|The Big Four|Elite Four}}!!'') is the 104th episode of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and the 1,189th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on April 1, 2022 as a one-hour special alongside [[JN103]], in Canada on August 27, 2022, in Australia on October 4, 2022, in South Africa on November 1, 2022, in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2022, and in the United States on February 24, 2023.
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}
<!--
 
==Blurb==
==Blurb==
Official Blurb from Pokémon.com goes here, with source link-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/25/episode-14-taking-two-for-the-team/-->
<!--Please do not alter the blurb to fix any errors, they are meant to be presented as they are on the official site.-->
<!--Please do not alter the blurb to fix any errors, they are meant to be presented as they are on the official site.-->
<i>The Pokémon World Coronation Series is in full swing! After training with his old friend Clemont, Ash is ready to battle with Dracovish and Sirfetch’d by his side. They’re facing Drasna of the Kalos Elite Four. She may seem sweet, but she’s totally serious about victory! As the battle progresses, Drasna becomes increasingly impressed with Ash and his Pokémon, and both sides show off intense moves. It doesn’t look good for Ash when Drasna has her Altaria Mega Evolve, but as usual, our hero comes up with a strategy to propel himself to victory and raise his Ultra Class ranking to ninth place!</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
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Both Ash and Drasna enter the battlefield as {{an|Clemont}}, {{an|Bonnie}}, and [[Goh]] watch from the audience. Goh notes Drasna's pleasant smile, but Clemont assures him that it's just a facade. Bonnie can attest to that, since her big brother has actually faced Drasna in battle and was utterly defeated by her. Clemont, visibly embarrassed, tells his sister to not remind him of his disgrace. The {{DL|Battle judge|Drone Rotom}} gives the signal, and the competitors choose their first Pokémon: Sirfetch'd and {{p|Noivern}}. Drasna makes the first move by ordering a {{m|Super Fang}}, but Sirfetch'd uses its shield to block the [[Move|attack]] before striking back with {{m|Brutal Swing}}. Noivern follows up with a {{m|Boomburst}}, which is strong enough to send pieces of the battlefield flying. One of these pieces strikes the shield out of Sirfetch'd's grip, leaving it open for a {{m|Dragon Pulse}} as it tries to retrieve it. The Dragon Pulse also knocks Sirfetch'd's leek sword away, leaving it with nothing to defend itself with as another Boomburst batters the battlefield. The powerful sound waves send pieces of debris and Sirfetch'd's sword and shield flying, so Ash tells Sirfetch'd to use the debris as footing to retrieve its weapons. Sirfetch'd succeeds in this and launches into a {{m|Meteor Assault}} as Noivern starts charging for a Dragon Pulse. In a surprising move, Noivern uses its big wings to block the Meteor Assault before letting the Dragon Pulse loose and making a clean hit.
Both Ash and Drasna enter the battlefield as {{an|Clemont}}, {{an|Bonnie}}, and [[Goh]] watch from the audience. Goh notes Drasna's pleasant smile, but Clemont assures him that it's just a facade. Bonnie can attest to that, since her big brother has actually faced Drasna in battle and was utterly defeated by her. Clemont, visibly embarrassed, tells his sister to not remind him of his disgrace. The {{DL|Battle judge|Drone Rotom}} gives the signal, and the competitors choose their first Pokémon: Sirfetch'd and {{p|Noivern}}. Drasna makes the first move by ordering a {{m|Super Fang}}, but Sirfetch'd uses its shield to block the [[Move|attack]] before striking back with {{m|Brutal Swing}}. Noivern follows up with a {{m|Boomburst}}, which is strong enough to send pieces of the battlefield flying. One of these pieces strikes the shield out of Sirfetch'd's grip, leaving it open for a {{m|Dragon Pulse}} as it tries to retrieve it. The Dragon Pulse also knocks Sirfetch'd's leek sword away, leaving it with nothing to defend itself with as another Boomburst batters the battlefield. The powerful sound waves send pieces of debris and Sirfetch'd's sword and shield flying, so Ash tells Sirfetch'd to use the debris as footing to retrieve its weapons. Sirfetch'd succeeds in this and launches into a {{m|Meteor Assault}} as Noivern starts charging for a Dragon Pulse. In a surprising move, Noivern uses its big wings to block the Meteor Assault before letting the Dragon Pulse loose and making a clean hit.


As Sirfetch'd is {{status|Recharging|unable to move}} after using Meteor Assault, Ash decides to [[recall]] it and send out {{AP|Dracovish}} in its place. Noivern goes for a Super Fang, which Dracovish counters with {{m|Ice Fang}}. Both attacks hit their mark, cutting Dracovish's [[HP|stamina]] in half and dealing a {{DL|Type|Type effectiveness|super effective}} hit on Noivern, forcing Drasna to make her own recall and send out Altaria. Similar to how it was [[JN103|attracted by Sirfetch'd's leek]], Dracovish now gets excited at seeing the swaying plumes on Altaria's head and charges forward without an attack command. While momentarily flustered, Ash decides to go with it and orders an Ice Fang, which, however, ends up being almost completely nullified by Altaria's {{m|Cotton Guard}}. Bonnie notes that Drasna's defensive strategies were also what doomed her big brother's match against her, a fact that Clemont pleads Bonnie not to remind him of.
As Sirfetch'd is [[Recharge|unable to move]] after using Meteor Assault, Ash decides to [[recall]] it and send out {{AP|Dracovish}} in its place. Noivern goes for a Super Fang, which Dracovish counters with {{m|Ice Fang}}. Both attacks hit their mark, cutting Dracovish's [[HP|stamina]] in half and dealing a {{DL|Type|Type effectiveness|super effective}} hit on Noivern, forcing Drasna to make her own recall and send out Altaria. Similar to how it was [[JN103|attracted by Sirfetch'd's leek]], Dracovish now gets excited at seeing the swaying plumes on Altaria's head and charges forward without an attack command. While momentarily flustered, Ash decides to go with it and orders an Ice Fang, which, however, ends up being almost completely nullified by Altaria's {{m|Cotton Guard}}. Bonnie notes that Drasna's defensive strategies were also what doomed her big brother's match against her, a fact that Clemont pleads Bonnie not to remind him of.


Drasna decides to unleash her full power and reveals the [[Key Stone]] on her wrist. Reacting with Altaria's [[Altarianite]], the Key Stone triggers the [[Mega Evolution]] process and turns Altaria into Mega Altaria. Drasna orders a {{m|Sky Attack}}, easily avoiding a {{m|Fishious Rend}} while the attack is charging and then outspeeding an Ice Fang to deal big [[damage]] on Dracovish, fully utilizing the increased speed and power provided by Mega Evolution. Altaria follows up with a {{m|Play Rough}}, and Dracovish is too mesmerized by the softness of Altaria's plumage to fight back. As Dracovish is freed from the attack, Ash's eyes focus on Altaria's plumes, giving him an idea. He has Dracovish drench Altaria with a powerful {{m|Water Gun}}, leaving its plumes soaking wet and canceling out an attempted Sky Attack. Seizing the chance, Ash tells Dracovish to attack with a {{m|Dragon Rush}}. Clemont tries to tell Ash to stop, but it's too late, and the attack goes off, only for it to do absolutely nothing. While Altaria shakes itself dry, Drasna reveals that Mega Evolution turns Altaria into a {{2t|Dragon|Fairy}} type, meaning that Dragon-type moves are now useless against it.
Drasna decides to unleash her full power and reveals the [[Key Stone]] on her wrist. Reacting with Altaria's [[Altarianite]], the Key Stone triggers the [[Mega Evolution]] process and turns Altaria into Mega Altaria. Drasna orders a {{m|Sky Attack}}, easily avoiding a {{m|Fishious Rend}} while the attack is charging and then outspeeding an Ice Fang to deal big [[damage]] on Dracovish, fully utilizing the increased speed and power provided by Mega Evolution. Altaria follows up with a {{m|Play Rough}}, and Dracovish is too mesmerized by the softness of Altaria's plumage to fight back. As Dracovish is freed from the attack, Ash's eyes focus on Altaria's plumes, giving him an idea. He has Dracovish drench Altaria with a powerful {{m|Water Gun}}, leaving its plumes soaking wet and canceling out an attempted Sky Attack. Seizing the chance, Ash tells Dracovish to attack with a {{m|Dragon Rush}}. Clemont tries to tell Ash to stop, but it's too late, and the attack goes off, only for it to do absolutely nothing. While Altaria shakes itself dry, Drasna reveals that Mega Evolution turns Altaria into a {{2t|Dragon|Fairy}} type, meaning that Dragon-type moves are now useless against it.


Following a clash between {{m|Breaking Swipe}} and Ice Fang, which deals damage to both sides, Ash sees that Dracovish is getting tired, so he recalls it and sends Sirfetch'd back out. To everyone's surprise, Dracovish suddenly reemerges from its {{i|Poké Ball}}, eager to cheer for Sirfetch'd. Ash agrees to this and lets Dracovish stay out for moral support. Sirfetch'd meets Altaria's second Breaking Swipe with a Meteor Assault, resulting in an explosion. When the smoke clears, Altaria falls down onto the battlefield and reverts to its regular form, showing that it is [[Fainting|unable to battle]]. However, as Sirfetch'd is being congratulated, it also collapses, likewise unable to continue after spending the last of its power on the Meteor Assault. Wikstrom sheds tears of joy at witnessing Sirfetch'd's chivalrous spirit as Ash recalls his Pokémon, only for it, like Dracovish before, immediately come back out to cheer for its friend.
Following a clash between {{m|Breaking Swipe}} and Ice Fang, which deals damage to both sides, Ash sees that Dracovish is getting tired, so he recalls it and sends Sirfetch'd back out. To everyone's surprise, Dracovish suddenly reemerges from its {{i|Poké Ball}}, eager to cheer for Sirfetch'd. Ash agrees to this and lets Dracovish stay out for moral support. Sirfetch'd meets Altaria's second Breaking Swipe with a Meteor Assault, resulting in an explosion. When the smoke clears, Altaria falls down onto the battlefield and reverts to its regular form, showing that it is [[Fainting|unable to battle]]. However, as Sirfetch'd is being congratulated, it also collapses, likewise unable to continue after spending the last of its power on the Meteor Assault. Wikstrom sheds tears of joy at witnessing Sirfetch'd's chivalrous spirit as Ash recalls his Pokémon, only for it, like Dracovish before, to immediately come back out to cheer for its friend.


Drasna calls out her Noivern, admitting that Ash has pushed her farther than she could have ever anticipated, but now it is time to finish the match. Noivern uses Dragon Pulse, which overpowers Dracovish's Dragon Rush and pushes it back. Keeping up her relentless assault, Drasna orders a Boomburst, which pins the already battered Dracovish to the ground, battlefield debris continuously smashing into the {{pkmn|category|Fossil Pokémon}}. However, with Ash and Sirfetch'd cheering it on, Dracovish is able to muster its strength and stand back up again. Another collision of Dragon Pulse and Dragon Rush ensues, with both sides giving it their all as a big explosion covers the battlefield. The smoke clears to show Noivern and Dracovish staring each other down, until Noivern collapses. The Drone Rotom rules Noivern unable to battle and declares that Ash has emerged victorious against the [[Elite Four]] member. As Ash celebrates his victory and congratulates both of his Pokémon, his ranking is updated, rising from 15 to 9, meaning that he's now at the top of the Ultra Class and only a step away from the Master Class.
Drasna calls out her Noivern, admitting that Ash has pushed her farther than she could have ever anticipated, but now it is time to finish the match. Noivern uses Dragon Pulse, which overpowers Dracovish's Dragon Rush and pushes it back. Keeping up her relentless assault, Drasna orders a Boomburst, which pins the already battered Dracovish to the ground, battlefield debris continuously smashing into the {{pkmn|category|Fossil Pokémon}}. However, with Ash and Sirfetch'd cheering it on, Dracovish is able to muster its strength and stand back up again. Another collision of Dragon Pulse and Dragon Rush ensues, with both sides giving it their all as a big explosion covers the battlefield. The smoke clears to show Noivern and Dracovish staring each other down, until Noivern collapses. The Drone Rotom rules Noivern unable to battle and declares that Ash has emerged victorious against the [[Elite Four]] member. As Ash celebrates his victory and congratulates both of his Pokémon, his ranking is updated, rising from 15 to 9, meaning that he's now at the top of the Ultra Class and only a step away from the Master Class.


Later, Ash and {{ashfr}} meet up with Drasna and Wikstrom outside the stadium. Drasna congratulates Ash on his performance and warns him that the battles are going to get even harder from this point on. Both she and Wikstrom assure that they'll be cheering for him. Seeing how strong and responsible Drasna is, Bonnie suddenly falls on her knee and asks her to marry her brother. Drasna is left flustered and blushing by this offer, while Clemont, thoroughly embarrassed by his sister's {{cat|Anime running gags|usual antics}}, picks Bonnie up with his [[Clemontic Gear|Aipom Arm]] and drags her away.
Later, Ash and {{ashfr}} meet up with Drasna and Wikstrom outside the stadium. Drasna congratulates Ash on his performance and warns him that the battles are going to get even harder from this point on. Both she and Wikstrom assure that they'll be cheering for him. Seeing how strong and responsible Drasna is, Bonnie suddenly falls on her knee and asks her to marry her brother. Drasna is left flustered and blushing by this offer, while Clemont, thoroughly embarrassed by his sister's {{cat|Animated series running gags|usual antics}}, picks Bonnie up with his [[Clemontic Gear|Aipom Arm]] and drags her away.


==Major events==
==Major events==
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===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
<!--[[File:WTP JN104.png|thumb|200px|Who's That Pokémon?]]-->
<!--[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Pokémon}}-->
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Dedenne}} ({{OP|Clemont|Dedenne}})
* {{p|Dedenne}} ({{OP|Clemont|Dedenne}})
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:JN104 AS.png|175px|thumb|The "After the story" artwork for this episode]]
* [[Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!]]: {{p|Noivern}}
* [[Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!]]: {{p|Noivern}}
* This episode, along with the [[JN103|previous one]], marks the 25th anniversary of the {{pkmn|anime}}.
* This episode, along with the [[JN103|previous one]], marks the 25th anniversary of the {{pkmn|anime}}.
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* [[Wikstrom]]'s relationship with [[Ash's Sirfetch'd]] may be a [[List of cross-canon references|reference]] to [[Pokémon Masters EX]], where he can mention {{p|Sirfetch'd}} in his [[Pokémon Center]] dialogue.
* [[Wikstrom]]'s relationship with [[Ash's Sirfetch'd]] may be a [[List of cross-canon references|reference]] to [[Pokémon Masters EX]], where he can mention {{p|Sirfetch'd}} in his [[Pokémon Center]] dialogue.
* This episode marks the first time Ash has an official battle at the site of a {{pkmn|League Conference}} from a previous [[series]].
* This episode marks the first time Ash has an official battle at the site of a {{pkmn|League Conference}} from a previous [[series]].
* This episode marks the first time Ash has defeated an [[Elite Four]] member.
* This is Ash's only [[World Coronation Series]] battle after advancing to the Ultra Class where he doesn't utilize [[Mega Evolution]], [[Z-Move]]s, or [[Dynamax]].
** This is also Ash's only World Coronation Series battle against an [[Elite Four]] member.
* This episode marks the first time Ash has defeated an Elite Four member.
* As of this episode, [[Siebold]] is the only member of the [[Kalos]] Elite Four whom Ash hasn’t met.
* As of this episode, [[Siebold]] is the only member of the [[Kalos]] Elite Four whom Ash hasn’t met.
* This episode marks the last speaking appearance of {{an|Clemont}} and {{an|Bonnie}}.
* The English dub title is a play on the phrase "taking one for the team".
* The English dub title is a play on the phrase "taking one for the team".
* [[Lisia]], [[Chloe]], Goh, Ash, and Pikachu narrate the preview for the [[JN105|next episode]].
* [[Lisia]], [[Chloe]], Goh, Ash, and Pikachu narrate the preview for the [[JN105|next episode]].


===Errors===
===Errors===
===Dub edits===


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=D5598C|bordercolor=00A1E9
{{Epilang|color=D5598C|bordercolor=00A1E9
|ar={{tt|!إثنان للفريق|Two for the team!}}
|bn={{tt|টিমের রক্ষায় দুই অনুগত!|Two Loyal to Protect the Team!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|高级级！VS四天王朵拉塞娜！！|Ultra Class! VS Elite Four Drasna!!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|高级级！VS四天王朵拉塞娜！！|Ultra Class! VS Elite Four Drasna!!}}
|zh_yue={{tt|高級級，對戰四天王朵拉塞娜|Ultra Class, Versus Elite Four Drasna}}
|cs={{tt|Teprve dva jsou tým!|It takes two to have a team!}}
|fi={{tt|Uhrauksia useammankin edestä!|Sacrifices for the many!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Un duo électrisant !|An Electrifying Duo!}}
|he={{tt|!נלחמים למען הצוות|Fighting for the team!}}
|hi={{tt|बैटल में हुआ, डबल धमाका! ''Battle me hua, Double Dhamaka!''|Double Explosion in the Battle!}}
|it={{tt|Per il bene della squadra!|For the team's sake!}}
|da={{tt|To for holdet!|Two for the team!}}
|nl={{tt|Met z’n tweeën voor het team!|Two for the Team!}}
|de={{tt|Zwei Pokémon, ein Team!|Two Pokémon, one Team!}}
|pl={{tt|Dwa Pokémony, jeden zespół!|Two Pokémon, one Team!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Dois é melhor do que um!|Two is better than one!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Dois é melhor do que um!|Two is better than one!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Formando un equipo de dos!|Forming a team of two!}}
|sv={{tt|Två blir ett lag!|Two make a team!}}
|ta={{tt|டீம்க்கு தேர்வான இருவர்!|Two selected for the Team!}}
|te={{tt|ఇద్దరి తో ఢీ టీమ్ కోసం!|For the Team with Two!}}{{tt|*|Written title}}<br>{{tt| ఒక జట్టు కి ఇద్దరు !|Two for a Team!}}{{tt|*|Spoken title}}
}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=JN103 |
prevcode=JN103 |
prevtitle=The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy! |
prevtitle=The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy! |
nextcode=JN105 |
nextcode=JN105 |
<!--nexttitle= |-->
nexttitle=Reuniting for the First Time! |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
colorscheme=Galar}}
colorscheme=Galar}}
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[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Hiromasa Amano]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Hiromasa Amano]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rokusuke Okimitsu]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rokusuke Okimitsu]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaya Onishi]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaya Ōnishi]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Chiaki Kurakazu]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Chiaki Kurakazu]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Hiromi Niioka]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Hiromi Niioka]]
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[[Category:Milestone episodes]]
[[Category:Milestone episodes]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character leaves the group]]
[[Category:Episodes featuring Elite Four members]]
[[Category:Episodes featuring Elite Four members]]
[[Category:Episodes with World Coronation Series matches]]
[[Category:Episodes with World Coronation Series matches]]
<!--[[Category:Episodes which aired in Canada before the United States]]-->
[[Category:Episodes which aired in Canada before the United States]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in Australia before the United States]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in South Africa before the United States]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in the United Kingdom before the United States]]


[[de:Hyper Class! VS Shitennō Dorasena!!]]
[[de:Zwei Pokémon, ein Team!]]
[[es:EP1193]]
[[es:EP1193]]
[[fr:LV104]]
[[fr:LV104]]

Latest revision as of 05:22, 3 September 2024

← JN103 : The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
JN105 : Reuniting for the First Time! →
Taking Two For The Team!
JN104.png
JN104   EP1189
ハイパークラス！VS四天王ドラセナ！！
Hyper Class! VS Dracaena of The Big Four!!
First broadcast
Japan April 1, 2022
United States February 24, 2023
English themes
Opening With You
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening １・２・３
Ending バツグンタイプ
Credits
Animation Team Kato
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 尼野浩正 Hiromasa Amano
Assistant director 興満録助 Rokusuke Okimitsu
Animation directors 大西雅也 Masaya Ōnishi
倉員千晶 Chiaki Kurakazu
新岡浩美 Hiromi Niioka
Additional credits

Taking Two For The Team! (Japanese: ハイパークラス！VS四天王ドラセナ！！ Hyper Class! VS Dracaena of The Big Four!!) is the 104th episode of Pokémon Journeys: The Series, and the 1,189th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on April 1, 2022 as a one-hour special alongside JN103, in Canada on August 27, 2022, in Australia on October 4, 2022, in South Africa on November 1, 2022, in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2022, and in the United States on February 24, 2023.

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

Blurb

The Pokémon World Coronation Series is in full swing! After training with his old friend Clemont, Ash is ready to battle with Dracovish and Sirfetch’d by his side. They’re facing Drasna of the Kalos Elite Four. She may seem sweet, but she’s totally serious about victory! As the battle progresses, Drasna becomes increasingly impressed with Ash and his Pokémon, and both sides show off intense moves. It doesn’t look good for Ash when Drasna has her Altaria Mega Evolve, but as usual, our hero comes up with a strategy to propel himself to victory and raise his Ultra Class ranking to ninth place!

Plot

At the Kalos League stadium in Lumiose City, Ash is preparing for his World Coronation Series battle against Drasna when Wikstrom unexpectedly enters the room to greet him. He notices that Ash's Farfetch'd has evolved and stops to admire Sirfetch'd for a moment. Drasna then enters the room as well and greets Ash with her partner Pokémon, Altaria. Ash grows nervous around Drasna's presence and shakes her hand. During said handshake, Drasna drops her gentle demeanor and squeezes Ash's hand while, under no uncertain terms, making it clear that she intends to put a stop to his winning streak. Both Ash and Wikstrom are left startled as Drasna leaves the room, musing that she's going to have fun in today's battle.

Both Ash and Drasna enter the battlefield as Clemont, Bonnie, and Goh watch from the audience. Goh notes Drasna's pleasant smile, but Clemont assures him that it's just a facade. Bonnie can attest to that, since her big brother has actually faced Drasna in battle and was utterly defeated by her. Clemont, visibly embarrassed, tells his sister to not remind him of his disgrace. The Drone Rotom gives the signal, and the competitors choose their first Pokémon: Sirfetch'd and Noivern. Drasna makes the first move by ordering a Super Fang, but Sirfetch'd uses its shield to block the attack before striking back with Brutal Swing. Noivern follows up with a Boomburst, which is strong enough to send pieces of the battlefield flying. One of these pieces strikes the shield out of Sirfetch'd's grip, leaving it open for a Dragon Pulse as it tries to retrieve it. The Dragon Pulse also knocks Sirfetch'd's leek sword away, leaving it with nothing to defend itself with as another Boomburst batters the battlefield. The powerful sound waves send pieces of debris and Sirfetch'd's sword and shield flying, so Ash tells Sirfetch'd to use the debris as footing to retrieve its weapons. Sirfetch'd succeeds in this and launches into a Meteor Assault as Noivern starts charging for a Dragon Pulse. In a surprising move, Noivern uses its big wings to block the Meteor Assault before letting the Dragon Pulse loose and making a clean hit.

As Sirfetch'd is unable to move after using Meteor Assault, Ash decides to recall it and send out Dracovish in its place. Noivern goes for a Super Fang, which Dracovish counters with Ice Fang. Both attacks hit their mark, cutting Dracovish's stamina in half and dealing a super effective hit on Noivern, forcing Drasna to make her own recall and send out Altaria. Similar to how it was attracted by Sirfetch'd's leek, Dracovish now gets excited at seeing the swaying plumes on Altaria's head and charges forward without an attack command. While momentarily flustered, Ash decides to go with it and orders an Ice Fang, which, however, ends up being almost completely nullified by Altaria's Cotton Guard. Bonnie notes that Drasna's defensive strategies were also what doomed her big brother's match against her, a fact that Clemont pleads Bonnie not to remind him of.

Drasna decides to unleash her full power and reveals the Key Stone on her wrist. Reacting with Altaria's Altarianite, the Key Stone triggers the Mega Evolution process and turns Altaria into Mega Altaria. Drasna orders a Sky Attack, easily avoiding a Fishious Rend while the attack is charging and then outspeeding an Ice Fang to deal big damage on Dracovish, fully utilizing the increased speed and power provided by Mega Evolution. Altaria follows up with a Play Rough, and Dracovish is too mesmerized by the softness of Altaria's plumage to fight back. As Dracovish is freed from the attack, Ash's eyes focus on Altaria's plumes, giving him an idea. He has Dracovish drench Altaria with a powerful Water Gun, leaving its plumes soaking wet and canceling out an attempted Sky Attack. Seizing the chance, Ash tells Dracovish to attack with a Dragon Rush. Clemont tries to tell Ash to stop, but it's too late, and the attack goes off, only for it to do absolutely nothing. While Altaria shakes itself dry, Drasna reveals that Mega Evolution turns Altaria into a Dragon/Fairy type, meaning that Dragon-type moves are now useless against it.

Following a clash between Breaking Swipe and Ice Fang, which deals damage to both sides, Ash sees that Dracovish is getting tired, so he recalls it and sends Sirfetch'd back out. To everyone's surprise, Dracovish suddenly reemerges from its Poké Ball, eager to cheer for Sirfetch'd. Ash agrees to this and lets Dracovish stay out for moral support. Sirfetch'd meets Altaria's second Breaking Swipe with a Meteor Assault, resulting in an explosion. When the smoke clears, Altaria falls down onto the battlefield and reverts to its regular form, showing that it is unable to battle. However, as Sirfetch'd is being congratulated, it also collapses, likewise unable to continue after spending the last of its power on the Meteor Assault. Wikstrom sheds tears of joy at witnessing Sirfetch'd's chivalrous spirit as Ash recalls his Pokémon, only for it, like Dracovish before, to immediately come back out to cheer for its friend.

Drasna calls out her Noivern, admitting that Ash has pushed her farther than she could have ever anticipated, but now it is time to finish the match. Noivern uses Dragon Pulse, which overpowers Dracovish's Dragon Rush and pushes it back. Keeping up her relentless assault, Drasna orders a Boomburst, which pins the already battered Dracovish to the ground, battlefield debris continuously smashing into the Fossil Pokémon. However, with Ash and Sirfetch'd cheering it on, Dracovish is able to muster its strength and stand back up again. Another collision of Dragon Pulse and Dragon Rush ensues, with both sides giving it their all as a big explosion covers the battlefield. The smoke clears to show Noivern and Dracovish staring each other down, until Noivern collapses. The Drone Rotom rules Noivern unable to battle and declares that Ash has emerged victorious against the Elite Four member. As Ash celebrates his victory and congratulates both of his Pokémon, his ranking is updated, rising from 15 to 9, meaning that he's now at the top of the Ultra Class and only a step away from the Master Class.

Later, Ash and his friends meet up with Drasna and Wikstrom outside the stadium. Drasna congratulates Ash on his performance and warns him that the battles are going to get even harder from this point on. Both she and Wikstrom assure that they'll be cheering for him. Seeing how strong and responsible Drasna is, Bonnie suddenly falls on her knee and asks her to marry her brother. Drasna is left flustered and blushing by this offer, while Clemont, thoroughly embarrassed by his sister's usual antics, picks Bonnie up with his Aipom Arm and drags her away.

Major events

Ash facing Drasna
For a list of all major events in the animated series, please see the history page.

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Main series debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Trivia

The "After the story" artwork for this episode

Errors

Dub edits

In other languages



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Pokémon Journeys: The Series
JN105 : Reuniting for the First Time! →
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