DP128: Difference between revisions

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m (Some of the things that occured in the episode were not written here. Also Brandon asked Paul if this battle was his true battle before complimenting how Paul raises and trains his Pokemon.)
m (Text replacement - "episode of the Pokémon anime" to "episode of the Pokémon animated series")
 
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nextcode=DP129 |
nextcode=DP129 |
nexttitle= Pillars of Friendship! |
nexttitle= Pillars of Friendship! |
series=Diamond & Pearl series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl |
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
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en_op=[[Battle Cry - (Stand Up!)]] |
en_op=[[Battle Cry - (Stand Up!)]] |
ja_op=[[High Touch!|ハイタッチ!]] |
ja_op=[[High Touch!|ハイタッチ!]] |
ja_ed=[[Get Fired up, Spiky-eared Pichu!|もえよ ギザみみピチュー!]] |
ja_ed=[[Get Fired Up, Spiky-eared Pichu!|もえよ ギザみみピチュー!]] |
olmteam=Team Iguchi |
olmteam=Team Iguchi |
scenario=冨岡淳広 |
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epstaffpage=DP121-DP130 |
epstaffpage=DP121-DP130 |
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|dp|128}}
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|dp|128}}
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'''A Pyramiding Rage!''' (Japanese: '''バトルピラミッド!シンジVSジンダイ!!''' ''Battle Pyramid! {{tt|Shinji|Paul}} VS {{tt|Jindai|Brandon}}!!'') is the 128th episode of the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, and the 594th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on May 21, 2009 and aired in the United States on October 17, 2009.
'''A Pyramiding Rage!''' (Japanese: '''バトルピラミッド!シンジVSジンダイ!!''' ''Battle Pyramid! {{tt|Shinji|Paul}} VS {{tt|Jindai|Brandon}}!!'') is the 128th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'', and the 594th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on May 21, 2009 and aired in the United States on October 17, 2009.
 
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}
==Synopsis==
The episode picks up right after [[DP127|the previous one]] with [[Paul]] challenging [[Candice]] to a [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}}, but Candice tells Paul that her Pokémon need to rest after the battle against {{Ash}} and would like to reschedule for tomorrow. As Paul agrees and begins to leave, Ash shows off the {{badge|Icicle}} and asks Paul how many more he has gotten, but Paul brushes him off and walks away. {{an|Dawn}} tells [[Zoey]] that Paul is Ash's [[rival]] while Candice notices how fierce this rivalry is compared to Dawn and Zoey.


As night falls on the [[Pokémon Center]], Zoey learns that Paul was {{AP|Chimchar}}'s [[Original Trainer|original]] {{pkmn|Trainer}} and how Ash and Paul contrast so much. Dawn notices that Ash is missing as outside [[Paul's Magmar]] and {{TP|Paul|Electabuzz}} {{pkmn|training|train}}, Magmar firing {{m|Flamethrower}} at Electabuzz and towards the sky. Ash meets up with Paul and mentions how {{AP|Grotle}} perfected the defense strategy [[Paul's Torterra]] [[DP100|taught it]] and wanting to thank Torterra, but Paul recalls {{cat|Paul's Pokémon|his Pokémon}} and heads inside, criticizing Ash for using a {{type2|Grass}} Pokémon against an {{type2|Ice}} Gym Leader. Before he can get inside, Zoey confronts him, but Dawn holds her back. Paul heads inside without another word as Zoey hopes that Candice wipes him out in the battle.
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/tv-episodes/season-12/episode-23-12_23-a-pyramiding-rage/-->
<i>Not long after Ash won his Icicle Badge at the Snowpoint Gym, his rival Paul challenged Gym Leader Candice to a battle! Once the match is set for the next day, Paul silently walks away. But he’s not alone for long—his big brother Reggie is in town, and once Reggie stops to talk to Paul, Ash and his friends catch up too! To top it all off, the Battle Pyramid flies right over their heads. Ash has already beaten this Kanto Battle Frontier facility, but Reggie admits he lost his own Battle Pyramid challenge.
 
Brandon, the Battle Pyramid King, is here to meet Maria, a maiden from the Snowpoint Temple. Paul has other ideas: he challenges Brandon to a battle, and Brandon accepts! Paul was a novice Trainer when he witnessed Reggie’s defeat at the Battle Pyramid, and it made a deep impression on him. Now he’s determined to beat Brandon in a full 6-on-6 battle and do what his brother couldn’t! Faced with Brandon’s Regirock, Paul swaps his Magmar out for Hariyama, but Regirock easily defeats Hariyama and then Electabuzz. Brandon sends in Registeel so Paul sends in Magmar, but Magmar isn’t even making a dent on Registeel. Paul switches in Nidoking instead, and Registeel scores an easy win.
 
Paul is quickly losing his cool; once Brandon’s Regice wipes the floor with Paul’s Lairon and then paralyzes Paul’s Ursaring, Paul gives up and lets Brandon’s Regirock knock his Ursaring out. Magmar is all Paul has left, but Regirock easily defeats Magmar too. Brandon is disappointed, but he promises they’ll battle again once Paul learns to control his emotions. As everyone files out of the Pyramid, Reggie suggests that Paul should battle Ash, and Brandon thinks it’s a good idea. The two rivals will battle in 10 days’ time—but just as that’s decided, Maria rushes up in a panic. Something terrible has happened at the Snowpoint Temple!</i>


The next day, [[Reggie]] drives by in a van when he notices Paul outside the Center. He pulls over and greets his brother. Inside, Ash and {{ashfr|his friends}} notice Reggie as Dawn fills Zoey in. They head outside and greet Reggie, who mentions that he just dropped off a [[Pokémon]] he was caring for. Ash mentions that he won at the {{ci|Snowpoint}} [[Snowpoint Gym|Gym]]. Reggie congratulates him and asks Paul if he can watch the match, which Paul allows. Zoey notices how Paul contrasts to his brother as much as to Ash. A shock wave gets everyone's attention as a huge shadow passes by, everyone looking up and spotting the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Pyramid}}. Ash identifies it, getting Reggie and Paul's attention. Paul is even more shocked at the fact that Ash [[AG190|conquered it]] and won the [[Brave Symbol]]. [[Team Rocket]] spots the Pyramid from the town while Candice watches from outside her gym.  
==Plot==
Just after {{Ash}} has earned the {{Badge|Icicle}}, [[Paul]] arrives at the [[Snowpoint Gym]] and challenges [[Candice]] to a [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}}. Candice tells Paul that her Pokémon just finished a battle and that they need to rest and asks if he would be okay waiting until tomorrow. As Paul agrees and turns to leave, Ash shows off his latest Badge and asks Paul how many more he has obtained, but Paul rudely brushes him off and walks away. {{an|Dawn}} tells [[Zoey]] that Paul is Ash's [[rival]], while Candice notices how fierce their rivalry is compared to Dawn and Zoey's.


Inside the Pyramid control room, [[Samuel]] relays a streaming video feed from Ash at the Pokémon Center, with Brandon acknowledging their presence. As the Pyramid touches down in a clearing, Reggie drives Ash and his friends to the location. Ash and {{an|Brock}} tell Dawn about the [[Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Frontier]], how there are several facilities spread throughout Kanto and that each is ran by a [[Frontier Brain]], with {{FB|Pyramid King|Brandon}} as the last to defeat and the most powerful of all the Frontier Brains. Brock asks Reggie about the missing Brave Symbol [[DP066|he noticed]] at Reggie's home back in [[Veilstone City]]. Reggie confirms that the Pyramid was the only place he did not win. His usual smile drops into a serious expression, as he remarks that it was also the day he "learned... that I had a lot more to learn." They reach the Pyramid and meet up with Brandon. Brandon greets Reggie warmly, recognizes Brock, and even Paul, which prompts Paul to step forward and challenge Brandon to a battle. Candice arrives on a {{p|Dodrio}} as a jeep pulls up. Candice introduces herself to Brandon and expresses her admiration of the Battle Pyramid. Brandon introduces the woman getting out of the jeep as Temple Maiden [[Maria]]. Brock instantly goes crazy, but {{TP|Brock|Croagunk}} {{m|Poison Jab|calms him}}. Zoey fills everyone in about the [[Snowpoint Temple]] while Team Rocket listens in, Brandon mentioning that the Temple was his reason for coming to Sinnoh. Brandon tells Samuel to go with Maria to the Temple while he battles Paul. Paul reveals his desire to defeat the person his brother couldn't, not caring whether everyone else watches or not.
As night falls on the [[Pokémon Center]], Zoey is surprised to learn that Paul was {{AP|Chimchar}}'s [[original Trainer]], and she remarks on the stark difference between Ash and Paul. Dawn notices that Ash is missing, so they go and look outside. Ash meets up with Paul (who is in the middle of a training session with his {{TP|Paul|Electabuzz}} and {{TP|Paul|Magmar}}) to thank him, mentioning that the defense strategy that [[Paul's Torterra]] [[DP100|taught]] his {{AP|Grotle}} helped out a lot in his Gym battle. Paul stops his training session and [[recall]]s Magmar before heading inside with Electabuzz, criticizing Ash for using a {{type|Grass}} Pokémon against an {{type|Ice}} Gym Leader and relying on what he calls "blind faith". Zoey loses her cool hearing this, angrily going off on Paul for his attitude and superiority complex, forcing Dawn to intervene. Ash attempts to wave Zoey off, but Paul continues inside without another word, leaving Zoey wanting Candice to completely crush him in their Gym battle the following day.


Inside, Brock offers to be the referee but Paul turns it down, declaring the match will be a [[full battle]] with substitutions allowed. Paul summons Magmar as Brandon summons {{DL|Brandon's Regis|Regirock}}. Dawn checks her [[Pokédex]] as Reggie remembers that Paul watched his battle, Regirock being the same lead Pokémon. Reggie recalls the match, he had defeated the other six Frontier Brains and defeating Brandon would allow him to become a Frontier Brain candidate. Paul has just started his Pokémon journey with {{p|Turtwig}} and took time out from his first journey through Sinnoh to travel to Kanto in order to watch Reggie's battle. Despite his best efforts, Brandon defeated Reggie without losing a Pokémon. Paul and his Turtwig were both shocked that Reggie lost to Brandon and was unable to defeat any of his Pokemon. Brandon harshly tells Reggie that while it was an enjoyable battle, there was nothing special or unique about Reggie's battle style, and Brandon finishes by asking Reggie where his inner strength is. Paul took these words to heart, vowing to find his inner strength.  
The next day, after dropping off a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} he was caring for, [[Reggie]] stops by after noticing his younger brother Paul outside the Center. Inside, Ash and {{ashfr}} notice Reggie as Dawn tells Zoey that he is Paul's older brother, before stepping outside to greet him. Reggie asks Paul if he can watch his match against Candice, which Paul allows. Zoey notices that Paul is as much a complete contrast to his brother as he is to Ash. Just then, a huge shock wave and shadow get all of their attention, and they look up to see the [[Battle Pyramid]]. Ash identifies it and reveals to everyone that he [[AG190|conquered it]] and won the [[Symbol|Brave Symbol]], which greatly surprises Paul. {{TRT}} spots the Pyramid from the town, while Candice spots it from outside her Gym.


Paul immediately recalls Magmar which surprises everyone including Brandon since the battle just started. Brock guesses the disadvantage Magmar has against a Rock-type like Regirock must have caused Paul to do that. Paul brings out {{p|Hariyama}}, which Dawn checks. The [[Elemental type|type]] matchup is positive for Paul as Regirock fires {{m|Stone Edge}}, but Hariyama blocks it easily. Paul points out that Rock-type moves won't do that much harm to Fighting-types like Hariyama and asks if this is a test. Brandon smiles and states he will have to see himself. Hariyama charges forward and hits with multiple {{m|Arm Thrust}}s, but Regirock bear hugs Hariyama to stop the Arm Thrusts and uses {{m|Shock Wave}} at close range, causing it to stumble. Brock shows some surprise at how strong Regirock was after being hit with the Arm Thrusts. Hariyama launches a {{m|Force Palm}}, but Regirock moves to the side and throws a {{m|Focus Punch}}, [[fainting|knocking Hariyama out]]. As Paul recalls Hariyama, everyone is impressed at the strength of Regirock. Outside, Team Rocket tries to decide whether to climb the pyramid again or go to the temple. [[Jessie]] and {{MTR}} play rock paper scissors to decide, but it results in a tie.  
Inside the Pyramid control room, [[Samuel]] relays a streaming video feed from Ash at the Pokémon Center, with Brandon pleasantly surprised. As the Pyramid touches down in a clearing, Reggie drives Ash and his friends to the location. Ash and {{an|Brock}} tell Dawn about the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}, and how there are several [[Battle facility|battle facilities]] spread throughout [[Kanto]] and that each is run by a [[Frontier Brain]], with {{an|Brandon}}, the Pyramid King, as the last one to defeat and the most powerful one of them all. After Brock finishes this explanation, Paul is shown seemingly lost in thought. Brock asks Reggie about the missing Brave Symbol [[DP066|he noticed]] at his home back in [[Veilstone City]], after which Paul closes his eyes and seemingly falls deeper into thought. Reggie confirms that the Pyramid was the only facility in which he was unable to achieve victory, before his usual smile drops into a serious expression as he remarks that it was also the day he realized that he had a lot more to learn. The group arrives the Pyramid and meets up with Brandon, who is pleased to see so many familiar faces in Ash, Brock, Reggie, and even Paul, which prompts Paul to step forward and challenge Brandon to a battle right here and now. Candice arrives on a {{p|Dodrio}}, introducing herself to Brandon and expresses her admiration of the Battle Pyramid. As an SUV approaches, Brandon introduces them to Temple Maiden [[Maria]], who Brock gets weak-kneed over, though {{TP|Brock|Croagunk}} {{m|Poison Jab|calms him down}}. Zoey fills everyone in about the [[Snowpoint Temple]] while Team Rocket listens in, Brandon mentioning that the Temple was his reason for coming to [[Sinnoh]]. However, he notices the determination in Paul's eyes and feels obligated to accept his challenge, so he tells Samuel to go with Maria to the Temple, planning to meet up with them once the battle is finished. Paul reveals that his reason for this sudden battle request is because he wishes to fulfill what his brother couldn't, and allows everyone to watch their battle.


Meanwhile, Paul summons Electabuzz. Ash [[DP015|predicts Paul's strategy]] as Electabuzz uses {{m|Brick Break}} to hit. Regirock fires Stone Edge, the attack is so powerful that it even manages to smash through {{m|Protect}} before following up with {{m|Hyper Beam}}. Electabuzz is blasted and taken out with this attack and is recalled. Brandon does the same, which benefits him on not having to deal with Regirock being immobile after firing Hyper Beam. Brandon sends out {{DL|Brandon's Regis|Registeel}} as Paul brings Magmar back out. Magmar hits with a Flamethrower, but Registeel takes it without much falter which surprises Reggie. Registeel launches into an {{m|Iron Head}} and Magmar blocks it, but it {{status|flinching|flinches}}, negating the {{m|Will-O-Wisp}} order Paul gave. Paul recalls Magmar and deploys {{p|Nidoking}}. Registeel fires {{m|Flash Cannon}} which hits Nidoking squarely in the face, but Nidoking uses {{m|Earth Power}} (Brandon showing some surprise of how Nidoking recovered), hitting before launching into {{m|Double Kick}}. Registeel stumbles backwards but quickly recovers, withstanding a hit from Nidoking's {{m|Thunderbolt}} before using Iron Head to knock it out.  
Inside, Brock offers to be the [[Battle judge|referee]], but Paul says that there is no need for one and declares that the match will be a [[Full Battle]] with substitutions allowed. He chooses to lead with {{TP|Paul|Magmar}}, while Brandon chooses {{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Regirock}}, the same Pokémon he started with when battling Reggie. Reggie flashes back to his own battle with Brandon; he had defeated the other six Frontier Brains, and defeating Brandon would allow him to become a Frontier Brain candidate. Paul had just started his [[Pokémon journey]] with his {{p|Turtwig}}, and traveled to Kanto in order to watch Reggie's battle. Despite his best efforts, Reggie lost without defeating a single one of Brandon's Pokémon. Paul and Turtwig were both shocked by Reggie's landslide defeat, and Brandon harshly told Reggie that while it was an enjoyable battle, there was nothing special or unique about his battle style, and finished by asking him where his inner strength is. Paul took these words to heart, and from that point on, he and Turtwig became determined to find their own inner strengths. As the scene switches back to the present, Brock realizes that Paul's obsession with power stems from Reggie's loss against Brandon. Brandon states to Paul he can take on anything he brings, because that is his battling style. Just then, Paul surprises everyone by immediately recalling Magmar before the battle has even started, Brock presuming his reasoning being the type disadvantage that Magmar has against Regirock. As a replacement, Paul sends out {{p|Hariyama}}, while Dawn looks it up on her [[Pokédex]]. Zoey notes that Hariyama is a much better matchup than Magmar against a {{type|Rock}} Pokémon.


Brandon mocks Paul, reminding him that he wanted to defeat the man who defeated Reggie and put an end to his Pokémon journey. Paul tells Brandon that the fact that Brandon defeated Reggie is the only reason why he is battling him now; all he wants is the chance to earn victory against Brandon, which his brother couldn't do. Brandon represents the ultimate challenge to all trainers to find their inner strength and Paul knows what his inner strength is... his will. Brandon chastises Paul for this, telling him he is focusing on the past. He adds that if Paul's this obsessed with what happened to Reggie, he needs to question ''why'' he's on a journey in the first place. This clearly hits a nerve and Paul furiously brings out {{p|Lairon}}.  
The battle begins as Regirock fires {{m|Stone Edge}}, but Hariyama blocks it easily. Paul points out that Rock-type [[move]]s [[Type#Type effectiveness|aren't very effective]] against {{t|Fighting}} types like Hariyama and asks if this is a test, Brandon smiling and replying that he will have to find out. Hariyama charges forward and hits with multiple {{m|Arm Thrust}}s, but Regirock bear hugs Hariyama to stop it in its tracks and uses {{m|Shock Wave}} at close range, causing it a surprising amount of damage. Hariyama recovers and goes in for a {{m|Force Palm}}, but Regirock easily dodges it and throws a {{m|Focus Punch}}, [[fainting|knocking Hariyama out]]. As Paul recalls Hariyama, everyone is impressed at how strong Brandon's Regirock is. Outside, Team Rocket tries to decide whether to climb the Pyramid again or go to the Temple; [[Jessie]] wants to ransack the Temple, {{MTR}} wishes to climb the Pyramid, and [[James]] is impartial. They hit an impasse and cannot agree on which location to pursue, so Jessie and Meowth play rock-paper-scissors to decide, but it results in a tie.


Brandon brings {{DL|Brandon's Regis|Regice}} out as Lairon uses {{m|Iron Defense}}. Regice {{status|frozen|freezes}} Lairon with an {{m|Ice Beam}} before launching {{m|Zap Cannon}}, knocking out Lairon without it being able to attack (as stated by Ash). Paul's emotions grow even more intense as he brings out {{TP|Paul|Ursaring}} and it launches {{m|Hammer Arm}}, however, Regice counters with {{m|Focus Punch}} and a massive backlash is created. Ursaring  prepares to use {{m|Focus Blast}}, but a Zap Cannon stops that attack and {{status|paralysis|paralyzes}} Ursaring (Brock states that Zap Cannon will always paralyze a target if the attack hits). Paul gets even more frustrated and angry at this and Ash notices Paul is not trying to switch out Ursaring. Brandon brings Regirock back out, Stone Edge is fired, and Ursaring is taken out. Reggie notes that Paul did not give any orders to Ursaring, having just given up on Ursaring's chances of winning. Paul brings out Magmar as his last, however with the type-disadvantage and massive difference in strength everyone knows that Paul has already lost the match. Regirock easily endures Magmar's Flamethrower before using a Shock Wave to knock out Magmar, therefore giving Brandon a perfect victory over Paul. Ash feels bad for Paul, who is left shocked and upset at being totally defeated in front of his brother and peers. Brandon, recalling Regirock, asks if the battle Paul just had was his true battle. He commends Paul on a good battle and raising and training his Pokémon very well, but instructs him to control his emotions next time. Paul silently accepts this, bowing to his elder.
Meanwhile, Paul sends out Electabuzz and smiles. Although this choice confuses everyone else, Ash [[DP015|predicts Paul's strategy]] as Electabuzz uses {{m|Brick Break}} to cause Regirock super-effective [[damage]]. However, Regirock shows no signs of letting up and fires Stone Edge, and Electabuzz {{m|Protect}}s itself. However, the attack is so powerful that it breaks through the barrier and knocks Electabuzz down, which angers Paul, before Regirock follows up with a {{m|Hyper Beam}} that takes Electabuzz out. Paul recalls Electabuzz before Brandon recalls Regirock as well, which benefits him on not having to deal with Hyper Beam's secondary [[Recharge|immobilization effect]]. Brandon replaces it with {{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Registeel}}, and Paul sends Magmar back out. Magmar lands a Flamethrower, but to everyone's amazement, Registeel takes the super-effective attack without much falter, before launching an {{m|Iron Head}} attack. Paul commands Magmar to block it and use {{m|Will-O-Wisp}}, but Magmar fails to block the attack and ends up [[flinch]]ing. Irritated, Paul recalls Magmar and deploys {{p|Nidoking}}. Dawn, after looking Nidoking up on her Pokédex, is confused as to why Paul chose a {{type|Poison}} Pokémon due to the {{t|Steel}} type's immunity to Poison attacks. Zoey replies that Nidoking is also a {{t|Ground}} type, whose moves are super-effective on Steel types. Registeel fires a {{m|Flash Cannon}} that hits Nidoking squarely in the face, but Nidoking recovers and successfully counterattacks with {{m|Earth Power}} and {{m|Double Kick}}, which are enough to cause Registeel to stumble backwards, but not defeat it. Nidoking launches a {{m|Thunderbolt}}, but Registeel uses Iron Head to absorb the Thunderbolt and hit Nidoking, knocking him out.


Outside, Team Rocket is still split on deciding where to go as James notices Ash and his friends exiting. Outside, Paul still plans to challenge Candice as Candice challenges Zoey to a battle. Candice and Zoey get on Dodrio as Candice wishes Dawn good luck in her next {{pkmn|Contest}} before leaving. Paul starts to leave but Reggie asks if Ash and Paul can have a full battle. Brandon agrees with the idea as both Ash and Paul agree to battle, Reggie setting the event at [[Lake Acuity]] in [[DP131|10 days]]. Reggie and Paul leave in Reggie's van as Samuel and Maria arrive, telling Brandon that a situation has occurred at the temple.
Brandon begins to taunt Paul, reminding him that he wanted to defeat the man who defeated his brother and put an end to his Pokémon journey. After recalling Nidoking, Paul tells Brandon that it is specifically because he defeated his brother that he is battling him now; Brandon's ultimate challenge for all Pokémon Trainers is to find their true inner strength, which was something that Reggie was unable to fulfill, but Paul yells that he is different from his brother in that he is already aware of his true inner strength; his will. Up in the stands, Ash watches in complete shock and disbelief at his rival's tantrum and furious state. Brandon chastises Paul, telling him he is dwelling too much on the past and questioning why he is on a journey in the first place. This clearly hits a nerve and Paul furiously sends out his {{p|Lairon}}, which Dawn proceeds to look up on her Pokédex.
 
Brandon recalls Registeel and brings {{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Regice}} out. Paul has Lairon use {{m|Iron Defense}}, with Reggie guessing that Paul must want to hang in there and wait for a chance to counterstrike. However, his efforts are futile as Regice {{status|freeze}}s Lairon with an {{m|Ice Beam}}, before launching a {{m|Zap Cannon}} that knocks Lairon out before it could even attack once. Paul is clearly destabilized and furiously sends out {{TP|Paul|Ursaring}} after recalling Lairon. Ursaring goes in for a {{m|Hammer Arm}} and Regice counters with a {{m|Focus Punch}}, creating a massive backlash that knocks both Pokémon backwards. Ursaring prepares to use {{m|Focus Blast}}, but Regice uses Zap Cannon before it can launch the attack, {{status|Paralysis|paralyzing}} it. Paul grows so angry that he gives up on Ursaring, refusing to give it any commands or even recall it. Brandon substitutes Regice for Regirock and has it fire a Stone Edge, and Ursaring is taken out. Paul sends out his last Pokémon, Magmar, but with the type disadvantage and massive difference in strength, everyone knows that Paul is in checkmate at this point. Regirock easily endures Magmar's Flamethrower attack before knocking it out with Shock Wave, therefore giving Brandon a perfect 6-0 victory over Paul. This crushing defeat leaves the normally stoical Paul utterly stupefied, while Ash is dumbstruck at how completely Paul was defeated. Paul regains his composure and silently recalls Magmar, listening with closed eyes as Brandon asks him if the way he battled today is his true battle. At these words, Reggie looks at Paul with intense care. Brandon acknowledges that Paul has done well raising and training his Pokémon, but notes that he allowed his emotions to consume him during the battle, which negatively influenced his decisions. Brandon tells Paul that they will battle again one day when he has learned to discipline himself. Paul silently accepts this and bows solemnly.
 
Outside, Team Rocket is still split on deciding where to go as James notices Ash and his friends exiting. Outside, Paul decides to postpone his challenge against Candice, so she decides that she and Zoey should have a battle and they leave for the Snowpoint Gym. Paul prepares to leave also, but Reggie stops him and asks if he would be willing to have a Full Battle against Ash, which surprises the both of them. Brandon concurs with this suggestion, thinking that it will offer invaluable experience to both Trainers, so Reggie sets the event at [[Lake Acuity]] in [[DP131|ten days]]. The brothers then leave in Reggie's van as Samuel and Maria arrive, telling Brandon that a situation has occurred at the Snowpoint Temple.


==Major events==
==Major events==
* The group meets up once again with [[Reggie]], who suggests Paul and {{Ash}} have a battle in [[DP131|10 days]].
[[File:Paul and Brandon.png|thumb|220px|Paul facing Brandon]]
* Brandon is challenged by [[Paul]] to a {{pkmn|battle}}, which results in a loss for Paul.
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} meet [[Reggie]] again.
* Paul is revealed to have obtained a {{p|Hariyama}}, a {{p|Nidoking}} and a {{p|Lairon}}.
* [[Paul]] learns that Ash has completed the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III|Kanto Battle Frontier}} [[S09|before]].
* Paul learns that Ash has completed the [[Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Kanto Battle Frontier]].  
* {{an|Brandon}} arrives at [[Snowpoint City]] in order to investigate the [[Snowpoint Temple]].
* Ash and {{an|Brock}} encounter Brandon again, while {{an|Dawn}} meets him for the first time.
* Paul challenges Brandon to a [[Full Battle]], but loses.
* Paul is revealed to have obtained a {{p|Hariyama}}, a {{p|Nidoking}}, and a {{p|Lairon}}.
* Reggie suggests that Paul and Ash should have a Full Battle in [[DP131|ten days]].
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


Line 75: Line 89:
* [[Zoey]]
* [[Zoey]]
* [[Candice]]
* [[Candice]]
* {{FB|Pyramid King|Brandon}}
* [[Noland]] (flashback)
* [[Greta]] (flashback)
* [[Tucker]] (flashback)
* [[Lucy]] (flashback)
* [[Spenser]] (flashback)
* [[Anabel]] (flashback)
* {{an|Brandon}}
* [[Reggie]]
* [[Samuel]]
* [[Samuel]]
* [[Reggie]]
* [[Maria]]
* [[Maria]]
* {{FB|Factory Head|Noland}} (flashback)
* {{FB|Arena Tycoon|Greta}} (flashback)
* {{FB|Dome Ace|Tucker}} (flashback)
* {{FB|Pike Queen|Lucy}} (flashback)
* {{FB|Palace Maven|Spenser}} (flashback)
* {{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}} (flashback)


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
Line 90: Line 104:
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Piplup}} ({{OP|Dawn|Piplup}})
* {{p|Piplup}} ({{OP|Dawn|Piplup}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Mime Jr.}} ({{OP|James|Mime Jr.}})
* {{p|Croagunk}} ({{OP|Brock|Croagunk}})
* {{p|Happiny}} ({{OP|Brock|Happiny}})
* {{p|Happiny}} ({{OP|Brock|Happiny}})
* {{p|Mime Jr.}} ({{OP|James|Mime Jr.}})
* {{p|Turtwig}} ({{OP|Paul|Torterra}}; flashback)
* {{p|Electabuzz}} ({{OP|Paul|Electabuzz}})
* {{p|Electabuzz}} ({{OP|Paul|Electabuzz}})
* {{p|Ursaring}} ({{OP|Paul|Ursaring}})
* {{p|Ursaring}} ({{OP|Paul|Ursaring}})
Line 100: Line 117:
* {{p|Glameow}} ({{OP|Zoey|Glameow}})
* {{p|Glameow}} ({{OP|Zoey|Glameow}})
* {{p|Dodrio}} ([[Candice]]'s)
* {{p|Dodrio}} ([[Candice]]'s)
* {{p|Turtwig}} ({{OP|Paul|Torterra}}; flashback)
* {{p|Articuno}} ({{OP|Noland|Articuno}}; flashback)
* {{p|Regirock}} ({{OP|Brandon|Regis}})
* {{p|Medicham}} ([[Greta]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Registeel}} ({{OP|Brandon|Regis}})
* {{p|Arcanine}} ([[Tucker]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Regice}} ({{OP|Brandon|Regis}})
* {{p|Swampert}} ([[Tucker]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Milotic}} ([[Lucy]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Claydol}} ([[Spenser]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Espeon}} ([[Anabel]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Regirock}} ({{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Regirock|Brandon's}})
* {{p|Registeel}} ({{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Registeel|Brandon's}})
* {{p|Regice}} ({{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Regice|Brandon's}})
* {{p|Drapion}} ([[Reggie]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Drapion}} ([[Reggie]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Articuno}} ({{OP|Noland|Articuno}}; flashback)
* {{p|Medicham}} ({{FB|Arena Tycoon|Greta}}'s; flashback)
* {{p|Arcanine}} ({{FB|Dome Ace|Tucker}}'s; flashback)
* {{p|Swampert}} ({{FB|Dome Ace|Tucker}}'s; flashback)
* {{p|Milotic}} ({{FB|Pike Queen|Lucy}}'s; flashback)
* {{p|Claydol}} ({{FB|Palace Maven|Spenser}}'s; flashback)
* {{p|Espeon}} ({{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}'s; flashback)


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* There is no [[Professor Oak's Pokémon lecture]] following this episode.
* There is no [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Examination]] following this episode.
* This is the first episode starring a [[Frontier Brain]] where [[Scott]] does not appear.
* This is the first episode starring a [[Frontier Brain]] where [[Scott]] does not appear.
** This is also the first time when a Frontier Brain appears after the [[Pokémon: Battle Frontier|Battle Frontier]] season.
** This is also the first time when a Frontier Brain appears after the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} arc.
* This is the first episode in which both Paul and Reggie appear in person together.
* This is the first episode in which both [[Paul]] and [[Reggie]] appear in person together.
* This is the second time when Paul loses a Pokémon match without his opponent losing a single one of his/her Pokémon, the first being against [[Cynthia]] [[DP040|88 episodes back]].
* In ''[[DP132|Evolving Strategies!]]'', four episodes after this one, [[Paul's Ursaring]]'s [[Ability]] is revealed to be {{a|Guts}}, which raises the question of why the Ability didn't activate when Ursaring was {{status|paralysis|paralyzed}} by [[Brandon's legendary giants|Regice]]'s {{m|Zap Cannon}}. It may just be that the Ability didn't get a chance to activate, given how quickly after getting paralyzed Ursaring was [[Fainting|defeated]].
* The [[Sinnoh]] map shown on TV is similar to the one in-game.
* This is the second time where Paul loses a {{pkmn|battle}} without his opponent losing a single one of their Pokémon, the first being against {{an|Cynthia}} [[DP040|88 episodes prior]].
* This episode holds the record for the most amount of Pokédex entries in a single episode, that being five (the Pokémon referenced being {{p|Regirock}}, {{p|Registeel}}, {{p|Hariyama}}, {{p|Nidoking}}, and {{p|Lairon}}).
* If the collision between Regice's {{m|Focus Punch}} and Ursaring's {{m|Hammer Arm}} isn't counted as a hit, all of Paul's Pokémon were knocked out with two hits.
* If collision of Regice's {{m|Focus Punch}} and Ursaring's {{m|Hammer Arm}} isn't counted as a hit, all of Paul's Pokémon were knocked out with two hits.
* {{TRT}} doesn't blast off or recite their {{motto}} in this episode.
* Similarly to the {{pmin|Brazil|Brazilian Portuguese}} [[dub]] of ''[[DP107|Ancient Family Matters!]]'', {{m|Iron Head}} is referred to as both ''Cabeçada de Ferro'' by {{an|Brandon}} and ''Cabeça de Ferro'' by {{an|Brock}} during his explanation of [[flinch|why Paul's Magmar didn't get to use Will-O-Wisp]].


===Errors===
===Errors===
* Regirock's {{m|Stone Edge}} is able to hit Electabuzz through {{m|Protect}}, though nothing except {{m|Feint}} and {{m|Shadow Force}} can do this under normal conditions.
[[File:DP128 error.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu's miscolored tail]]
* During three scenes Zoey's eyes are colored orange.
* When [[Zoey]] mentions that Paul is nothing like his brother, Pikachu's tail turns completely yellow.
* In the Dutch [[dub]] Brandon tells Regirock to use {{m|Rock Smash}} instead of {{m|Stone Edge}}.
* During the cinematic accompaniment of {{an|Brock}} explaining the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}, {{p|Swampert}}'s eyes are colored white instead of orange.
* As Team Rocket listens in on {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}' conversation about the [[Snowpoint Temple]], the sound of {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}}'s Poké Ball opening can be heard despite him already being out.
* In three scenes, [[Zoey]]'s eyes are colored orange instead of red.
* Regirock's {{m|Stone Edge}} is able to hit {{p|Electabuzz}} through {{m|Protect}}, though nothing except {{m|Feint}} and {{m|Shadow Force}} can do this under normal conditions.
* In the English dub, Reggie says that Paul had traveled to Kanto ''after'' he had already started his [[Sinnoh]] journey. This is impossible, since it was confirmed in ''[[DP040|Top-Down Training!]]'' that Paul had journeyed through [[Kanto]] (and [[Johto]] and [[Hoenn]]) ''before'' starting his Sinnoh journey.
* In the {{pmin|the Netherlands|Dutch}} dub, Brandon tells Regirock to use {{m|Rock Smash}} (''Steen Knal'') instead of Stone Edge (''Steen Rand'').
* In the Castilian Spanish dub, the {{t|Steel}} type is referred as the "Iron-type".


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* In the English dub, after {{Ash}} talks about how {{AP|Torterra}}'s help paid off during Grotle's battle at the [[Snowpoint Gym]], Paul responds by saying that Ash shouldn't need Torterra's help if he is serious about the Gym battle. In the original Japanese version, Paul wonders why Ash thought he'd have his Torterra with him, since he is preparing to take on the Snowpoint Gym.
* In the English dub, the Pokédex says that Registeel's body has been tempered underground for thousands of years. In the original Japanese version, it is said to be tens of thousands of years.


== In other languages ==
==In other languages==
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{{Epilang|color=FCC|bordercolor=99F
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|en=
|ar=
|eu=
|bg=
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|zh_cmn={{tt|對戰金字塔!真司對神代!!|Battle Pyramid! Paul vs. Brandon!!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|對戰金字塔!真司對神代!!|Battle Pyramid! Paul vs. Brandon!!}}
|cs=
|cs={{tt|Pyramidální záležitost|Pyramidal matter}}
|da=
|da={{tt|Et pyramidalsk raseri!|A pyramiding rage!}}
|nl={{tt|De strijd piramide!|The Battle Pyramid!}}
|de={{tt|Pyramid-aler Zorn!|Pyramid aler anger!}}
|de={{tt|Pyramid-aler Zorn!|Pyramid aler anger!}}
|nl=
|et=
|fil=
|fi={{tt|Pyramidiraivo!|A pyramid rage!}}
|fi={{tt|Pyramidiraivo!|A pyramid rage!}}
|fr_eu=
|fr_eu={{tt|Glaciales retrouvailles !|Cold reunion !}}
|el=
|he=
|hi=
|hu=
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|it={{tt|Scontro nella Piramide Lotta!|Collision in Battle Pyramid!}}
|it={{tt|Scontro nella Piramide Lotta!|Collision in Battle Pyramid!}}
|ko=
|no={{tt|Et pyramidalt raseri!|A pyramidal rage!}}
|no=
|pl={{tt|Piramidalny gniew|A pyramidal rage}}
|pl={{tt|Piramidalny gniew|A pyramidal rage}}
|pt_br={{tt|Uma pirâmide de Fúria!|A pyramid of Fury!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Uma pirâmide de Fúria!|A pyramid of Fury!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Uma Fúria Piramidal!|A Pyramidal Rage!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Uma Fúria Piramidal!|A Pyramidal Rage!}}
|ro=
|es_eu={{tt|¡Una Rabia Piramidal!|A Pyramiding Rage!}}
|ru=
|es_la={{tt|¡Una Furia Piramidal!|A Pyramiding Rage!}}
|sk=
|sv={{tt|Pyrande ilska!|Glowing anger!}}
|sl=
|ro={{tt|Calmul Învinge Furia|The Calm Beats the Fury}}
|es_eu=
|ru={{tt|Пирамида ярости!|The pyramid of rage!}}
|es_la={{tt|Una furia piramidal|A pyramiding rage!}}
|ko={{tt|배틀 피라미드! 진철 VS 기선!|Battle Pyramid! Paul VS Brandon!}}
|sv=
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nextcode=DP129|
nextcode=DP129|
nexttitle=Pillars of Friendship! |
nexttitle=Pillars of Friendship! |
series=Diamond & Pearl series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl |
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
[[Category:Diamond & Pearl series episodes|128]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka|594]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Masaru Koyama|594]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Toshihito Hirooka|594]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Paul|594]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a legendary Pokémon appears|594]]


[[pl:DP128]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:0594}}
[[pt:DP128]]
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl episodes|128]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Masaru Koyama]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Masaru Koyama]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Masaru Koyama]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Toshihito Hirooka]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Paul]]
[[Category:Episodes with Frontier Brain challenges]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Legendary Pokémon appears]]


[[de:Pyramid-aler Zorn! (Episode)]]
[[de:Pyramid-aler Zorn!]]
[[es:EP597]]
[[fr:DP128]]
[[it:DP128]]
[[ja:DP編第128話]]
[[ja:DP編第128話]]
[[zh:宝可梦 钻石&珍珠 第126集]]

Latest revision as of 05:39, 3 September 2024

DP127 : Sliding Into Seventh!
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
DP129 : Pillars of Friendship!
A Pyramiding Rage!
DP128.png
DP128   EP594
バトルピラミッド!シンジVSジンダイ!!
Battle Pyramid! Shinji VS Jindai!!
First broadcast
Japan May 21, 2009
United States October 17, 2009
English themes
Opening Battle Cry - (Stand Up!)
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening ハイタッチ!
Ending もえよ ギザみみピチュー!
Credits
Animation Team Iguchi
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 小山賢 Masaru Koyama
Assistant director 小山賢 Masaru Koyama
Animation director 広岡歳仁 Toshihito Hirooka
Additional credits

A Pyramiding Rage! (Japanese: バトルピラミッド!シンジVSジンダイ!! Battle Pyramid! Shinji VS Jindai!!) is the 128th episode of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, and the 594th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on May 21, 2009 and aired in the United States on October 17, 2009.

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

Blurb

Not long after Ash won his Icicle Badge at the Snowpoint Gym, his rival Paul challenged Gym Leader Candice to a battle! Once the match is set for the next day, Paul silently walks away. But he’s not alone for long—his big brother Reggie is in town, and once Reggie stops to talk to Paul, Ash and his friends catch up too! To top it all off, the Battle Pyramid flies right over their heads. Ash has already beaten this Kanto Battle Frontier facility, but Reggie admits he lost his own Battle Pyramid challenge.

Brandon, the Battle Pyramid King, is here to meet Maria, a maiden from the Snowpoint Temple. Paul has other ideas: he challenges Brandon to a battle, and Brandon accepts! Paul was a novice Trainer when he witnessed Reggie’s defeat at the Battle Pyramid, and it made a deep impression on him. Now he’s determined to beat Brandon in a full 6-on-6 battle and do what his brother couldn’t! Faced with Brandon’s Regirock, Paul swaps his Magmar out for Hariyama, but Regirock easily defeats Hariyama and then Electabuzz. Brandon sends in Registeel so Paul sends in Magmar, but Magmar isn’t even making a dent on Registeel. Paul switches in Nidoking instead, and Registeel scores an easy win.

Paul is quickly losing his cool; once Brandon’s Regice wipes the floor with Paul’s Lairon and then paralyzes Paul’s Ursaring, Paul gives up and lets Brandon’s Regirock knock his Ursaring out. Magmar is all Paul has left, but Regirock easily defeats Magmar too. Brandon is disappointed, but he promises they’ll battle again once Paul learns to control his emotions. As everyone files out of the Pyramid, Reggie suggests that Paul should battle Ash, and Brandon thinks it’s a good idea. The two rivals will battle in 10 days’ time—but just as that’s decided, Maria rushes up in a panic. Something terrible has happened at the Snowpoint Temple!

Plot

Just after Ash has earned the Icicle Badge, Paul arrives at the Snowpoint Gym and challenges Candice to a Gym battle. Candice tells Paul that her Pokémon just finished a battle and that they need to rest and asks if he would be okay waiting until tomorrow. As Paul agrees and turns to leave, Ash shows off his latest Badge and asks Paul how many more he has obtained, but Paul rudely brushes him off and walks away. Dawn tells Zoey that Paul is Ash's rival, while Candice notices how fierce their rivalry is compared to Dawn and Zoey's.

As night falls on the Pokémon Center, Zoey is surprised to learn that Paul was Chimchar's original Trainer, and she remarks on the stark difference between Ash and Paul. Dawn notices that Ash is missing, so they go and look outside. Ash meets up with Paul (who is in the middle of a training session with his Electabuzz and Magmar) to thank him, mentioning that the defense strategy that Paul's Torterra taught his Grotle helped out a lot in his Gym battle. Paul stops his training session and recalls Magmar before heading inside with Electabuzz, criticizing Ash for using a Grass-type Pokémon against an Ice-type Gym Leader and relying on what he calls "blind faith". Zoey loses her cool hearing this, angrily going off on Paul for his attitude and superiority complex, forcing Dawn to intervene. Ash attempts to wave Zoey off, but Paul continues inside without another word, leaving Zoey wanting Candice to completely crush him in their Gym battle the following day.

The next day, after dropping off a Pokémon he was caring for, Reggie stops by after noticing his younger brother Paul outside the Center. Inside, Ash and his friends notice Reggie as Dawn tells Zoey that he is Paul's older brother, before stepping outside to greet him. Reggie asks Paul if he can watch his match against Candice, which Paul allows. Zoey notices that Paul is as much a complete contrast to his brother as he is to Ash. Just then, a huge shock wave and shadow get all of their attention, and they look up to see the Battle Pyramid. Ash identifies it and reveals to everyone that he conquered it and won the Brave Symbol, which greatly surprises Paul. Team Rocket spots the Pyramid from the town, while Candice spots it from outside her Gym.

Inside the Pyramid control room, Samuel relays a streaming video feed from Ash at the Pokémon Center, with Brandon pleasantly surprised. As the Pyramid touches down in a clearing, Reggie drives Ash and his friends to the location. Ash and Brock tell Dawn about the Battle Frontier, and how there are several battle facilities spread throughout Kanto and that each is run by a Frontier Brain, with Brandon, the Pyramid King, as the last one to defeat and the most powerful one of them all. After Brock finishes this explanation, Paul is shown seemingly lost in thought. Brock asks Reggie about the missing Brave Symbol he noticed at his home back in Veilstone City, after which Paul closes his eyes and seemingly falls deeper into thought. Reggie confirms that the Pyramid was the only facility in which he was unable to achieve victory, before his usual smile drops into a serious expression as he remarks that it was also the day he realized that he had a lot more to learn. The group arrives the Pyramid and meets up with Brandon, who is pleased to see so many familiar faces in Ash, Brock, Reggie, and even Paul, which prompts Paul to step forward and challenge Brandon to a battle right here and now. Candice arrives on a Dodrio, introducing herself to Brandon and expresses her admiration of the Battle Pyramid. As an SUV approaches, Brandon introduces them to Temple Maiden Maria, who Brock gets weak-kneed over, though Croagunk calms him down. Zoey fills everyone in about the Snowpoint Temple while Team Rocket listens in, Brandon mentioning that the Temple was his reason for coming to Sinnoh. However, he notices the determination in Paul's eyes and feels obligated to accept his challenge, so he tells Samuel to go with Maria to the Temple, planning to meet up with them once the battle is finished. Paul reveals that his reason for this sudden battle request is because he wishes to fulfill what his brother couldn't, and allows everyone to watch their battle.

Inside, Brock offers to be the referee, but Paul says that there is no need for one and declares that the match will be a Full Battle with substitutions allowed. He chooses to lead with Magmar, while Brandon chooses Regirock, the same Pokémon he started with when battling Reggie. Reggie flashes back to his own battle with Brandon; he had defeated the other six Frontier Brains, and defeating Brandon would allow him to become a Frontier Brain candidate. Paul had just started his Pokémon journey with his Turtwig, and traveled to Kanto in order to watch Reggie's battle. Despite his best efforts, Reggie lost without defeating a single one of Brandon's Pokémon. Paul and Turtwig were both shocked by Reggie's landslide defeat, and Brandon harshly told Reggie that while it was an enjoyable battle, there was nothing special or unique about his battle style, and finished by asking him where his inner strength is. Paul took these words to heart, and from that point on, he and Turtwig became determined to find their own inner strengths. As the scene switches back to the present, Brock realizes that Paul's obsession with power stems from Reggie's loss against Brandon. Brandon states to Paul he can take on anything he brings, because that is his battling style. Just then, Paul surprises everyone by immediately recalling Magmar before the battle has even started, Brock presuming his reasoning being the type disadvantage that Magmar has against Regirock. As a replacement, Paul sends out Hariyama, while Dawn looks it up on her Pokédex. Zoey notes that Hariyama is a much better matchup than Magmar against a Rock-type Pokémon.

The battle begins as Regirock fires Stone Edge, but Hariyama blocks it easily. Paul points out that Rock-type moves aren't very effective against Fighting types like Hariyama and asks if this is a test, Brandon smiling and replying that he will have to find out. Hariyama charges forward and hits with multiple Arm Thrusts, but Regirock bear hugs Hariyama to stop it in its tracks and uses Shock Wave at close range, causing it a surprising amount of damage. Hariyama recovers and goes in for a Force Palm, but Regirock easily dodges it and throws a Focus Punch, knocking Hariyama out. As Paul recalls Hariyama, everyone is impressed at how strong Brandon's Regirock is. Outside, Team Rocket tries to decide whether to climb the Pyramid again or go to the Temple; Jessie wants to ransack the Temple, Meowth wishes to climb the Pyramid, and James is impartial. They hit an impasse and cannot agree on which location to pursue, so Jessie and Meowth play rock-paper-scissors to decide, but it results in a tie.

Meanwhile, Paul sends out Electabuzz and smiles. Although this choice confuses everyone else, Ash predicts Paul's strategy as Electabuzz uses Brick Break to cause Regirock super-effective damage. However, Regirock shows no signs of letting up and fires Stone Edge, and Electabuzz Protects itself. However, the attack is so powerful that it breaks through the barrier and knocks Electabuzz down, which angers Paul, before Regirock follows up with a Hyper Beam that takes Electabuzz out. Paul recalls Electabuzz before Brandon recalls Regirock as well, which benefits him on not having to deal with Hyper Beam's secondary immobilization effect. Brandon replaces it with Registeel, and Paul sends Magmar back out. Magmar lands a Flamethrower, but to everyone's amazement, Registeel takes the super-effective attack without much falter, before launching an Iron Head attack. Paul commands Magmar to block it and use Will-O-Wisp, but Magmar fails to block the attack and ends up flinching. Irritated, Paul recalls Magmar and deploys Nidoking. Dawn, after looking Nidoking up on her Pokédex, is confused as to why Paul chose a Poison-type Pokémon due to the Steel type's immunity to Poison attacks. Zoey replies that Nidoking is also a Ground type, whose moves are super-effective on Steel types. Registeel fires a Flash Cannon that hits Nidoking squarely in the face, but Nidoking recovers and successfully counterattacks with Earth Power and Double Kick, which are enough to cause Registeel to stumble backwards, but not defeat it. Nidoking launches a Thunderbolt, but Registeel uses Iron Head to absorb the Thunderbolt and hit Nidoking, knocking him out.

Brandon begins to taunt Paul, reminding him that he wanted to defeat the man who defeated his brother and put an end to his Pokémon journey. After recalling Nidoking, Paul tells Brandon that it is specifically because he defeated his brother that he is battling him now; Brandon's ultimate challenge for all Pokémon Trainers is to find their true inner strength, which was something that Reggie was unable to fulfill, but Paul yells that he is different from his brother in that he is already aware of his true inner strength; his will. Up in the stands, Ash watches in complete shock and disbelief at his rival's tantrum and furious state. Brandon chastises Paul, telling him he is dwelling too much on the past and questioning why he is on a journey in the first place. This clearly hits a nerve and Paul furiously sends out his Lairon, which Dawn proceeds to look up on her Pokédex.

Brandon recalls Registeel and brings Regice out. Paul has Lairon use Iron Defense, with Reggie guessing that Paul must want to hang in there and wait for a chance to counterstrike. However, his efforts are futile as Regice freezes Lairon with an Ice Beam, before launching a Zap Cannon that knocks Lairon out before it could even attack once. Paul is clearly destabilized and furiously sends out Ursaring after recalling Lairon. Ursaring goes in for a Hammer Arm and Regice counters with a Focus Punch, creating a massive backlash that knocks both Pokémon backwards. Ursaring prepares to use Focus Blast, but Regice uses Zap Cannon before it can launch the attack, paralyzing it. Paul grows so angry that he gives up on Ursaring, refusing to give it any commands or even recall it. Brandon substitutes Regice for Regirock and has it fire a Stone Edge, and Ursaring is taken out. Paul sends out his last Pokémon, Magmar, but with the type disadvantage and massive difference in strength, everyone knows that Paul is in checkmate at this point. Regirock easily endures Magmar's Flamethrower attack before knocking it out with Shock Wave, therefore giving Brandon a perfect 6-0 victory over Paul. This crushing defeat leaves the normally stoical Paul utterly stupefied, while Ash is dumbstruck at how completely Paul was defeated. Paul regains his composure and silently recalls Magmar, listening with closed eyes as Brandon asks him if the way he battled today is his true battle. At these words, Reggie looks at Paul with intense care. Brandon acknowledges that Paul has done well raising and training his Pokémon, but notes that he allowed his emotions to consume him during the battle, which negatively influenced his decisions. Brandon tells Paul that they will battle again one day when he has learned to discipline himself. Paul silently accepts this and bows solemnly.

Outside, Team Rocket is still split on deciding where to go as James notices Ash and his friends exiting. Outside, Paul decides to postpone his challenge against Candice, so she decides that she and Zoey should have a battle and they leave for the Snowpoint Gym. Paul prepares to leave also, but Reggie stops him and asks if he would be willing to have a Full Battle against Ash, which surprises the both of them. Brandon concurs with this suggestion, thinking that it will offer invaluable experience to both Trainers, so Reggie sets the event at Lake Acuity in ten days. The brothers then leave in Reggie's van as Samuel and Maria arrive, telling Brandon that a situation has occurred at the Snowpoint Temple.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Trivia

Errors

Pikachu's miscolored tail
  • When Zoey mentions that Paul is nothing like his brother, Pikachu's tail turns completely yellow.
  • During the cinematic accompaniment of Brock explaining the Battle Frontier, Swampert's eyes are colored white instead of orange.
  • As Team Rocket listens in on Ash and his friends' conversation about the Snowpoint Temple, the sound of Wobbuffet's Poké Ball opening can be heard despite him already being out.
  • In three scenes, Zoey's eyes are colored orange instead of red.
  • Regirock's Stone Edge is able to hit Electabuzz through Protect, though nothing except Feint and Shadow Force can do this under normal conditions.
  • In the English dub, Reggie says that Paul had traveled to Kanto after he had already started his Sinnoh journey. This is impossible, since it was confirmed in Top-Down Training! that Paul had journeyed through Kanto (and Johto and Hoenn) before starting his Sinnoh journey.
  • In the Dutch dub, Brandon tells Regirock to use Rock Smash (Steen Knal) instead of Stone Edge (Steen Rand).
  • In the Castilian Spanish dub, the Steel type is referred as the "Iron-type".

Dub edits

  • In the English dub, after Ash talks about how Torterra's help paid off during Grotle's battle at the Snowpoint Gym, Paul responds by saying that Ash shouldn't need Torterra's help if he is serious about the Gym battle. In the original Japanese version, Paul wonders why Ash thought he'd have his Torterra with him, since he is preparing to take on the Snowpoint Gym.
  • In the English dub, the Pokédex says that Registeel's body has been tempered underground for thousands of years. In the original Japanese version, it is said to be tens of thousands of years.

In other languages



DP127 : Sliding Into Seventh!
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
DP129 : Pillars of Friendship!
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.