GC086

==Synopsis==
The semifinalists of the Battle Pike Battle Tent pull out every last trick to win
==Summary==
Justin and Monica's semifinal battle continues between Combusken and Girafarig. They fire Fire Spin and Psybeam, but the moves bypass each other and strike the opposite Pokemon. Girafarig is wrapped in flames but Monica has him use the flames to deliver an enhanced Zen Heabutt. Combusken holds her position and times a Sky Uppercut well to intercept the attack and knock out Girafarig.
Monica's second Pokemon is a Salazzle, a Pokemon from the Alola Region. Since Combusken is already low on health, Salazzle makes quick work of her with Dragon Pulse.
Eevee is Justin's second choice, and the battle proves to be a struggle. Salazzle is too fast for Eevee, unable to land a hit even with Quick Attack. Eevee, in turn, is able to dodge Dragon Pulse but Monica changes strategies. She has Salazze scurry just behind Eevee and swipe him with Dragon Claw. Eevee grows furious, and his Quick Attack becomes a massive star Last Resort that finally lands on Salazzle. Eevee readily follows with Iron Tail, but Salazzle covers the field in a sudden Smog, causing Eevee to miss. Salazzle then ignites the Smog with Flamethrower, causing a massive explosion. When the dust settles, Eevee is shown unable to battle, winning Monica the battle and advancing her to the semifinals 
It's Justin's first loss since Mauville City against Connor. He overcomes initial disappointment and collects Eevee. Justin then congratulates Monica on an amazing battle. 
Andrew and Andre then compete in the second semifinal. Andre leads with Manectric, and Andrew calls on Breloom, who does not know any electric attacks for Manectric to feed on. However, Andre's Manectric knows Flamethrower, specifically to counter the resistant Grass-Type. Breloom punches Flamethrower with Mach Punch to disperse the flames. Breloom then drains Manectric of energy with Giga Drain. Manectric retaliates with Discharge. Breloom endures the attack and charges in to strike Manectric with Dynamic Punch, which renders the Electric-Type confused. Manectric becomes unresponsive to Andre's commands, allowing Breloom to win the battle with a barrage of Mach Punch.
Andre's second Pokemon is a Mantine, who cuts through Mach Punch with Air Slash and strikes Breloom in a double effective blow. Air Slash also flinches Breloom, allowing Mantine to defeat it with Psybeam. Andrew's second Pokemon is Absol. Absol uses Razor Wind to cut through a Air Slash and Sucker Punch to intercept a Bubble Beam. Mantine and Absol collide with Headbutt and Night Slash, and Absol comes out on top, placing Andrew in the finals. 
Hours later, Monica and Andrew are ready for their final. Anticipating Breloom, Monica sends Salazzle into battle first, but Andrew leads with Aipom. Unlike Eevee, Aipom is better able to navigate Salazzle's speed due to the more unpredictable movements of Acrobatics. Aipom flinches Salazzle with Astonish and hammers a Focus Punch. Salazzle sprays a Smog, which Aipom uses to enhance an unavoidable Swift. Salazzle uses Smog again to cover the field in poison gas. Aipom uses her tail to spring into the air. While this avoids the Smog, Aipom is completely exposed to a Dragon Pulse. Salazzle follows with Dragon Claw, and Aipom gets up to match the attack with Focus Punch. Salazzle catches Aipom's tail and incinerates her with a point-blank Flamethrower. Aipom gets back and uses Acrobatics. Aipom lands a strong hit, but Salazzle immediately reacts with Dragon Claw to knock out the Normal-Type.
Aipom's powerful battling allows Absol, Andrew's second choice, to overwhelm Salazzle almost immediately with an intercepting Sucker Punch. Justin and Rachel note Absol's Sucker Punch is the perfect move for this tournament since Sucker Punch strikes before any offensive move can be made. 
Monica's second Pokemon is Sableye. Absol first attacks with Night Slash, but Sableye reveals its Fake Out to stun Absol and blast it with Power Gem. Before the battle can escalate, Monica Mega Evolves her Sableye to the surprise of everyone as she saved the tactic for the final. Sableye then uses Shadow Sneak. Absol aims to intercept with Sucker Punch, but it only collides with Sableye's new large red diamond. Shadow Sneak was also just a feint for Absol to get close, so Sableye can blast it with Power Gem. Andrew needs to have Absol break the diamond. It executes Night Slash and Dark Pulse, but the diamond is too strong. Sableye uses Shadow Sneak to have Sableye's shadow bind Absol then blast it again with Power Gem. 
Andrew realizes Mega Sableye cannot use Shadow Claw because it must support its massive diamond. It must also be prey to attacks from behind. Therefore, Absol rushes behind Sableye to attack with Night Slash. However, Monica and Sableye have prepared for this weakness. Sableye immediately drops its diamond to turn around and intercept Absol with Shadow Claw. The attack proves final and Absol collapses, unable to battle and winning Monica the tournament. 
Andrew thanks Absol for a fantastic battle and recalls the Disaster Pokemon. Sableye exits its Mega Evolved form and jumps Monica's arms, licking her as well. Andrew and Monica shake hands, and she hopes for a rematch one day after Andrew Mega Evolves his Absol.
During the final ceremony, Monica and her three partners stand on the final podium. Monica receives a trophy, a cash prize, and a large Venusaur Doll. 
After the tournament, Justin and Rachel bid farewell to their friends. Connor leaves for Fortree City, and Andrew, who already has the Feather Badge, instead heads to Lilycove City and take a boat to Mossdeep City. Before Monica can leave, Justin asks her about Mega Evolution, hoping to one day do so with his Kirlia once he evolves. Monica encourages Justin to explore Mega Evolution but warns that when a Pokemon Mega Evolves their grestest strengths are tremendously magnified. That could be a good, neutral, or horrible thing, depending on the Pokemon.
==Major Events==
*Justin's Eevee learns Last Resort
*Monica and Andrew defeat Justin and Andre to advance to the finals of the Battle Pike Battle Tent tournament
*Monica defeats Andrew in the final to win the Battle Pike Battle Tent
*Justin formally meets Monica and learns more about Mega Evolution
For a list of all major events in this anime, please see Major Events (Grand Conquest). 
==Characters==
===Humans===
*Justin
*Rachel
*Andrew
*Connor
*Andre
*Monica
*Jackson
*Catherine
*Jenna
*Robert
*Steve
*Portia
*Wilton
*Phil
*Nob
*Timothy
*Nurse Joy
*Civilians
*Audience
===Pokemon===
*Eevee (Justin's)
*Combusken (Justin's)
*Plusle (Justin's)
*Minun (Justin's)
*Skitty (Rachel's)
*Aipom (Andrew's)
*Absol (Andrew's)
*Breloom (Andrew's)
*Manectric (Andre's)
*Mantine (Andre's)
*Sableye (Monica's; Mega Evolves)
*Girafarig (Monica's)
*Salazzle (Monica's)
Category:Grand Conquest