Playing with Fire!

**Playing with Fire!** is an episode of

## Plot

Ash has chosen Pikachu to battle Harrison's Kecleon. Ash takes a moment to check his Pokédex for information, which alerts him to Kecleon's unique Color Change Ability. Soon enough Kecleon camouflages itself, making itself almost invisible besides a red zigzag on its stomach. Ash soon realizes that Kecleon hasn't moved yet, but before Pikachu can attack, Kecleon jumps into the long grass for cover. To counter this maneuver Ash orders Pikachu to listen out for Kecleon. However, Kecleon uses its Lick attack to confuse Pikachu, then tosses him aside with its tongue. Harrison then orders a Psybeam, and the attack narrowly clips Pikachu as he tries to evade. Pikachu stands up and rushes into the grass to hide. But Kecleon uses its tongue to cut down the lawn. Pikachu bides his time before grabbing a hold of Kecleon's tongue, using it as a wire to deliver a direct Thunderbolt, knocking Kecleon out. Harrison quickly recalls Kecleon.

Harrison then sends out Sneasel, the same one he captured before the tournament opened. Pikachu uses another Thunderbolt, but Sneasel dodges and lashes Pikachu with a Metal Claw to claim the round. Ash takes a second to collect Pikachu from the field before calling out Totodile. He orders a Water Gun, but Sneasel runs forward and attempts to use Metal Claw. However, Totodile Bites down on Sneasel's arm, effectively immobilizing it. Totodile performs a happy dance, knocking Sneasel into the ground in the process. Afterwards Totodile swats it away with its tail, leaving Sneasel unable to continue.

Harrison chooses Hypno to fight next. Totodile tries a Scary Face, but Hypno is totally unfazed by the attack. Hypno replies with a Hypnosis, taking full control of Totodile. Next Hypno uses a Psychic attack to send Totodile flying, knocking it out cold. Ash sends out his Snorlax, who emerges from its PokéBall sleeping peacefully. Although Snorlax slumbering state prevents it from being affected by Hypnosis, Hypno takes advantage of the situation by using Dream Eater. As Hypno slowly absorbs Snorlax's energy, its target soon wakes up in a rage from having its dreams stolen. With a single Hyper Beam, Hypno is blasted out of the match. The announcer orders a five minute intermission due to three of Harrison's Pokémon being unable to battle.

From the sidelines, Brock and Misty remind Ash that he needs to remain focused. He reassures them, declaring that he hopes to make Gary proud. Meanwhile, the Team Rocket trio watch as construction goes ahead on their ever-expanding business venture. James takes all of the credit, remarking that his excellent pin designs made all the difference. However, Jessie reminds him that her marketing strategies were invaluable. As the pair squabble, Meowth orders them to settle down and focus on the business instead.

The second half of the battle begins, Ash sends out Noctowl and Harrison chooses Steelix. Noctowl hits Steelix with a Confusion, but Steelix blinds it with Sandstorm. Noctowl is hit with a Dig attack from Steelix. Noctowl recovers and attempts to use Hypnosis. However, Steelix knocks it out of the sky with a powerful Iron Tail, winning Harrison the round. Ash sends Snorlax back out. As Snorlax prepares to use its Hyper Beam, Steelix Binds it up and uses a Crunch attack. Snorlax manages to free itself from Steelix's Bind with an Ice Punch before proceeding to knock Steelix out with a Hyper Beam.

Harrison's next Pokémon is Houndoom. Snorlax uses Hyper Beam once more. However, Houndoom uses Counter to deflect the attack and Snorlax ends up getting blasted by its own Hyper Beam, and is taken out of the fight. Brock is amazed that Harrison's Houndoom can use Counter. Ash's next Pokémon is Bayleef. The decision surprises Harrison, however, as a Grass-type Pokémon like Bayleef is weak against Fire Pokémon like Houndoom. Brock and Professor Oak have their doubts, but they hope Ash can overcome the type disadvantage. Bayleef starts with Razor Leaf, but a Flamethrower attack from Houndoom burns through the leaves. Ash orders Headbutt, while Harrison orders Bite. The attacks miss, but then, Bayleef uses Vine Whip to snap close Houndoom's jaws, which prevents Houndoom from using Flamethrower and Bite. Bayleef tosses Houndoom to the ground, and then finishes the battle off with a Body Slam.

Harrison is down to his last Pokémon—Blaziken. Oak is surprised to see Blaziken, and he informs Delia that the rare Hoenn Pokémon will be interesting to watch. Brock notes that Bayleef has to battle yet another type-advantaged Pokémon. Ash consults his Pokédex once again, which reveals Blaziken can use its long legs to make incredible leaps. Bayleef starts with Razor Leaf, but Blaziken uses its legs to kick the leaves away in a flash. This impressive display of strength and speed causes Ash to reconsider his strategy. He settles on keeping Bayleef away from Blaziken as much as possible. Ash orders a Vine Whip, but the vines are easily caught by Blaziken. Ash is shocked at yet another incredible display of reflexes while Blaziken proceeds to reel Bayleef in. Ash orders a Body Slam to use Blaziken's power against it, but Blaziken lands a close-range Fire Punch on Bayleef and knocks her out.

Now Ash is also down to his last Pokémon, Charizard. Harrison knows the round will be challenging as Ash's Charizard is a high level Pokémon. Both Pokémon launch their Flamethrowers and the attacks clash in mid-air, resulting in a huge ball of fire.

## Trivia

* This episode can be found on the second Game Boy Advance Video Pokémon cartridge.
* Ash's Snorlax is confirmed male in the English dub as Professor Oak says, "Snorlax's Hyper Beam was sent back to *him* at double the power."
	+ After Hypno attacked Ash's Snorlax with Dream Eater while it was sleeping at the time, and got angry after waking up, Mio Akiyama also referred Ash's Snorlax as a male when she says: "You wouldn't like *him* when *he's* angry".
* Team Rocket doesn't blast off or recite the motto in this episode.
* Miki is revealed to have been defeated by Lois Brown, placing her in the Top 16.