As Ash and Paul’s epic battle continues, Ash finds himself with three Pokémon remaining, while Paul has only two. Ash certainly seems to have the advantage as his Gliscor takes out Paul’s Drapion—but then Paul’s Electivire makes short work of both Gliscor and Pikachu, leaving each Trainer with only a single Pokémon!

As the final face-off begins, Ash’s Infernape has taken quite a bit of damage from Toxic Spikes, while Electivire is relatively unscathed. But something new seems to have entered Ash and Paul’s rivalry: a mutual respect for each other’s skills. This new respect shows in the intensity of the action, which builds to the moment when it appears that Ash’s Infernape is about to go down.

Assuming Infernape is unable to battle, the Judge starts to call the match—until some taunting from both Paul and Electivire raise Infernape to levels of power and fighting spirit unlike anything we’ve seen! And, after Electivire throws one last Thunder Punch and Infernape counters with a powered-up Flare Blitz, both Pokémon remain standing briefly...until Electivire finally collapses, unable to battle. Ash and Infernape are declared the winners!

Afterward, Ash runs to find Paul as he’s leaving, and their respect for each other is obvious. Paul remarks on how powerful Ash’s Infernape has grown, and Ash surprises Paul by cheerfully inviting him to battle again soon. It’s a touching moment, capping a bout that will not be soon forgotten by anyone who witnessed it!