Ep 8. Gymbaliar

Ash and his friends are on their journey to earn their gym badges in their efforts to qualify for the Sinnoh League. In this episode, they arrive at Veilstone City where they plan to challenge the city's gym leader, Maylene. However, when they get there, they learn that the gym has been closed down temporarily.

Surprised by the news, Ash and his friends start investigating the matter and discover that Maylene has gone missing. They learn from a trainer that she has become disheartened after losing several battles and is now in a state of depression. Upon hearing this, Ash decides to search for her.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is also in Veilstone City, staking out the gym and planning to steal the rare and powerful Pokémon that Maylene possesses. They come across a new recruit named Tyra who they promise to help earn her gym badge if she helps them with their plans.

As Ash and his friends continue their search, they come across a Pokémon named Lucario who has also been looking for Maylene. Together, they locate her at an abandoned building on the outskirts of the city where she has been training in secret.

During their reunion, Maylene reveals that she has been struggling with her confidence and feels she is not worthy of being a gym leader. Ash, being the supportive friend he is, encourages her and offers to battle her to help boost her spirits.

However, during the battle, they discover that Maylene's Meditite has developed a special ability and can now mimic any move it sees, making it a formidable opponent. Even Lucario struggles against it. Ash realizes that he needs a new strategy and decides to incorporate some new moves in his battling style.

After a grueling battle, Ash is able to defeat Maylene and gives her the encouragement she needs to continue being a gym leader. As they all bid farewell, Tyra makes an appearance and challenges Maylene for her badge. However, she is no match for Maylene's newly invigorated spirit and Ash's guidance is enough to help Maylene secure the victory.

As the episode comes to an end, Ash and his friends finally leave Veilstone City, having earned yet another gym badge and with a renewed sense of determination to continue their journey.