Ep 21. A Keeper for Keeps?

Ash and his friends make their way towards a nearby town, however, their journey is interrupted by the unexpected sight of a wild Dragonite. Ash's Noibat becomes fascinated with the Dragonite and follows it, causing our heroes to go looking for him. They soon meet up with the Dragonite's Trainer, a young woman named Mairin, who is trying her best to catch the Pokemon. After some initial reluctance, Mairin opens up to Ash and his friends and tells them that she wants to catch the Dragonite so that she can become its Keeper.

As they continue their journey, Ash and his friends are pursued by Team Flare's henchmen, who are also after the Dragonite. Mairin, with the help of Ash and the others, manages to fend off the attackers. In the process, Mairin realizes that she has a natural talent for battling Pokemon and decides to become a Trainer.

As they approach the town, the group notices several strange occurrences happening around them. They soon learn that the incidents are the work of a group of Pokemon thieves who are trying to steal valuable Pokemon from the town. One of the Pokemon they plan to steal is the same Dragonite that Mairin has been trying to catch. Mairin is determined to protect it and together with Ash and his friends, they come up with a plan to stop the thieves.

The plan works, and the Dragonite is saved, but Mairin is heartbroken because she was unable to catch it. Ash and the others try to console her by reminding her of all the great experiences and new friends she has made on her journey. Mairin is still upset, but her spirits are lifted when the Dragonite suddenly returns to her and chooses her as its Keeper.

Touched by the Dragonite's decision, Mairin has a newfound determination to become a great Keeper, and the episode ends with the group continuing on their journey, excited for what is to come next.