Plot
Ash and friends return to Mauville City, where they encounter a carnival run by Team Rocket. They let all their Pokemon out to enjoy the festivies, and Team Rocket tries to steal them. Wattson and Watt arrive to help fight off the thieves, and after the battle, Wattson's Electrike evolves into a Manectric.
Everyone heads to the Mauville Gym for two practice battles. First up, May's Skitty faces off against Watt's Ampharos. Skitty is victorious with Assist, using Quick Attack and Double Slap in quick succession.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket falls into Wattson's new improved Gym traps, eventually encountering a group of robotic Raikou that they mistake for real thing.
The second battle is Ash's Torkoal vs. Wattson's Manectric. Torkoal uses Overheat too many times, and Manectric takes out the Fire-type with a Charge/Thunder Wave combo.
Watt tells May about a Pokemon Contest taking place in Verdanturf Town, so the kids make that their next destination.