#80 "Friends to the End"

    Ash is understandably depressed from losing, and everyone is fairly insensitive to that. -_-; However, he pulls himself together to go and watch Richie's match. It's a tough battle, but Richie loses, his Sparky being beaten by an Ivysaur. Ash can't believe it. He and Richie walk off later, and Richie says losing isn't everything; now he knows what mistakes not to make. (At times, this kid seems almost too perfect to be human. -_-;) Ash realises he has been wallowing in self pity, with a bad attitude (I think he is a little hard on himself). The two make a vow to each other: no matter what, some day they will be Pokémon Masters.

    Team Rocket shows up yet again, to steal Sparky and Pikachu, who were playing together as their masters talked. With an effort, the two trainers fight back, working well together and REALLY beating up Team Rocket badly. (Perhaps Ash is getting revenge for their making him lose his big match. ^_^.) Then they go back for the Pokémon League closing ceremony. Each trainer goes back, receives a League badge, and is cheered for. Ash and Richie are together, happy despite having lost, because they did their best and are friends. The crowd watches a fireworks display, which includes Team Rocket blasting off as they were trying to steal Pokémon.

    After, when the ceremonies are over and everybody has left, Ash and Richie are still there. They remind each other of their vow, and then Richie leaves. Ash remembers his times in the League. He goes home.