Ep 17. In the Knicker of Time

Ash, May, Max, and Brock arrive in a new town to find a Pokémon Contest being held nearby. As May is eager to participate, the group makes their way to the contest hall. However, upon arrival, they find out that the contest sign-up deadline has already passed. May is disheartened, but the group soon learns that another contest will be held the following day in a town nearby.

The group heads to the train station to catch the next train, but they run into Jessie, James, and Meowth disguised as train station attendants. The trio tricks our heroes into getting on a train going in the wrong direction, stranding them in the middle of nowhere.

As the group tries to figure out what to do next, they come across an old man named Sebastian who lives in a nearby house with his Volbeat and his adopted daughter, Nicolette. The old man tells them that the next train doesn't come for another two days, and they are stuck in the middle of nowhere until then.

May, devastated at the thought of missing the contest, begs Sebastian to help them get to the next town. Sebastian agrees to take them, but only if May agrees to help his daughter, who is participating in a dance competition in the same town as the contest. May agrees, and the group sets off on foot.

The journey is long and arduous, and May struggles to keep up with Nicolette's energetic dancing. Along the way, they encounter many obstacles, including a river that they have to cross and a flock of angry Taillow.

As they approach the town, they realize that they only have a few minutes to get May registered for the contest. Ash and the others create a diversion to distract the security guards while May sneaks in and signs up. However, May realizes that she has forgotten her ribbon case and can't participate without it.

Nicolette reveals that she has a ribbon that she received from her mother, who was also a Pokémon Coordinator. She offers it to May, but only if she wins the dance competition first. May agrees, and the two girls give it their all.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket, who has been following them the whole time, decides to steal both the contest prize and Nicolette's ribbon. Sebastian, who has grown to care for May and the group, reveals himself to be a former thief and uses his skills to help them steal the ribbon back.

May, with Nicolette's ribbon in hand, enters the Pokémon Contest and gives it her all. In the end, she manages to come out on top, winning the contest and the prize. Nicolette is overjoyed and congratulates May, telling her that her mother would have been proud.

As the group prepares to leave, Sebastian gives May a ribbon of his own, telling her that it is a symbol of the good deeds she has accomplished. May is touched and promises to continue doing good as a Pokémon Coordinator. The group departs, leaving Sebastian and Nicolette behind, but not before promising to come back and visit again someday.

In the Knicker of Time is a heartwarming episode showcasing the power of friendship and the kindness of strangers. May's determination to participate in the contest is inspiring, and the bond between Sebastian and Nicolette is touching. This episode is a great watch for any Pokémon fan, especially those who enjoy the Contests and the characters that come with them.