Ep. 21: Ash and Pikachu encounter Litten and the aging Stoutland, leading to a poignant farewell and a new bond.
Aired on April 6, 2017
21
Ash and Pikachu meet Litten again, but its companion, the elderly Stoutland, is failing. They take Stoutland to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy confirms the dog is simply old and cannot be cured. The pair escapes back to their riverside home, where Stoutland dies overnight. Litten is devastated and rejects comfort until it accepts the loss. Ash then asks Litten to join his team. Litten challenges Pikachu to a battle to test Ash. The fight ends in a draw, prompting Litten to agree to become Ash’s Pokémon. Meanwhile, Team Rocket’s Meowth, who has been secretly observing the events, appears satisfied with the result.
Episodes
- Ep. 17 · Rotom and Pikachu investigate the disappearance of Ash's Electrium Z-crystal
- Ep. 18 · Mallow seeks rare Yellow Nectar for stew while Ash helps and Team Rocket interferes
- Ep. 19 · Ash prepares for a rematch against Tapu Koko with help from Sophocles' scientific methods.
- Ep. 20 · Ash and Pikachu kayak to Treasure Island and rescue a trapped Wimpod with help from local Pokémon.
- Ep. 21 · Ash and Pikachu encounter Litten and the aging Stoutland, leading to a poignant farewell and a new bond.
- Ep. 22 · Ash and Litten are swallowed by Palossand after a shovel incident
- Ep. 23 · Ash and classmates meet DJ Leo and his quarreling Alolan Dugtrio while Team Rocket attempts a theft.
- Ep. 24 · Delia and Mimey visit Pokémon School while Ash prepares a report before Team Skull attacks.
- Ep. 25 · Team Rocket and Team Skull compete for a Z-crystal in a Raticate-infested rock