Nicholai

Nicholai (Japanese: キヨ Kiyo) is a recurring character of the Pokémon anime. He is a Pokémon Trainer in Hoenn who is obsessed with knickerbockers and cosplaying as Pokémon.

History
Nicholai first appeared in In the Knicker of Time!. Ash, May, Brock, and Max were traveling through the Petalburg Woods on the way to Rustboro City. They were surprised to see a gigantic Zigzagoon. It was actually Nicholai in a costume. He was trying to lure the wild Zigzagoon closer so he could battle them. Ash and his friends scared the Zigzagoon away, and Nicholai introduced himself to the group. The boy then showed off his collection of Pokémon costumes. Nicholai explained that he believed that his costumes allowed him to know what a Pokémon felt like. In addition, the costumes helped him blend in with wild Pokémon. Nicholai wanted a Zigzagoon so he could challenge Norman at the Petalburg City Gym.

After learning that May was Norman's daughter, Nicholai excitedly challenged May to a Pokémon battle. Nicholai sent out his Mudkip and May used her only Pokémon, Torchic. Mudkip easily knocked out Torchic with a couple of Water Gun attacks. Nicholai then concluded that since May lost so horribly, Norman must be a pushover in battle, too. Max, angry at Nicholai for insulting his father, followed him. Apparently he was still trying to capture a Zigzagoon. Max stole Nicholai's Pokémon bait, and ended up surrounded by a pack of the Normal-type Pokémon. Ash and the others rescued Max. Eventually, with the help of his Mudkip, Nicholai caught a Zigzagoon.

Team Rocket tried to steal Mudkip, but Nicholai used a Gligar costume to fly up and rescue the Mud Fish Pokémon. Pikachu then blasted Team Rocket off with an Electric-type attack. Nicholai used his new Zigzagoon in a battle against Ash's Taillow before parting for Petalburg City.

His second and final appearance was in ZigZag Zangoose!. When Ash and his friends were traveling to Fallarbor Town, they once again met Nicholai on Route 111. This time he was dressed up as a Zangoose and he had a new Zangoose of his own. He informed the group that he had challenged Norman, but was defeated. May and Max's mother told him where they were headed so he came to meet them. He battled Ash: Treecko versus the newly evolved Marshtomp. Treecko managed to win. When Team Rocket tried to steal Nicholai's Marshtomp, his Zangoose came to the rescue. He battled with Seviper and defeated it with a powerful Crush Claw. After Team Rocket were blasted off, Nicholai and Ash had one last battle, though the winner was not revealed.