View source for PML Arc/Script

This is the script of the [[PML Arc]] portion of the Main Story in Pokémon Masters EX. Script for the Villain Arc can be found [[Villain Arc/Script|here]] and the script for the Legendary Adventures can be found [[Legendary event/Script|here]].

== Chapter 1 - New Adventure, New Goal ==
*Trouble in Centra City

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Brock
|''This is Centra City, the biggest city on Pasio. You might be surprised to know that Pasio is a completely artificial island!<br>Now then, I have a sync pair in mind that might be willing to join our team, so let's go look for them.''
|-
|Misty
|''Oh, are you talking about that girl from Unova? I think I saw her in the square up ahead not too long ago...''
|-
|???
|''Will you please stop?! It's against the rules to force a Trainer to battle if they don't want to!''
|-
|Brock
|''What's going on over there?''
|-
|Misty
|''Sounds like trouble... Do you think they're OK? We should see if they need help!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rosa and Cynthia arguing with a Street Thug and Punk Girl)</center>
|-
|???
|''I'm sorry, but I just can't battle right now. My Pokémon needs to rest—she's worked hard enough for today.''
|-
|???
|''Yeah! If you really want to battle, you'll have to challenge her another day!''
|-
|Street Thug
|''Forget that! You're battling me now, Champion!''
|-
|Punk Girl
|''There's no way I'm passin' up a chance like this! C'mon, let's just battle already!''
|-
|Brock
|''Hey, you two! Cut that out! Don't you see you're bothering them?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Brock? Misty?''
|-
|Misty
|''You look like you could use a hand, Rosa. Don't worry—we'll take care of these guys!''
|-
|Street Thug
|''Who are you? If you wanna start somethin', you got it! We'll make you eat dirt!''
|}


*Cynthia and Rosa

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Street Thug
|''I...I can't believe we lost to you bozos! Argh! You'll pay for this!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Street Thug and Punk Girl leave)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Nice timing, you guys! Cynthia and I were having a nice chat before those two started harassing us...''
|-
|Brock
|''So that's what was going on... All in all, I'm glad nothing bad happened.<br>Oh, I should introduce you two. <player>, this is Rosa. She's a famous Trainer from the Unova region.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Hiya! Rosa here! Nice to meet you, <player>!''
|-
|Brock
|''We were looking for you because we wanted to talk to you, but...<br>Imagine our surprise when we saw you with the Sinnoh Champion. Who would have thought you'd be here, too!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Ahh, so you've heard of me, then. You're correct—I'm Cynthia. Lovely to meet you all. I'm flattered you think so highly of me.<br>Thanks for helping us back there. I really appreciate it.<br>You especially, <player>... That was a magnificent battle. I sense a great deal of potential in you!<br>If there are other Trainers like you here competing in the PML, I'm even more excited for things to get started.<br>Next time we cross paths with one another, we should have a Pokémon battle.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Absolutely! Take care, Cynthia! Bye!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cynthia leaves)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''There she goes...''
|-
|Misty
|''Look at you, <player>! You actually managed to impress THE Cynthia!''
|-
|Brock
|''But she was right to be impressed. You were great in battle, <player>!<br>Right, we had something we wanted to talk to you about, Rosa.<br>We're looking for people to join our team for the PML. What do you think?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Ahh... So that's why you came to find me. I'm so flattered!<br>But first things first. We've gotta have a Pokémon battle!<br>A battle should teach me all I need to know about you, <player>! Show me what you've got!''
|}


*The More the Merrier

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Rosa
|''That was impressive, <player>! You're way better than I expected!<br>I'd be more than happy to join your team, if you'll have me!  You didn't change your minds, did you?!''<br>'''Nope! Glad to have you on board!''': ''Yay! Thank you, thank you! Oh gosh, this is so exciting! I promise I'll give it my all!''<br>'''Nah. We'll be counting on you!''': ''Absolutely! You can count on me for sure! I promise I'll give this my best shot!<br>Oh! Speaking of which, I should introduce you all to my new friend, Barry! We met here on Pasio.''
|-
|Brock
|''OK, that sounds good. As they say, the more the merrier!''
|-
|Misty
|''Where is this Barry?''
|-
|Rosa
|''The last time I saw him, he said he'd be heading to the beach for a while!<br>I can take you there, if you want! Come on! Let's go, <player>!''
|}


== Chapter 2 - New Friends, New Foes ==


*The Search for Barry

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Beach)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''This way, <player>! Barry should be just up ahead!<br>Hurry up! I want to introduce you all!''
|-
|Misty
|''OK, OK! Hold your Horsea... What kind of person is this Barry, anyway?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Hmm... I think I'd describe Barry as a pretty straightforward, purehearted, “nice guy” sort of Trainer!<br>He's always so earnest and sincere—I feel like I could learn a lot from him!<br>Oh, and on top of all that, he's also a really great Pokémon Trainer!<br>Even Cynthia speaks highly of him!''
|-
|Misty
|''Wow, really? I'm looking forward to meeting this Barry now!<br>Well, come on, then! Let's hurry!''
|}


*Jumping to Conclusions

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Misty
|''Hmm... I wonder what the deal is with those weird, masked Trainers.''
|-
|Rosa
|''I've heard some rumors! Apparently, a bunch of Trainers wearing masks have been running around trying to steal people's Pokémon!''
|-
|Misty
|''Seriously?! It seems like I run into jerks like that everywhere I go... Next time I'm not gonna let them off so easily.''
|-
|Barry
|''I've been waiting for you guys FOREVER!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Barry appears)</center>
|-
|Barry
|''You're those Team Break guys, aren't you?! Play dumb, and you'll pay a fine!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Team Break? What's that? Oh! Is that you, Barry?''
|-
|Misty
|''Wait, hold on—THIS is the guy we were looking for?! Why is he yelling at us?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Barry! It's me, Rosa!''
|-
|Barry
|''Here we go, Piplup! Let's show them what we're made of!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Eeek! It doesn't look like we're getting through to him at all!''
|-
|Misty
|''<player>! It looks like we're gonna have to battle him!''
|}


*Defeat Team Break!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Barry
|''What just happened?! Did I really just lose to Team Break?!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Barry, listen to me! It's me, Rosa! Look!''
|-
|Barry
|''Huh? Wait... Is that you, Rosa? Hold on... So you guys aren't Team Break?''
|-
|Rosa
|''No! Took you long enough to realize. You nearly scared the living daylights out of us!''
|-
|Barry
|''What?! Oh... I'm sorry about that! Guess I jumped to the wrong conclusion.<br>But on the bright side, I'm glad I didn't lose to Team Break!<br>Wait, Rosa, you know who I'm talking about, right? They're those suspicious weirdos that wear goofy masks!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah, we just dealt with a few ourselves. Why do you think they're causing all this trouble? They're a real nuisance, if you ask me...''
|-
|Barry
|''Oh, so they came after you, too, huh? Man, what is their problem?!<br>Oh yeah! By the way, what are you guys doing here? Did you come to take down Team Break?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Oops, I almost forgot! We actually came here looking for you!<br><player>, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Barry!<br>He's a famous Trainer from the Sinnoh region. He can be a little impulsive at times...but other than that, Barry's a really dependable guy!<br>So, Barry, we've actually been on the lookout for sync pairs who might want to join our team for the PML!<br>What do you think? Would you be interested in joining <player>'s team?!''
|-
|Barry
|''For the PML?! I really want to, but Team Break are still out there...<br>I heard there's a spot nearby where they like to hang out... Aww, man! Should I join up with you or go deal with Team Break?!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Hmm... What do you think, <player>?''<br>'''Let's help Barry out!''': ''I like that plan! Come on, Barry! Let's go take down those Team Break meanies!''
|-
|Barry
|'''Let's help Barry out!''': ''Seriously?! All right! If we can take those clowns down, I'll join your team!''<br>'''Let's go after them together!''': ''Wait, you're gonna help me find those clowns?! That would be great!<br>You know what? I think I WILL join your team. We're gonna be awesome together!<br>So like I was saying before, I heard Team Break's been using a cave nearby as their hideout.<br>Come on! I'll race you there! Last one to the cave's a rotten egg!''
|}


*Friend or Foe?

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Barry, Rosa, and the player enter a cave and find Paulo)</center>
|-
|Barry
|''We found you, Team Break!''
|-
|???
|''Wha—?!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Barry! Wait!<br>He's not wearing a mask! He might not be part of Team Break at all!''
|-
|Barry
|''!!!<br>Ahh! Guess I jumped to the wrong conclusion again... Sorry about that!''
|-
|Paulo
|''It's all right. No harm done... I'm Paulo.<br>As a Pokémon Trainer, I can't just sit by and let Team Break get away with what they're doing. I came here to crush them once and for all.''
|-
|Barry
|''I'm here for the same thing! This is one of their hideouts, right?''
|-
|Paulo
|''Yeah. Don't let your guard down—they could attack us from anywhere...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Well, look at what we got here! Didn't think we'd get suckers showing up on their own... Let's teach 'em a lesson!''
|-
|Barry
|''There you are! Let's take 'em out, <player>!''
|}


*A Friendly New Rival

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Paulo
|''Hey, nice battling back there. Thanks to you guys, we were able to chase off those goons in no time.''
|-
|Barry
|''No sweat! <player> and I came here for that exact reason anyway!<br>I feel way better now that we took care of those Team Break guys. Guess it's time to focus on the PML!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Hang on—this is your team for the PML?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yep, that's right! Are you thinking about competing, too?''
|-
|Barry
|''Hey! Why don't you join our team, Paulo? You seem pretty cool. I bet you'd be an awesome teammate!''
|-
|Paulo
|''No, thanks... I think I'll pass. I'm actually thinking of putting together my own team to enter the tournament.''
|-
|Barry
|''Aww, come on! Well...I guess if you have your own plans, we can't really force you.''
|-
|Paulo
|''If you're looking for more teammates, you might want to try the volcano area.<br>I hear it's a popular spot for doing training exercises with your Pokémon...''
|-
|Barry
|''Seriously?! Dude, thanks for the info! Let's go, <player>! I'm fining you if you're late!''
|}


== Chapter 3 - Rise beyond the Flames ==


*Volcanic Panic!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Volcano)</center>
|-
|Barry
|''The place Paulo told us about should be around here, right?<br>But yikes, this place is hot! Are there really Trainers that come here on purpose?''
|-
|???
|''Haiyaaaaaaaaa!''
|-
|???
|''Hah! Not done yet!''
|-
|Barry
|''I guess there actually are people here... Look over there.''
|-
|Blaine
|''Is that all you've got, Flannery?! Get back up!''
|-
|Flannery
|''I'm not done yet!''
|-
|Barry
|''Hey, you guys are Trainers right? Can we ask you a question?''
|-
|Flannery
|''Hm? What's up?''
|-
|Barry
|''We're looking for people to join our PML team!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Oh, the PML! I see, but...<br>I'm training with Blaine here so I can be an awesome Trainer like my grandpa.<br>I'm flattered you'd ask, but I want to focus on getting stronger right now.''
|-
|Barry
|''Aw, man. You're not gonna compete? Well...I guess we can't force you.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brock appears)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''I see you've made your way to Pasio as well, Blaine. Didn't think I'd see you here.''
|-
|Blaine
|''Pleasure running into you, too, Brock! Seems like you've got yourself a pretty strong team here.<br>Hmm... I just had a brilliant idea. See, I've been thinking of moving on to a new training area here pretty soon...<br>Sorry to spring this on you guys, but how would you feel about battling Flannery here?''<br>'''Sure! Let's do it right now!''': ''Whoa, there... Pump the brakes a bit, would ya? I didn't mean right this second.''<br>'''Wait, we're not ready to battle yet!''': ''Whoa, there... Pump the brakes a bit! Don't worry. I didn't mean right this second.<br>There are a lot of other sync pairs that came here to train. A lot of hot-blooded ones, just like us.<br>How about you battle your way through them and finally battle Flannery at the top of the volcano?''
|-
|Flannery
|''Wait... You want me to represent all the other Trainers here and stand atop the volcano? As the final Trainer to beat?!<br>Oh gosh... That sounds like a pretty big role...<br>Wait, why am I hesitating?! Blaine's entrusting me to represent the volcano as the strongest Trainer of us all...<br>I'll show you what I'm made of! Come see me at the top...if you can!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Flannery leaves)</center>
|-
|Blaine
|''Well, look at that kid go... Sorry to put all of this on you kids, but could you do me a favor and humor her for a bit?<br>Don't worry—we won't waste your time. You're looking for team members, right? I'm sure you'll find a few great ones.''
|-
|Barry
|''Good deal! Thanks for lookin' out, old man! Let's get to it, <player>!''
|}


*Fiery to the Core

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Blaine
|''Ah, there you are. I saw the way you battled out there with your team. You're much stronger than I imagined.''
|-
|Barry
|''Wait, you're that old guy from earlier! What are you doing here?''
|-
|Blaine
|''I realized that I may not have explained the full situation.''
|-
|Brock
|''What do you mean, the full situation?''
|-
|Blaine
|''It's about Flannery. She's a good Trainer—has a lot of passion and ambition.<br>The problem with her is that she gets riled up very easily...''
|-
|Barry
|''Now that you mention it, that girl earlier was getting oddly pumped up.''
|-
|Blaine
|''You know that the battles on Pasio are all team battles. I want her to learn to not get ahead of herself and to depend on others.<br>That's why I suggested that she battle your team.''
|-
|Brock
|''I see. If that's the case, leave it to us!''
|-
|Blaine
|''I appreciate it. I really owe you one.<br>Flannery should be up ahead. I'll be watching your battle from the shadows!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Blaine leaves)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Despite what he says, Blaine must be worried about Flannery.''
|-
|Barry
|''All right! Let's hurry to the top!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the peak)</center>
|-
|Flannery
|''Hey! There you are!<br>Errr... I mean... You've done well to make it this far!<br>If you're here, that means you were able to win all your battles to get here! You must be pretty good!<br>For my honor as a Gym Leader and as the granddaughter of an Elite Four member...and to bring honor to Blaine, who trained with me...<br>I'll show you my hottest moves!<br>Haiyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!''
|}


*Kindling Friendship

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Flannery
|''Whew... I haven't had a heated battle like that in ages! And your teamwork! That was awesome!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Blaine appears)</center>
|-
|Blaine
|''Exactly! You did well to notice, Flannery!''
|-
|Flannery
|''B-Blaine?! How long were you watching us?''
|-
|Blaine
|''You are indeed a powerful Trainer, Flannery. But your eagerness as a Gym Leader has given you tunnel vision!<br>What you need right now are friends that you can trust and depend on!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Friends...''
|-
|Blaine
|''That's right—friends! So here's your final challenge, Flannery.<br>Join <player>'s team, and make your way to the PML!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Wait...what?!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Travel with friends, have fun, battle with them, and try to reflect on the choices you've made. I'm certain you'll grow a lot as you go!''
|-
|Brock
|''We'd be more than glad to have you on our team, Flannery. What do you say?''
|-
|Flannery
|''Thanks. I think you're right, Blaine... I'll do it!''
|-
|Blaine
|''That's what I wanted to hear!''
|-
|Flannery
|''<player>, let me on your team! Let's make it to the PML together!''<br>'''Of course!''': ''Whoo! Thanks!''<br>'''Hah!''': ''I recognize that “hah!” I'm looking forward to working with you guys!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Make sure she doesn't get into too much trouble, all right, <player>? I'm off to form my own team for the PML!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Whaaa—?!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Hehe. I never said it out loud, Flannery, but I've been itching to battle you with these new rules!<br>My Trainer's spirit has long been ignited! Hahaha!''
|-
|Flannery
|''All right, if that's the game you're playing, I want in! The next time we see each other, I'm not holding anything back!<br>Let's get moving, <player>! How many badges do you have so far?''
|-
|Brock
|'''Badges?/I don't think I have any.''': ''Oh, right. Badges. This might be a good time to start collecting them.<br>We need to collect five badges to officially compete in the PML.<br>And each badge is held by a PML Leader.''
|-
|Flannery
|''Do you know who any of these leaders might be?''
|-
|Brock
|''Now that you mention it...<br>A Gym Leader friend of mine from Kanto, Erika, might've said something about being a PML Leader.''
|-
|Flannery
|''Then we don't have any time to lose! Thanks for everything, Blaine! I'm looking forward to battling you the next time we see each other!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Hahaha! You're on, kid!''
|}


;Fieldwork with the Professor

*First area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>Eager to learn more about team battling, <player> made {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} way over to Professor Bellis's lab for some advice.</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Oh! {{tt|Hola|Hello}}, <player>! Welcome to my lab! Thanks for coming.<br>So, how have you been? How are your team battles going?''<br>'''Great! I want to learn more!''': ''{{tt|Subarashii|Wonderful}}! That's great! It sounds like you've accomplished quite a lot in a short amount of time. I'd love to see what you can do...''<br>'''OK. I'm still learning.''': ''{{tt|Ganbatte|Go for it}}! Keep at it! With your Pokémon by your side, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time!<br>As a matter of fact, I think I have an idea! Would you mind joining me for some fieldwork?<br>There's a trail in the mountains nearby that would be {{tt|perfecto|perfect}}! Are you ready to leave now? Let's go!''
|}


*Second Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''All right! Let the fieldwork begin!<br>Why don't you try tapping someone on the shoulder and get to conversing! A happy smile and an “Alola!” should do the trick!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Lass)</center>
|-
|Lass
|{{tt|''I want a sync stone...<br>They're so shiny, and they're only found here...<br>I'd look so great wearing one...|blurb}}<br>Hmm... I wonder how I can get my hands on a sync stone...<br>They're so shiny and pretty... It'd be so cute if I could make one into a hair clip!<br>I heard they can only be found at a special spot in the ocean around Pasio!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Professor Bellis and the Hiker)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''I see, I see... So you two have been building up your trust in one another for decades now? How wonderful!''
|-
|Hiker
|''Yep, this one and I've been rollin' together all our lives!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Wonderful! You could almost pass for twins!''
|-
|Hiker
|''Gahahaha! People don't say we look alike fer nuthin'!''
|}


*Third Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Camper, Hiker, and Youngster)</center>
|-
|Youngster
|''Hey, it's Professor Bellis! What'cha doin'?<br>Hm? Field...work?''
|-
|Camper
|''Oh...yeah! Of course! Fieldwork! I love fieldwork, too!''
|-
|Hiker
|''Er, why don't we have a Pokémon battle? You know, for fieldwork?''
|-
|Youngster
|'''Sure!''': All right! I'm goin' all out!
|-
|Camper
|'''Now's not a good time...''': Aw, that's a shame. Maybe next time!
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again after declining)</center>
|-
|Camper
|''Remember, this is all in the name of fieldwork!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Youngster
|''By the way, what is fieldwork?''
|-
|Camper
|''Fieldwork is something that gets us very excited!''
|-
|Hiker
|''Oh, I get it! It's like a field day! They both got the word "field" in 'em, too!''
|-
|Youngster
|''Oh, I get it now!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Bravo|Well done}}! I can tell you've already formed an incredible bond with your Pokémon.<br>Speaking of which, has anyone told you how sync moves work or why we're able to use them here on Pasio?<br>It has to do with these things called sync stones.<br>Have you ever noticed that there's a shiny, rainbow-colored stone embedded in your Poryphone?<br>That's a sync stone. They're quite rare—in fact, they can only be found right here in the ocean where Pasio was built.<br>The interaction between sync stones and Pokémon is actually the prime subject of my research! It's quite brilliant...<br>Sync stones amplify the power that comes from the bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon. I call this "sync strength."<br>Tapping into that sync strength is what allows us to use sync moves, as you just demonstrated. That's what makes battling on Pasio special!<br>The more you and your Pokémon develop your sync strength—your bond—the happier you'll be as a sync pair!<br>In the end, that's the real reason I'm continuing my research! Now, focus on your sync strength and try using your sync move again!''
|}


*Fourth Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Youngster)</center>
|-
|Youngster
||{{tt|''"Use a bunch of moves..."<br>"Lots and lots of moves..."<br>"And you'll bring down your count."|blurb}}<br>It's important for sync pairs to have strong bonds so that we can use sync moves! So we need sync strength! And a sync stone, of course!<br>Wait...is that right? I said the word "sync" so many times that I'm not sure anymore...<br>A-anyway, you have to use lots of regular moves before you can use your sync move, OK?! At least...that's what I heard!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Professor Bellis and the Collector)</center>
|-
|Collector
|''Hey there, {{tt|señorita|miss}}.<br>{{tt|Mi corazón|My heart}} is going {{tt|doki doki|thumping}} because you're so {{tt|belle|beautiful}}, {{tt|capisce|[do you] understand}}? How about {{tt|tú|you}} and {{tt|je|I}} have a walk {{tt|conmigo|with me}}?''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''... ... ...<br>Sorry, I have no idea what you just said.<br>You have to use your words properly, or else no {{tt|comprendo|understand}}.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Professor Bellis and the Collector again)</center>
|-
|Collector
|''I can't believe that {{tt|tu ne comprends pas|you don't understand}}... What is there to not understand?''
|}


*Fifth area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Summit)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Ace trainer, Pokémon Ranger, and Scientist)</center>
|-
|Scientist
|''Therefore, we can conclude that communication is crucial in team battles!''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''So...what you're saying is the team members all have to be on the same page, correct?''
|-
|Ace Trainer
|''Well, practice makes perfect... Hey, look! Some Trainers! Let's battle—my team against yours!''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Hold on—I'm not ready! Don't go challenging people all on your own!''
|-
|Ace Trainer
|''Oh shoot, right... Communication... Sorry, we're gonna need to take a rain check on that battle!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Professor Bellis and the Ace Trainers)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''I tend to babble on endlessly whenever the subject of sync pairs comes up!<br>But you see, it's my job as a researcher to spread the information I discover!<br>Mm-hmm... I expect {{tt|magnifico|magnificent}} things from you. I hope you go on to become a {{tt|fantastique|fantastic}} sync pair! Do your best!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>Your sync pairs' Attack and Defense were temporarily raised!</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Oh! I can tell that little boost of encouragement has really lifted your spirits.<br>If a passerby is kind enough to give you a morale boost, it can make you feel a little stronger for a while! Remember that!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Hiker)</center>
|-
|Hiker
|''Hm? Are you lookin' for an opponent for a Pokémon battle?''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Bingo! {{tt|Yo quiero|I want}} a great Pokémon battle!''
|-
|Hiker
|''Er...yo...what? Speak English, Doc! We ain't scientists!<br> Anyway, you're lookin' for a battle, right?''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Oui oui|Yes yes}}!  I think this will be our last battle of the day!<br>What do you say we win this match and end our fieldwork with a bang!<br>Do your best, <player>!''
|-
|Hiker
|''You ready?''<br>'''Yes sir!''': ''Well then, let's get this rollin'!''<br>'''Wait!''': ''Don't worry. We ain't goin' nowhere. We'll be here when you're ready.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again after declining)</center>
|-
|Hiker
|''There you are. Are you ready?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Perfecto|Perfect}}! My, my! You're really getting the hang of how Pokémon battles work here!<br>I'm glad I was able to observe you up close today. This impromptu fieldwork has been so helpful!<br>To create an even playing field, we've given every sync pair their own Poryphone to use while here on Pasio.<br>Since each Poryphone contains a sync stone, everyone has the ability to use sync moves.<br>And as I explained before, as your bond with your Pokémon grows, your sync strength as partners grows, too.<br>I'll be sure to share any new and helpful information I come across as I continue my research, OK?<br>For now, I think our fieldwork is complete! {{tt|Danke|Thank you}} very much, <player>! Ta-ta!''
|}


== Chapter 4 - From Bud to Blossom ==


*Hunting for Badges

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Forest)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Let's get going. The forest should be just up ahead of this road, and Erika should be somewhere in the forest.''
|-
|Flannery
|''According to the rules, we need to collect five badges from PML Leaders to compete in the tournament matches, right?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Right. How are we supposed to get the badges, though?''
|-
|Brock
|''From what I hear, we have to prove that we're worthy to each of the leaders.''
|-
|Flannery
|''OK... Well, how do we do that?''
|-
|Brock
|''Standing around here isn't gonna give us the answer to that. Come on. Let's find Erika and ask her ourselves!''
|}


*Miss Popularity

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Brock
|''Man, there sure are a lot of female Trainers around here.<br>Sure does make me nervous...''
|-
|Flannery
|''You weren't kidding... I wonder what they're all doing here.''
|-
|Misty
|''Well, a lot of girls really idolize Erika... Maybe they've all sort of gravitated here in hopes of getting close to her.<br>Although, this may be taking that admiration a little too far... I heard that some of the girls even act like her personal bodyguards.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Pokémon Ranger appears)</center>
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''You there! Especially you in the orange!''
|-
|Brock
|''Uh... Is she talking to me?''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Who else would I be talking to? You're here to challenge Lady Erika, aren't you!''
|-
|Brock
|''You know Erika?! Could you tell us where—''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Excuse me! That's “Lady Erika” to you! How dare you address her so rudely? Where are your manners?<br>Ever since Lady Erika became a PML Leader, cretins like you have been gathering around her in swarms...<br>I won't allow such rude citizens to bother her! Go away, or I'll be forced to drive you off myself!''
|}


*Identity Crisis Averted!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''I can't believe I lost to filth like you... This...this is mortifying!''
|-
|Brock
|''All right, will you just calm down a second and hear us out? Misty and I are actually friends of Erika's.''
|-
|Misty
|''It's true. We need to collect badges in order to compete in the PML, and we heard that we could get one from Erika.''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Wait...you guys are friends of Lady Erika's? Oh no... Now I feel like a complete idiot.''
|-
|Brock
|''Well, you didn't really give us a chance to explain. Anyway, as long as we're all clear now...''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''I'm still not happy I lost to you all...but I suppose I owe you an apology.''
|-
|Misty
|''It's fine! Don't worry about it. It's really no big deal.''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Lady Erika really does have  the loveliest friends... Thank you. Forgive my behavior a moment ago.<br>If you'd like to speak with Lady Erika, she's just up ahead, a bit deeper into the forest.''
|-
|Misty
|''Great! Thanks for the info! Ready to go, everyone?''
|}


*Wake-Up Call

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Erika
|''Zzz... Zzz...''
|-
|Brock
|''<player>, meet Erika. Erika, meet... Erika...? Are you asleep?''
|-
|Erika
|''Oh... Oh dear! I drifted off again, didn't I.<br>Brock? Is that you? What a pleasant surprise. And...who might this be?''
|-
|Brock
|''This is <player>. We formed a team together to compete in the PML.''
|-
|Erika
|''Really? Well, isn't that delightful. I suppose you came for a badge, then?''
|-
|Brock
|''You guessed it. Uh, what exactly do we have to do to get our hands on one of these badges, anyway?''
|-
|Erika
|''Well, first things first—we go head-to-head in a Pokémon battle.''<br>'''You're on!''': ''Tee-hee! Shall we begin, then?''<br>'''Are you sure you aren't too tired?''': ''Tee-hee! That's very kind of you, but I assure you, I'm quite prepared.<br>I'm not going to go easy on you!''
|}


*A Blossoming Flower

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Erika
|''Well, well! What a wonderful battle.<br>You're like a hardy root, spreading deep into the soil to connect your teammates to one another...<br>But I also see a calm, quiet oak within you, standing tall... A kind heart that cares for those around you.<br>I see all of these things when I look at you, <player>. So it's with great joy that I now present you with this.''
|-
|Rosa
|''We did it! We got our first badge!''
|-
|Erika
|''One more thing... Would it be all right if I asked you one small favor?''
|-
|Rosa
|''What kind of favor are we talking about?''
|-
|Erika
|''Well, I was wondering if it would be all right if I joined your team.''
|-
|Rosa
|''What?!''
|-
|Erika
|''<player>, you are going to bloom into a beautiful flower as this competition goes on. I'd love to be there to see it firsthand.''
|-
|Brock
|''Well, that's pretty flattering and all...but wouldn't it be weird for a PML Leader to join a team?''
|-
|Erika
|''Not at all. I've been told that I'm free to participate in any way I like.<br>In fact, I believe there are a fair number of other PML Leaders in charge of  the same badge that I've just given you.''
|-
|Brock
|''Huh, I see... Guess I have no objection, then. What do you think, <player>?''
|-
|Erika
|'''Of course! Welcome to the team!''': ''Thank you so much! I look forward to competing together soon.''<br>'''Let's see what sort of flower we bloom into together!''': ''Of course! I look forward to being there when it happens.''
|-
|Brock
|''Right! Time to hunt for the next badge, then!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Oh! I think I might actually know another one of the PML Leaders!<br>She's from the Unova region, like me—a Gym Leader who uses Flying-type Pokémon!''
|}


== Chapter 5 - The High-Flying Girl ==


*The Second PML Leader

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Erika
|''According to Rosa, there should be a PML Leader somewhere on this mountain...''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yep! Her name's Skyla. She's a Gym Leader back in Unova.<br>She's super strong, so let's make sure we bring our A game!''<br>'''I can't wait to meet her!''': ''Tee-hee! Hearing she's strong didn't even make you flinch, did it, <player>!''<br>'''I wonder what her battle style is like.''': ''Tee-hee! Your mind is always on Pokémon battling, isn't it, <player>!''
|-
|Erika
|''I look forward to meeting her as well. I wonder what she's like...''
|-
|Rosa
|''I'm sure we'll all be fast friends! She's super friendly!<br>Come on! Let's get going!''
|}


*Dead Set on Victory

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Lear
|''What do you know—another win for me. Now, hand over that badge.''
|-
|Skyla
|''Sure, here you go! Thanks for that battle! I think I got a bit stronger!<br>Nice job out there, Swanna! Good hustle!''
|-
|Lear
|''How can you praise your Pokémon after a crushing defeat like that?! Pokémon aren't friends—they're tools. No wonder you lost.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Erika, Rosa, and the player appear)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Hey, look! There she is! Skylaaa! ...Huh? What's going on over there?''
|-
|Lear
|''Winning is all that matters! How can you just smile and accept defeat like that?! You should feel terrible!''
|-
|Skyla
|''Terrible? But I don't feel terrible at all! Swanna and I had a lot of fun!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Skyla! Are you OK?! What's going on?''
|-
|Skyla
|''Oh my gosh! Rosa! How've you been? I haven't seen you in ages! And you guys... Wait, I don't think I've met you yet.''
|-
|Lear
|''<player>... You again...<br>Why must the universe conspire to irritate me... What are you doing here?<br>Don't tell me you amateurs are trying to enter the Pokémon Masters League...''<br>'''How did you know?''': ''You can't be serious... Of all the ridiculous, insolent, pathetic—! I knew you'd be a pain the moment I saw that hat of yours...''<br>'''You got a problem with that?''': ''Excuse me?! Of all the ridiculous, insolent, pathetic—! I knew you'd be a pain in the neck the moment I saw that hat of yours...''
|-
|Rosa
|''{{tt|His|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|Her|If the player character is female}} hat?''
|-
|Lear
|''Never mind that... It doesn't matter anyway. I shall crush you under my heel here and now!<br>A one-on-one battle, just you and me. None of you interfere!<br>I shall teach you a lesson even a fool like you will remember.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Pikachu and Krookodile battle)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''What's wrong? Is that all you've got? I didn't even get to enjoy myself!<br>Bow before the victor, amateur... And don't forget, I always win!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Pikachu faints)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Bwahaha! See? I win, you lose, and all is right in the universe.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Well done as always, young master.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Good for you, Master Lear.''
|-
|Lear
|''Obviously failure begets failure... You amateurs belong together! We're done here. Let's go.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Erika
|''Are you all right, <player>?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Argh! What's that guy's problem?!''
|-
|Skyla
|''You said your name's <player>, right? That battle was great!<br>You and your Pokémon were so earnest and straightforward!<br>It doesn't matter whether you win or lose! Being able to have friendly Pokémon battles is the best!''
|-
|Erika
|''I couldn't agree with you more, Skyla.''
|-
|Rosa
|''You know...while we're on that subject... We were actually hoping we could get a badge from you today, too.''
|-
|Skyla
|''Oh, I see! Well, my favorite place is nearby. Why don't we go there and take a break first?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Good idea! You and <player> must be exhausted after battling that jerk, Lear!''
|}


*Blue Skies and Sunshine

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Field)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Oh, wow! Check out that sky! This place is great, Skyla!''
|-
|Skyla
|''I'm glad you like it, too!<br>Did you and your Pokémon get a good enough chance to rest?<br>Well then, why don't we have a little bit of fun?''<br>'''Hold on. Do you mean...''': ''Oh, you know what I'm talking about.''<br>'''Of course!''': ''Haha, good answer! Well then...<br>I think we need a fun battle to pick our spirits up!<br>All right, let's do this!''
|}


*Prepare for Takeoff!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Skyla
|''What a great battle! I'm so glad I had the chance to battle you!<br>My Pokémon and I are super satisfied we were able to really spread our wings!<br>Not to mention, I could tell that you were enjoying battling alongside your Pokémon and friends.''<br>'''Good match! That was really fun!/Let's do it again sometime!''': ''Yeah! Thanks!<br>Oh, that's right! This belongs to you now. You've earned it!''
|-
|Rosa
|''You did it, <player>! We've got our second badge!''
|-
|Skyla
|''You know what? I decided. I'm going to join your team!''<br>'''Wait, what?!/This is so sudden!''': ''If I go along with you guys, I think we'll be able to have tons of fun adventures!<br>All right, then! Make sure your seat belt is secure, your seat is upright, and your tray table is stowed. We're taking off to the next badge!''
|}


== Chapter 6 - A Telling Aura ==


*Gotta Get Stronger!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Forest)</center>
|-
|Skyla
|''All right! Everybody ready for takeoff? We've gotta go find the PML Leaders in charge of the remaining badges!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Hmm...''
|-
|Skyla
|''Are you OK, Rosa? Why the long face all of a sudden?''
|-
|Rosa
|''I'm fine! I just can't stop thinking about that jerk, Lear, from before...<br>It's wrong the way he treats Pokémon like tools, and I don't agree with the way he thinks, but the fact is...he's still really strong.<br>And I bet there'll be others just as strong as he is when we get to the tournament matches...''<br>'''Then we've gotta get stronger, too!/Then we need to train even harder!''': ''You're right, <player>! I was just thinking the same thing.''
|-
|Skyla
|''Aha! In other words, you want to see if we can power up our team around here in the meantime, right?<br>If that's the case, why don't we go pay the Evolution fighter a visit!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Evolution fighter? Who's that?''
|-
|Skyla
|''Supposedly she's a pretty amazing Trainer. I've heard whispers of her skill in the wind more than a few times!<br>She trains with her Pokémon nonstop, and I hear that sync pairs who train with her all end up getting a lot stronger!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Whoa! This girl sounds incredible! You sure convinced me!<br>C'mon, <player>! Let's go find this Evolution fighter!''<br>'''No time to waste!''': ''Yes! I love that enthusiasm! I'll be right behind you, friend!''<br>'''Time for a power-up, everyone!''': ''Yeah! If we raise our team's strength now, we can rise through the ranks in no time once the tournament begins!''
|-
|Skyla
|''OK! Let's take a break from collecting badges for a little while, then!<br>Come on! Off to the Evolution fighter we go! It's time for takeoff!''
|}


*The Evolution Fighter

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Is this the right place, Skyla?''
|-
|Skyla
|''Yep! At least, this is where I heard she does her training, anyway...''
|-
|???
|''Lucario! Give me a Low Sweep!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Korrina and Lucario training)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Ooh! That Trainer over there looks like she's doing exercises with a Lucario!<br>Do you think she could be the Evolution fighter you've been hearing about?!''
|-
|Skyla
|''Definitely! I heard the Evolution fighter is a great skater as well, so that's gotta be her.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wow, I never imagined the Evolution fighter would be a girl around my age!''
|-
|???
|''Huh? What brings all of you here?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Korrina approaches Rosa, Skyla, and the player)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''My name's Rosa! Nice to meet you!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Right back at you! I'm Korrina, the Gym Leader of Shalour City back in the Kalos region. What can I do for you?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Well, we heard that Trainers who come and train with you end up becoming really strong, and we reeeally want to get stronger!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Is that so! Well, I can definitely relate... I'd like to grow stronger myself.<br>Hm? Lucario seems to be really curious about all of you...<br>Well, you seem like a group of interesting sync pairs, in any case! What have I got to lose? Sure! Let's train together!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wait, are you serious?!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Yeah! Come on! Let's head to the training grounds right now!<br>Just so you know, we might run into other eager sync pairs along the way. There's a chance they could challenge us to a battle!<br>Just make sure you stick with me and don't fall too far behind, OK?''
|}


*Time to Train!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Korrina
|''Keep it up, everyone! We're almost to the training ground!''
|-
|Rosa
|''I wonder what sort of training Korrina is gonna have us do...''
|-
|???
|''Hey there, Korrina! You've gathered quite the crowd today.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brendan appears)</center>
|-
|Korrina
|''Oh! Hi, Brendan! I didn't know you'd be here today!<br>Everyone, this is my friend Brendan! Brendan, everyone!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Nice to meet you. Name's Brendan. I'm a Pokémon Trainer from the Hoenn region.<br>So, if all of you are here with Korrina, that must mean...''
|-
|Korrina
|''Yep! We're about to do some training together!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Nice! Do you mind if I join you? I've been wanting to do some training myself!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Haha, I should have known. Of course you can, Brendan!<br>Come on, <player>! Let's go! Everyone's waiting for us just up ahead!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the training grounds)</center>
|-
|Korrina
|''We're here, everyone! This is where I do all of my training.<br>A bunch of my Trainer friends like to hang out around here, too!''
|-
|Rosa
|''We finally made it... Better take a deep breath. This seems like it could get pretty intense!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Don't worry about it so much! The most important thing is to have fun.''
|-
|Rosa
|''OK! Let's do this!''
|}


*Bonds and Brawn

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Korrina
|''So? How do you think they did, Lucario?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lucario roars)</center>
|-
|Korrina
|''Yeah, I think so, too! Lucario seems to have taken a liking to you all.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Seriously?!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Yeah! Lucario has the ability to sense the auras that surround people.<br>He must have sensed how tightly bonded you all are with your Pokémon!<br>In fact, I was able to pick up on the same thing pretty clearly while I was watching you guys train.<br>And not just the bonds you have with your Pokémon, but also the bonds you have with each other as a team!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Be confident! The tighter your bonds get, the stronger you'll become!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Our bonds... You're right! All of us have bonds that connect us.<br>Bonds with our Pokémon and bonds with our friends and teammates!<br>If we put all of our effort into strengthening those bonds, I'm sure we'll be able to defeat Trainers like Lear!''
|-
|Brendan
|'''Yeah!''': ''All right! I'm starting to see a little bit of that confidence shine through!''<br>'''I think you're right!''': ''Like I said, confidence is key! Looks like you're finally starting to see the possibilities, though.''
|-
|Korrina
|''All right! What do you say we finish this training session with a battle!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Sure! Ready whenever you are!''
|-
|Korrina
|''It's go time... Let's give it all we've got!''
|}


*A Newfound Confidence

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Korrina
|''You beat me! That was a ton of fun, though.<br>This just proves that the bond you and your Pokémon share really is second to none!''
|-
|Brock
|''Thanks, Korrina! Thanks, Brendan! Thanks to you guys, I feel more confident.<br>I think we can get back to focusing on collecting badges now.''
|-
|Brendan
|''Oh? Were you guys collecting badges?<br>If that's what you're up to, I know a PML Leader I can introduce you to!''
|-
|Brock
|''That'd be great! Thanks!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Hey, can I come with you, too? You seem like a fun team to be around.<br>Is that OK with you, <player>?<br>'''Of course!''': ''Awesome! Now we'll be able to battle each other whenever we want!''<br>'''Sure! I hope to learn more from you!''': ''All right! If you ever want to learn any roller-skating tricks, like my rolling axe-kick, I'm your girl!<br>Bigger! Stronger! More energy! More fun!<br>I look forward to our new adventures together!''
|}


;The Truth behind the Rumors

*First Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Scientist
|''Oho! I see you've collected a badge or two! You must be aiming to compete in the PML.<br>Which means...you must have been transported here via one of those mysterious rings, correct?<br>Oh? You haven't heard the rumors, then? Allow me to enlighten you...<br>It appears that some of the Trainers participating in the PML did not travel to Pasio on a boat.<br>In fact, there are rumors floating around that those Trainers were instead teleported here through strange rings or loops!<br>Mysterious, isn't it?! I wonder if the rumors are true... I'm so curious! Aren't you curious?!<br>In any case... If you come across someone who knows the truth about the rings, do let me know, would you?''<br>'''Sure thing!''': ''Thank you so much! I'll continue doing some investigating of my own in the meantime. I hope to hear back from you soon!''<br>'''I dunno...''': ''Wh-why the hesitation? Pleeease? Keep me in the loop—I beg of you!<br>I'll continue doing some investigating of my own in the meantime, all right? Yes? OK! I hope to hear back from you soon!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Hiker and Street Thug)</center>
|-
|Street Thug
|''Did you know that this island is completely artificial? We were on the construction team that built it!<br>Pretty sweet, huh? Looks like a real island now that all these people showed up! Guess our hard work really paid off!''
|-
|Hiker
|''He says that, but it's really his Machamp that did the hard work.<br>Don't become a grown-up like him. Remember that you work together with your Pokémon!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Lass, Pokémon Ranger, and Rising Star)</center>
|-
|Lass
|{{tt|''Mysterious charm and blinding glamor!<br>Pasio is my stage to shine!<br>Ready when you are!|blurb}}<br>Oh, are you scouting new talent? Why, of course! I'd be happy to...<br>Huh? A mysterious ring? What are you talking about?<br>Ugh... I gave you my best smile thinking you were scouting for models! Now you just want to ask me questions? How lame.<br>Teleporting across the world through rings, huh? Um...did you hit your head or something? How does that even sound possible to you?<br>Some important-looking person asked me something or another like that back there, too. Why don't you go ask them?''
|}


*Second Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Mystery-Loving Girl)</center>
|-
|Mystery-Loving Girl
|{{tt|''I sense it...<br>I know it's around here...<br>Hehe...|blurb}}<br>I heard that somebody saw some strange things around here... Are you interested in that, too?<br>I see! Then we are kindred spirits!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Mystery-Loving Girl
|''If you find anything out of the ordinary, please let me know. If you don't...<br>you'll regret it.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Ace Trainer and Pokémon Ranger)</center>
|-
|Ace Trainer
|''Huh? A weird circle? Yeah, I think I saw something like that.<br>I'm pretty sure it was a circle, anyways... I mean, it was definitely round...<br>It was a Pokémon I never thought I'd see—that's for sure. The world's a big, big place...<br>... ... ...<br>What? You want to know what Pokémon I saw?<br>Well, battle me and maybe I'll tell you. If you can beat me, that is!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Ace Trainer
|''All right, I'll tell you! The weird circle I saw was round...perfectly round!<br>The Pokémon was really cute...and pretty, too! It had a round head and a kind of mischievous look in its eyes.<br>That's right! I saw an Alolan Persian! It was sooo cute!<br>I've never seen a Persian of that form before!<br>Oh, I'm sorry... I guess that wasn't the answer you were looking to hear, was it.<br>What? You heard that mysterious rings or loops have something to do with the way people are being transported to Pasio? That's weird...<br>Now that you mention it, I think I've heard rumors about a Pokémon like that before... Something about moving objects through loops...<br>I overheard a pretty lady talking about how she got to Pasio not too long ago.<br>Maybe she'll have the information you're looking for!''
|}


*Third Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Beauty, Black Belt, and Street Thug)</center>
|-
|Beauty
|{{tt|''A good mode of transport is essential to having a great adventure!<br>I'm certain that how I came to Pasio was the best way.<br>But I wonder how I should get home...|blurb}}<br>Hm. You want to know how I came to Pasio?<br>I came by ferry, same as everybody else. It was such a nice trip!<br>Another way to travel? I haven't heard of one.<br>If there is one, maybe I'll try that out to get home.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Beauty
|''A mysterious ring? I don't think I saw one on the ferry... Hmmm... A mysterious ring...<br>Maybe a Pokémon has something to do with it. If that's the case, I think there's a gentleman up ahead who mentioned something like that.''
|}


*Fourth Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Camper and Lass)</center>
|-
|Lass
|''Come on, let's go back. There aren't any rare Pokémon around here.''
|-
|Camper
|''No, let's keep looking!''
|-
|Lass
|''Aaah! There's something there! Nonononono! Let's get out of here!<br>Wait...that's just your Pokémon.''
|-
|Camper
|''Uh...sorry...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Youngster)</center>
|-
|Youngster
|''Hey, there you are! A researcher guy asked me to look for you.<br>He told me to help out a Trainer wearing a hat who was traveling with a Pikachu!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>Your sync pairs' Speed and evasiveness were temporarily raised!</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Youngster
|''I don't know what that was all about, but I think I did my job well!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Collector and Poké Fan)</center>
|-
|Poké Fan
|''You're looking for a strange Pokémon? What a coincidence! I am, too!<br>By the way, what information do you have? Will you share it with me? Come on.<br>You only know of a mysterious hoop? That's it? No, you're hiding something, aren't you? Why aren't you telling me? Huh?!<br>Fine! Pokémon battle! Now! And if I win, you tell me everything!''<br>'''You're on!''': ''I swear I'll get to the bottom of this mysterious Pokémon puzzle...and you're going to help me!''<br>'''Maybe later.''': ''Fine, then! I suppose I can wait a little longer!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again after declining)</center>
|-
|Poké Fan
|''You're back! This time I won't let you go without a battle! Tell me everything you know about that mysterious Pokémon!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Poké Fan
|''Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. I just lost my temper and saw red.<br>I like Pokémon so much that people around me say that I'm a bit of a weirdo.<br>If there is a strange Pokémon around here, I think I can really relate to it.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Ending)</center>
|-
|Scientist
|''Ah, hello again! Well? Have you found any new information concerning the strange, mysterious rings?''<br>'''Sure have!''': ''I see... Alolan Persian, huh? I...uh...think we may need to keep looking, but thank you for your efforts thus far.''<br>'''Nope.''': ''I see...<br>Anyway, if the true solution was that simple to find, the problem wouldn't be worth solving at all, now would it!<br>We must carefully examine all evidence and continue our pursuit of the truth!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa appears behind the Scientist)</center>
|-
|Scientist
|'''Look, behind you!''': ''Huh? Behind me? Did you see something?''<br>'''Wh-what's that?!''': ''Huh? What are you talking about? I don't see anything.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa flies away)</center>
|-
|Scientist
|''Tsk! I don't appreciate pranks, you know... Anyways, I'm not going to give up on this search! Just tell me when you have more information!''
|}


== Chapter 7 - Bravery Is Half the Victory ==


*The Truth Comes to Light

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Brendan
|''This weather is beautiful! It's a perfect day for a Pokémon battle.''
|-
|Korrina
|''Hey, Brendan? Didn't you say you were gonna introduce us to a PML Leader? Who is it? Tell us!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Oh, yeah! I guess I should fill you in.<br>We're going to go meet Norman, a Gym Leader from the Hoenn region.''
|-
|Flannery
|''Norman? You mean...THAT Norman?!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Wait...you know this person, too?''
|-
|Flannery
|''Do I know him? He's another Gym Leader from the same region as me, and he's Brendan's dad!''
|-
|Brendan
|'''Your dad?!''': ''Yup. Guess I forgot to mention that part! He's a really strong Trainer, so we gotta get focused.''
|-
|Flannery
|'''Your dad?!''': ''We sure do!''<br>'''Now this sounds fun!''': ''Yeah, I can hardly wait, either!<br>A man in pursuit of power... It should come as no surprise that someone like him would be chosen to be a PML Leader.''
|-
|Brendan
|''Heh. I gotta admit, it makes me happy to hear you talk about my dad like that.<br>Come on. I'll take you guys to him!''
|}


*What Lurks in the Wilderness

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Korrina
|''Brendan, are we there yet? When are we gonna meet Norman?''
|-
|Brendan
|''There's still a ways to go. Dad always says that the journey's part of the training—that's why he set up camp way out in the mountains.''
|-
|???
|''And that has proven very useful to us!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Huh?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''It means that you become the perfect prey for us out here on this isolated mountain, and we haven't even had to lift a finger.''
|-
|Brendan
|''That mask... I know all about you! You're those nasty Team Break guys who've been trying to steal people's Pokémon!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Ha! If you already know, then I guess I don't have to explain what comes next.''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''I'll be taking your Pokémon off your hands!''
|}


*A Scramble to the Summit!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Brendan
|''You gotta admit, one thing those Team Break guys can do well is run away.''
|-
|Korrina
|''Hey... Lucario still senses a bunch of those masked thugs nearby.''<br>'''We should hurry and find Norman!''': ''I think so, too! Who knows what could jump out at us next!''<br>'''That's not good...''': ''No, it's not! We should hurry and find Norman!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Let's get up this mountain quick, <player>!''
|}


*Summit Showdown

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain summit)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Argh! I couldn't beat you... Guess I'm still not good enough...''
|-
|Norman
|''Don't be too hard on yourself. It's been a long time since someone pushed me like that in battle. Believe in yourself.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Thanks...''
|-
|Brendan
|''Dad!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brendan and the player appear)</center>
|-
|Norman
|''Is that you, Brendan? What brings you all the way out here?''
|-
|Paulo
|''<player>! I'm guessing you came here for the same reason I did.''
|-
|Brendan
|''Oh, I'm so relieved. Looks like you guys are fine.''
|-
|Norman
|''Hm? What do you mean?''
|-
|Brendan
|''Oh, it's nothing—as long as you're safe. More importantly, I've brought you another challenger.''
|-
|Norman
|''Hm! Is that so?<br>Nice to meet you. I'm Norman. I'm Brendan's dad and currently a PML Leader.<br>I like that look in your eyes. We just might be able to have as wonderful a battle as I had with Paulo!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Go for it, <player>! Watch out for my dad's Slaking. He's amazingly strong!''
|-
|Paulo
|''I just lost to him... It still kind of stings, to be honest.<br>Your friend's right—you definitely shouldn't underestimate Norman and his Slaking. Good luck!''
|-
|Norman
|''It looks like you're ready for battle.<br>Now show me how well you've trained your Pokémon!''
|}


*Between and Rock and a Hard Place

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Norman
|''You've trained your Pokémon really well.<br>The bond between you and your Pokémon is strong, and your teamwork was spectacular. You have defeated me, <player>.''
|-
|Paulo
|''I had no idea you were this strong, <player>...<br>Don't get me wrong—I've been rooting for you. It's just...frustrating, getting left behind.''
|-
|Norman
|''Don't allow yourself to get frustrated. The skills you displayed when you pushed my Slaking to the limit are the real deal.''
|-
|Brendan
|''<player>! What an awesome battle that was to watch!<br>If you keep improving at this rate, we won't have anything to be afraid of no matter how many of those Team Break thugs we run into!''
|-
|Norman
|''Team Break? Is that what you call those weirdos I've been seeing around lately?''
|-
|Brendan
|''Yeah, we ran into them on the way here, but they were no match for us!''
|-
|Norman
|''You'd better be careful out there, Brendan.''
|-
|Brendan
|''Huh?''
|-
|Norman
|''It seems that they're getting stronger than they were before.<br>I have a feeling something bad might happen. Hopefully it's just me worrying too much.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Team Break has even got Norman worried now? That can't be good...''
|-
|Norman
|''Oh, with all that unpleasant talk, I forgot to give you your badge.<br>Take this Patience Badge, <player>.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears in the distance)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Heh heh... This cave seems to be the place.<br>Come on! It's time to pay a little visit...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Norman
|''Uh-oh.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Wasn't that Team Break?!''
|-
|Norman
|''We can't let them go in there! That cave is where sync pairs go to rest!<br>All of you! Come and help me stop those thugs!''
|-
|Paulo
|''I can help! Let's go, Norman!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to inside the cave)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Hold it right there, Team Break!''
|-
|Norman
|''We can't allow you to cause any more harm than you already have.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''No, no, that was never our intention!<br>You see...we came here for the PML Leader. In other words, YOU, Norman!''
|-
|Norman
|''Wha—?!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Now!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades to white)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Wha—! What was that?!''
|-
|Norman
|''No! We have to protect everyone, Slaking!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades back to Brendan, Norman, Paulo, and the player)</center>
|-
|Norman
|''Is everyone OK?''
|-
|Paulo
|''I think so... But they collapsed the exit.''
|-
|Norman
|''We'll be all right. Even if we can't get out here, I'm sure we can find another way.<br>As long as we don't give up, the road will reveal itself!''
|}


*The True Objective

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Norman
|''Hey, everybody, I found a way out of here!''
|-
|Brendan
|''Whew, I was just starting to wonder what our new life as cave dwellers would be like.''
|-
|Norman
|''What did I tell you? As long as you don't give up, the road will surely reveal itself.<br>You just have to have the kind of unbending mental fortitude you need to keep going until you find it.''
|-
|Brendan
|''You're right. I was in shock from how suddenly that all went down, but I can't allow myself to be overcome by my fears.''
|-
|Norman
|''That's a good point. Well, the exit is right there.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''I should have expected this from a PML Leader. To be honest, I didn't think much of you.''
|-
|Norman
|''Team Break! What do you want from me?!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''If we want to sabotage this loathsome PML, of course we must also get rid of you!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Sabotage the PML?!<br>There's no way I'm letting that happen!''
|-
|Norman
|''I don't care what your ultimate goal is. I can't stand by and watch your cowardly methods!<br><player>, will you give me a hand with these thugs?''
|-
|Masked Man
|'''Of course I will!/I won't let Team Break get away with this!''': ''I can't stand people with a sparkle in their eyes like you have!<br>I will send all of you into a pit of dark despair!''
|}


*Where There's a Will, There's a Way

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Man
|''How could this be?! How could I lose to the likes of you?!<br>Don't get the wrong idea. This isn't over!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leave)</center>
|-
|Brendan
|''We did it! What a huge win for us!''
|-
|Norman
|''Hm, it certainly was! Now I can finally give you your badge.<br>That's the Patience Badge. It's given to Trainers who have unbending mental strength.<br>The Patience Badge suits you well. I'm looking forward to seeing just how far you can go with your strong mentality.<br>And one more thing... Would it be possible for me to join your team?<br>I would like to watch the next generation of Trainers grow from up close.''
|-
|Brendan
|''Huh? Are you really planning to go with <player>, Dad?''
|-
|Norman
|''Of course! I, too, want to grow stronger.<br>That's my reason for wanting to go. Will you have me, <player>?''<br>'''Let's do it!''': ''Mmhmm! Then from now on, let's devote ourselves to growing stronger!''<br>'''I'm excited to learn from you!''': ''The pleasure is mine. Let's devote ourselves to growing stronger!''
|-
|Brendan
|''All right! I guess I've gotta get serious about my training, too, huh? After all, I do wanna beat you again, Dad!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Nice, <player>. Not only did you get the badge—you got Norman to acknowledge your skill.''
|-
|Norman
|''I haven't forgotten about you, either, Paulo. Here, take this badge.''
|-
|Paulo
|''What?! But you beat me in our battle...''
|-
|Norman
|''Victory isn't everything. What's truly important is your mental fortitude.<br>You supported <player> in the face of fearsome opponents and didn't back down. You've earned this badge.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Thank you...<br>I'm going to grow stronger...stronger than anyone else...''
|-
|Norman
|''Huh? I didn't quite catch that.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Nothing. It's nothing. Thank you for the badge.<br>I guess this is where we part ways again, <player>. I'm off to collect my next badge.<br>Next time you see me, I'll be stronger than ever! Strong enough to blow you and Norman out of the water!''
|}


== Chapter 8 - A Cold, Harsh Winter ==


*Shivers of...Excitement?

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Glaciers)</center>
|-
|Norman
|''I've heard there's quite a skilled Trainer somewhere around this glacier.<br>But I don't know exactly where...''
|-
|Flannery
|''I wonder where they are... It's pretty cold out here.''
|-
|Barry
|''What are you talking about?! You get cold too easily, Flannery!''
|-
|Flannery
|''My hometown is hot, and I didn't think to pack anything besides the clothes I normally wear.''
|-
|Barry
|''I guess I would be pretty cold if I were out here dressed like that. Wanna borrow my scarf?''
|-
|Flannery
|''I-I'm OK. Th-thanks for the c-c-concern, though.''
|-
|Norman
|''It'll be even colder once the sun goes down. There will be time for chitchat later. We need to focus on our search for now.''
|-
|Barry
|''All right, let's hurry up and get this done before Flannery catches a cold!''
|-
|Flannery
|''N-n-no, really, I'm f-f-f-fine!''
|}


*Bickering in Circles

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Pryce
|''Well, from the look of you, I bet you've come looking for a badge, haven't you?''
|-
|Norman
|''Are you...?''
|-
|Pryce
|''The name's Pryce. I'm a Gym Leader from Mahogany Town and a PML Leader. If you're looking for a battle, I'll take you on.''
|-
|Barry
|''This old guy doesn't waste any time! Let's get to it!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Leave this one to me! I know Torkoal can really put in work here!''
|-
|Barry
|''Don't push yourself so hard, Flannery. I can handle this old guy.''
|-
|Flannery
|''I'm f-fine. Just because I'm cold doesn't mean I can't b-battle!<br>Trust me! Leave this one to me—the Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town!''
|-
|Barry
|''What was that all about? You don't have to get all high and mighty.''
|-
|Pryce
|''What's wrong? If you don't want to battle, I'll be on my way.''
|-
|Barry
|''Hold on! We're ready to do this right now!''
|-
|Norman
|''Barry, Flannery—would you two calm down? You're being rude to our opponent.''
|-
|Barry
|''But, but—!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Have you made up your minds?<br>Well then, I will show you the true harshness of winter. Come at me with everything you've got!''
|}


*Something Missing

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Barry
|''Well, that was an easy win! All right, old man, make with the badge.''
|-
|Norman
|''No. Pryce wasn't really giving it his all in that battle.''
|-
|Flannery
|''Huh?''
|-
|Pryce
|''Hmph. There was certainly something dazzling about your teamwork.<br>But can't you give just a bit more?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Pryce leaves)</center>
|-
|Barry
|''What are you talking about?! What's the deal here?!''
|-
|Norman
|''Everybody calm down.<br>In the battle with Pryce just now, you did perform well, but there was still something missing.''
|-
|Barry
|''What is it?''
|-
|Flannery
|''Missing...?''
|-
|Norman
|''Think hard about it, you two. You'll need to find the answer before we meet Pryce again.''
|}


*It Takes Two

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Flannery
|''For s-s-some reason, it's even colder than it was b-before...''
|-
|Barry
|''...''
|-
|Flannery
|''What now?''
|-
|Barry
|''I'm sorry about earlier, Flannery!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Huh?''
|-
|Barry
|''I've been thinking about it, and I guess I was kind of rushing for no good reason.<br>I thought I could do it all myself, and I hope I didn't make you feel bad.<br>At times like these, I wish I could fine myself. I hope you can forgive me, Flannery!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Oh... Well, uh, I was actually about to apologize to you, too, Barry!<br>I'm the one who should be sorry! That was all my fault earlier.<br>I was the one who panicked. I was trying too hard to live up to my title of Gym Leader and totally missed the mark.''
|-
|Barry
|''Oh, you felt that way, too, huh?''
|-
|Flannery
|''I guess that's why we were so out of sync in that battle.''
|-
|Barry
|'''Let's work together next time!''': ''You got it!''<br>'''I'm sure we'll be fine!''': ''You bet!''
|-
|Norman
|''Ah, it seems you've found the answer to what was missing, then. It's time for us to head back to Pryce.<br>You two can show him what you've learned!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Barry, Flannery, Norman, and the player approach Pryce)</center>
|-
|Pryce
|''Oh, it's you again. Back to challenge me again, are you?''
|-
|Barry
|''That's right, old man! Give us one more battle!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Fine, I'll take you on.''
|-
|Barry
|''Just you watch! It's gonna be completely different from last time! Flannery, <player>...let's do this!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Yeah, let's battle together!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Oh, I like that determined expression. This will be good.<br>I am known as the Winter Trainer. Let me show you what I'm capable of!''
|}


*Teach and Be Taught

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Flannery
|''All right! We finally worked together and won!''
|-
|Barry
|''YES! But hey, old man, you weren't going easy on us that time, were you?''
|-
|Pryce
|''No, I wasn't. Your performance in that battle was a sight to see.<br>There's nothing more for me to do but give you your badge.''
|-
|Barry
|''All right!''
|-
|Flannery
|''The Harmony Badge symbolizes unity.''<br>'''And it's a badge that we worked together to get.''': ''I will always remember what this badge means!''<br>'''Let's not fight anymore.''': ''I mean, that wasn't even really a fight, anyway, right?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Norman, Pryce, and the player talking, Barry and Flannery talking behind them)</center>
|-
|Norman
|''My sincerest thanks for battling earnestly, Pryce. We all learned so much from you.''
|-
|Pryce
|''Those are some interesting youngsters. They were more powerful than I had initially thought.''
|-
|Norman
|''Indeed. I'm surprised by how much this new generation of Trainers is teaching me as well.''
|-
|Pryce
|''Are you their guardian?''
|-
|Norman
|''No, I'm just part of the team. The one running the show is <player> here.''
|-
|Pryce
|''<player>... There certainly does seem to be something quite interesting about you.''
|-
|Norman
|''I think so, too. I don't quite know what it is yet, though.''
|-
|Pryce
|''Well, how about it, then? Would you let me join you, too?''
|-
|Norman
|''Hm? I'd never imagined you would want to join our team...''
|-
|Pryce
|''I've found I have a desire to learn from the younger generation as well.''
|-
|Norman
|''We welcome you with open arms! I'm sure everyone will be happy to have you join us!''
|-
|Barry
|''Hey, Norman! What are you guys talking about?<br>Let's say good-bye to this freezing glacier and get back to a nice, warm town!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Hey! I knew it! You've b-b-been cold all along, too, h-haven't you, Barry?!''
|-
|Barry
|''Ah, man! You got me!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Ha ha! I can tell things are going to be very interesting from here on out.''
|}


== Chapter 9 - The Beauty of Friendship ==


*Surprise Reunion

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Pryce
|''The city seems particularly bustling with activity today.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Now that you mention it...it does seem busier than usual around here.''
|-
|Pryce
|''People must be getting anxious now that the PML tournament matches are just over the horizon.<br>Anyway, I was hoping to go for a nice stroll through town, since I'm here and all... Hm? Is there something wrong, Rosa?''
|-
|Rosa
|''No. I just...I swear I recognize that girl over there from somewhere... Is that...Iris? Iris, is that you over there?!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Iris approaches Rosa, Pryce, and the player)</center>
|-
|Iris
|''Rosa! I haven't seen you in so long! I'm so glad I finally ran into someone I recognize here.''
|-
|Rosa
|'''You two know each other?''': ''Yeah! Iris is actually the Champion of the Unova region, you know!''<br>'''Are you two friends?''': ''Yeah! We became friends through Pokémon battling back in the Unova region. Iris is the Champion there, you know!<br>Oh! I should introduce you two! Iris, this is my team leader, <player>!''
|-
|Iris
|''Team leader? Ohhh, you're all competing in the PML together? That's great! I've been hearing a lot about it.<br>I'm Iris! Nice to meet you, <player>.''
|-
|Rosa
|''I never thought I'd run into you here, but I'm sooo glad I did!''
|-
|Iris
|''Me too! I feel so much better now that I know you're here! Until now, I hadn't found anyone here that I recogni—''
|-
|???
|''Oh no! It's Team Break!''
|-
|Iris
|''Eeek! What was that?!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Team Break must be causing trouble again! Come on! We should go help!''
|-
|Iris
|''Right! I'll go with you! Is that OK, Rosa? <player>?''
|}


*Poke Burglars!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Iris
|''<player>! More of those baddies are heading right this way!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Wait a sec... Isn't that the Champion of the Unova region?''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Guess today's our lucky day. C'mon, let's nab her Pokémon!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Drat. This isn't good...<br><player>, these thugs are trying to steal Iris's Haxorus!''
|-
|Iris
|''Wha—? My Haxorus?! We can't let that happen!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Right—we have to do something about this. If we don't stop them soon, even more innocent people will get dragged into the fray!''
|}


*Sticks and Stones

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Lear
|''Hah! I was told that a few Trainers were in a tussle with Team Break, so I came to have a look... Turns out it's just you amateurs!''<br>'''You...''': ''Oh? So you remember me, then! Yes, it is I, Lear! Owner and creator of this magnificent island you all stand on!''<br>'''Who are you?''': ''You must be joking, right? That is ridiculous! No one forgets me, Lear, owner of Pasio!''
|-
|Pryce
|''So you're Lear, huh? Your reputation precedes you...and not in a good way. To be honest, people don't speak very positively of you.<br>Tell me, what's the real reason you're here? I'd hate to think that you're the one behind all of this misconduct.''
|-
|Lear
|''Hah! Don't be ridiculous! Me? Promote this foolishness on my own island?! The mere thought is insulting!<br>The reason I came here in the first place was to bring judgment on these thugs!<br>Got it? Now stay out of my way. Go crawl into a corner with your pathetic team and leave this to a real Pokémon master!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Iris
|''That guy said his name is Lear, right? You know, I'm sure he must be rich and powerful and all, but that was just plain rude!<br>You're not just gonna let him get away with that attitude, right, <player>?!<br>We should go and show that snooty Lear that this team is anything but pathetic!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Calm down a moment, Iris.<br>Try not to let yourself get so worked up. You'll only tire yourself out.''
|-
|Iris
|''But aren't you upset that he called your team pathetic, Mr. Pryce?''
|-
|Pryce
|''Sticks and stones, Iris. Words can't hurt you if you don't let them. A Trainer should always be calm and disciplined.''
|-
|Iris
|''Yeah, I think I know what you mean. Working together as a team is probably a lot harder if you're all worked up and angry.''
|-
|Pryce
|''Indeed... It sounds like young Iris here is already much wiser about these things than our haughty friend, Lear.<br>Come! I think perhaps it's time to show him exactly what this team is capable of!''
|}


*Opposing Opinions

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Beach)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh! What are you still doing here? I thought I told you to stay out of my way!''
|-
|Iris
|''Lear, you're wrong! <player>'s team is NOT pathetic!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. This is getting ridiculous! One puny amateur...two, three...even ten! It makes no difference if you're weak.''
|-
|Lear
|'''Don't talk about my friends like that!''': ''Friends? Friends are for fools! If all you're going to do is spout nonsense, do it elsewhere! Out of my sight!''<br>'''Not true—we're stronger together!''': ''Just how foolish are you?! If all you're going to do is spout nonsense, do it elsewhere! Out of my sight!''
|-
|Iris
|''We're not fools, and teamwork isn't nonsense! If we work together with each other, we can achieve anything!''
|-
|Lear
|''You're getting on my nerves... This conversation is over!<br>Rachel! Sawyer! Let's corner Team Break at the beach, where they can't get away. Don't just stand there—move it!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Iris
|''<player>! We should follow—''
|-
|???
|''Hold it right there, li'l lady!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Thought you could get away, huh? Well, it's finders keepers, Iris!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Hand over that Haxorus! It belongs to Team Break now!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''We'll put it to reeeal good use, all right? So don't argue, and give it here!''
|-
|Iris
|''Argh! Not again! They just keep coming and coming!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Don't worry, Iris. I'm right here with you, and so is <player>. We've got your back.<br>Now...let me show you why they call me the Winter Trainer.''
|}


*A Clash of Wills

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Lear 
|''Looks like that was the last of them, finally... How dare those troublemakers drain away so much of my precious time!<br>As for you—how dare you ignore my wishes! I told you to stay out of my business, yet here you are again!''<br>'''We can work together.''': ''ME work together with YOU?! Just who do you think you're talking to?''<br>'''We wanted to help you.''': ''Who do you think you're talking to here?! I could have wiped the floor with those fools on my own!''
|-
|Iris
|''Lear, stop being so rude to us! It's not nice!<br>Would it hurt you to say thank you?!''
|-
|Lear
|''...''
|-
|Iris
|''Come on!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph! Iris, was it? If that's what you want...<br>then let's settle this with a battle—a special one-on-one battle, just this once.<br>You shall see that you're no match for my superior power!''
|-
|Iris
|''And I'll prove you wrong! I'm going to win this for my friends!<br>Come on, Haxorus!''
|-
|Lear
|''Go, Krookodile!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Haxorus and Krookodile battle)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Both of them are amazing...''
|-
|Pryce
|''Hmm... You said Iris is the Champion of the Unova region, didn't you?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yep... I can't believe Lear is neck and neck with her in this battle!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Of cooourse he is.<br>I mean, Master Lear's a genius... Plus, he trains suuuper hard.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Champion or not, I doubt she'll be able to defeat the young master. I'm sure it'll be the same next time he faces that kid in the red hat...''
|-
|Lear
|Quiet, you! I told you not to talk about that!<br>And how dare you compare me to this sappy little girl! All this nonsense about friends and working together... Don't make me laugh!''
|-
|Iris
|''You talk like you're battling all by yourself, but you're not alone!''
|-
|Lear
|''What, you mean Rachel and Sawyer? They serve as my retainers, nothing more. They may be loyal, but they are not my friends.''
|-
|Iris
|''Well, what about the Pokémon that battle alongside you? That Krookodile is like a trusty partner to you, isn't he?''
|-
|Lear
|''Hah! Pokémon are no different. They're tools! Tools used by Trainers who want to rise to the top! I have no need for friends.''
|-
|Pryce
|''Is that really what you think? The way I see it, Iris has been fighting neck and neck with you...<br>despite being in a place she's unfamiliar with...despite how tired she must be after battling all of those Team Break thugs earlier...<br>Why do you think that is? If you ask me, I'd attribute it to the incredibly strong bond Iris has with her Pokémon.''
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh!<br>I'm done listening to a bunch of amateurs who think they can lecture me! Rachel, Sawyer, we're leaving!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Iris
|''... .... ...<br>Hey, <player>?<br>I just want you to know... I stand by what I said!<br>Mr. Pryce was right. The bond between Trainers and Pokémon is really important when it comes to battling!<br><player>... Do you think we could have a battle?<br>I kinda want to try a team battle!''
|}


*Champion on the Roster

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Iris
|''Wow, that was so cool! Team battling really is a whole different experience!<br>I wish I could do it more...<br>Um, <player>? Do you think it would be OK if I join your team?''<br>'''Of course it's OK!/Why not!''': ''Really?! Woo-hoo! Thank you!''
|-
|Rosa
|''With Iris on our team now, I'm even more excited about what's to come!''
|-
|Iris
|''Me too! Let's all do our best, team! So...what's next?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wanna head back to the city for now? Let's go search for another PML Leader and earn our next badge!''
|}

== Chapter 10 - A Matter of Pride ==


*The Final Badge

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Forest)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Well, team, it's been a pretty eventful journey so far, but I think I'm ready to get back to collecting badges.<br>The only one we're missing now is the Pride Badge. Once we get our hands on that, we'll be able to compete in the PML!''<br>'''Can't wait to meet the next PML Leader!''': ''Hahaha! You really do love Pokémon battles, don't you, <player>?''<br>'''It's been pretty challenging so far.''': ''It sure has...but we're in the final stretch now! Come on—let's give this our best shot!''
|-
|Iris
|''Do you know anything about the PML Leader we're looking for?''
|-
|Brock
|''From what I hear, she's still a young child.<br>But supposedly, she's got some serious talent, despite her age. Rumor has it she's a kahuna on one of the Alolan islands...''
|-
|Iris
|''Aha! Interesting... I wonder if she's a little like me, then! It sounds like she could be!<br>Maybe we'll end up being super good friends! Come on, hurry up! What are we waiting for?!''
|}


*Challengers and Trespassers

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Hapu
|''Too bad, my friend! No badge for you today. Better luck next time!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Argh! What gives? Why can't I win...''
|-
|Hapu
|''Now, now. No use crying over spilled milk. You have some real strength!  I can feel it in my bones.<br>Hmm... I think you just need to believe in yourself more. With a bit of confidence, you could be great.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Confidence, huh...''
|-
|Iris
|''Hmm... That girl looks pretty young and little... Um, excuse me? You wouldn't happen to be a PML Leader, would you?''
|-
|Hapu
|''What's this? Another challenger? My, my! Business is booming today.''
|-
|Paulo
|''<player>... Your badge collecting must be going pretty well if that's why you're here.''
|-
|Hapu
|''I'm flattered you wish to challenge me now, but to be honest, I'm feeling a wee bit tired from my last... Huh?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Iris
|''Look! It's more of those mean, masked people!''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Well, well! I didn't expect to find so many lovely sync pairs here.<br>Today must be my lucky day... With all of these Pokémon in one place, I'll barely have to lift a finger to steal them!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Team Break! Ugh, they always pick the worst times to show up... My Pokémon's still tired from that last battle.''
|-
|Iris
|''Don't worry! You can leave this one to us! Come on, <player>! Let's go!''
|}


*A Hasty Decision

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Tsk... Who do you kids think you are? You have no right to be this good.<br>But don't worry—my associates should be arriving any minute now. I hope they wipe those smiles off your faces...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Hapu
|''You sure surprised me! The way you drove off those mask-wearing scoundrels... Your skills are certainly nothing to scoff at!''
|-
|Paulo
|''That was...incredible. When did you get this strong?!<br>Ah... I guess the obvious answer is that you've been working harder than I have...''
|-
|Hapu
|''Well, <player>, I would like nothing more than to be your next opponent...<br>but according to that lady, there are more of those Team Break scoundrels skulking around this area.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Right! And we can't just leave them to their own devices! We should team up and stop them!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Say, Hapu... If I beat those guys, would you agree to battle me again?''
|-
|Hapu
|''Well, sure! Of course I would! But it sounds like they might have us outnumbered. It won't be an easy task.''
|-
|Paulo
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Rosa
|''H-hey! You're not thinking of going off on your own, are you?!''
|-
|Paulo
|''I'm just gonna run ahead to scope out the area. Don't worry—I won't do anything stupid.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo leaves)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Why's he in such a rush all of a sudden...?''
|-
|Hapu
|''Mmm... This is a tad bit worrying. It may be a good idea to follow him.''
|}


*Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Summit)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Argh! We must not have rested enough after that battle with Hapu, Rockruff... Still, I can't believe we lost to those goons.''
|-
|Brock
|''Paulo! Are you all right?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brock, Hapu, Rosa, and the player appear)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Hmm, what have we here? It looks like the boy has attracted a whole swarm of sync pairs right into our trap.''
|-
|Hapu
|''That one looks like he might be the leader of the bunch.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Your little friend here was too weak to put up much of a fight, sadly.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Grr...''
|-
|Hapu
|''Don't listen to this foolish bully, Paulo.''
|-
|Hapu
|'''I've heard enough!/You'd better take that back, mister!''': ''It seems you're not one to put up with foolish nonsense, either... Mm-hmm! A kindred spirit indeed!''
|}


*Paulo Conflicted

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Man
|''Hmph. It seems these kids are a bit more than we can handle at present...<br>Let's retreat for now. But mark my words...the next time we meet, we'll be far stronger!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Guess you had to come to my rescue again, huh, <player>... Thanks.''
|-
|Hapu
|''Tsk! Do you need to have your ears cleaned? I told you it would be unwise to rush in like that.<br>Oh well. What's done is done. At least this allowed me to witness something great.''
|-
|Rosa
|''What do you mean?''
|-
|Hapu
|''You got upset when your friend's pride was insulted, then fought hard to defend it. That's not something you see every day.<br>All right! Now that we've chased off those scalawags, you are free to challenge me for a badge once again.<br>But you must be exhausted, my friends. Why don't you take a rest here and catch up with me on the road ahead?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hapu leaves)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Hapu's got a point. We should take a quick break here so that we're back to full power when we challenge her!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Sorry, <player>... I think I'm gonna go.''
|-
|Rosa
|''What? Why? You didn't get hurt back there, did you?''
|-
|Paulo
|''No, it's not that. After my battle with Hapu, she told me that what I'm missing is self-confidence...<br>and I need to give that some real thought. Challenging her again is gonna be pointless until I figure out my issues.''
|-
|Rosa
|''I see...''
|-
|Paulo
|''I'm not giving up yet, though! I've still got time to work this out before the tournament matches begin!<br>You'll see! I'll continue to get stronger, collect all the badges I need, then sign up to compete in the PML!<br>Good luck in your battle against Hapu! I'll see you around soon!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo leaves)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Wow, he just up and left... Think Paulo's gonna be OK?''
|-
|Brock
|''Why are you so worried about Paulo, anyway? We'll see him again real soon, like he said.<br>And when we do, I'm sure he will have grown into a powerful rival for us to compete against.''<br>'''Looking forward to it!/We'll grow even more powerful than that!''': ''Hahaha! I like your enthusiasm!<br>All right! Let's head out as soon as this rest stop is over. Final badge, here we come!''
|}


*A Reason to Battle

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Field)</center>
|-
|Hapu
|''Ah, there you are... Hm? Is that all of you?''
|-
|Iris
|''Yeah... Paulo ran off saying he needed to get stronger.''
|-
|Hapu
|''Is that so... Well, I look forward to seeing the fruits of his labor.''
|-
|Brock
|''In any case, the rest of us came here to challenge you to a battle. You're still ready to rumble, right?''
|-
|Hapu
|''Yes, of course I am! But before that... Here, this is for you.''
|-
|Brock
|''Is that...a Pride Badge?! But we haven't even battled yet!''
|-
|Hapu
|''I've already seen enough of your character for me to make my judgment.<br>Not only are you proud of yourselves and your own accomplishments, but you respect and raise up others as well.<br>Furthermore, you possess the strength and skill—as well as the camaraderie—that it takes to defend that pride.<br>In other words, you have proven that you're worthy of holding this badge in every way! So take it! It's yours!''
|-
|Iris
|''Woo-hoo! That means we've collected every single badge!''
|-
|Brock
|''This isn't exactly the way I imagined things would go in the end...but hey, we did it! Congrats, <player>!''
|-
|Hapu
|''Indeed! Just one more thing, before you go... A personal request.<br>Would you still honor me with a battle?<br>I may be a PML Leader, but I'm a Pokémon Trainer first! When I meet a powerful opponent, I want to test my skill against them...<br>After watching your battle earlier, I felt that it was no longer a badge that was on the line here—it was my pride!''
|-
|Brock
|''Well, you heard the little lady. What do you think, <player>?''<br>'''Of course we'll battle you!/Let's do this! No holding back!''': ''I was hoping you'd say that!''
|-
|Hapu
|''Thank you, my friends. Come on, then! I will battle you with everything I have!''
|}


*Minds Made Up

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Hapu
|''Phew... I've been thoroughly defeated. What a grand battle that was!<br>I used every bit of strength I could muster, but it still wasn't enough... Sounds like it's high time for some more training!''
|-
|Brock
|''Wow, <player>. You've really come a long way, haven't you.<br>And you're only getting stronger... You remind me of Red and Blue when they first beat me.''
|-
|Hapu
|''Ho ho ho!''
|-
|Brock
|''Wh-what's so funny all of a sudden?!''
|-
|Hapu
|''It sounds to me like that battle's left you aching for something in the past. You've got something on your mind...about your journey here.''
|-
|Brock
|''L-listen...I...''
|-
|Hapu
|''Hush, hush. You don't have to say it out loud... We both know that battling against <player> is a thrill!<br>Whatever you decide to do, it's your choice. Just don't hold yourself back! That's never a good choice.''
|-
|Brock
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Hapu
|''Well then! Now that you've acquired your last badge, you'll be heading back to Centra City, I'd wager?<br>I shall accompany you. I'm overdue for a taste of the city air.''
|-
|Iris
|''W-wait! You're coming with us?! Can...can you and me walk and talk together on our way back?!''
|-
|Hapu
|''Why, of course! I would like nothing better! It's a long walk back, so I hope to hear lots of your stories.''
|-
|Brock
|''Uh... Say, <player>...I just remembered I've got this thing I need to do...<br>You guys go on ahead! I'll meet you back in Centra City later.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brock leaves)</center>
|-
|Hapu
|''I see... It looks like he's made up his mind, then.''
|-
|Iris
|''Huh? Made up his mind for what?''
|-
|Hapu
|''Well, it will be interesting to see how all of this plays out... Hee hee.''
|}


;An Unexpected Collaboration

*First Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''Heyyy, look who just showed up at the right place at the right time.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Uh... <player>, was it?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Hey, Sawyer... How 'bout we get these guys to help us out?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''The young master gave us a specific job to do, Rachel.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Duhhh. I know. But don't you think Master Lear will be wayyy happier if we can get the job done even faster?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Hmmm...''
|-
|Rachel
|'''Is something wrong?''': ''Heh heh, I think I'll take that curiosity as a sign that you'd be willing to help us sniff out those Team Break goons...''<br>'''Can we help out somehow?''': ''Is today my lucky day? Yeah! You can help us sniff out those Team Break goons. You've gotta be pretty fed up with them, too, right?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''R-Rachel!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Oh, hush. It's fiiine! Let's just get this over with. Come on, <player>. Let's gooo!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Hiker and Rising Star)</center>
|-
|Hiker
|''Hey, you're not gonna believe it! I saw a sync pair being attacked by Team Break!<br>And get this: Lear helped the Trainers!''
|-
|Rising Star
|''Wait, whaaat?! Lear, as in Prince Lear? And you're saying that he actually helped somebody?''
|-
|Hiker
|''Yeah, I was as surprised as you are. Maybe he's a better guy than we thought.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|''I'm having a hard time imagining a nice Lear...''
|-
|Hiker
|''Well, it is true he has a major attitude problem. If he fixes that, he might turn out to be a good tournament host.''
|}


*Second Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Field)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Rachel, Sawyer, and Team Break)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Blasted Team Break thugs...wreaking havoc everywhere you go while the young master's trying to run a tournament!''
|-
|Rachel
|''I knew there'd be more of them slinking around... And look, here they are. Surprise, surprise.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Whoa! Check this guy out... Hey, muscle man! You and your pretty girlfriend over there need to scram! This is our turf!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Who do you think you're talking to? Master Lear handpicked the two of us to crack down on troublemaking misfits like you!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Yo! You guys take care o' the big guy and the girl! Leave this bunch o' losers to me.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Arrgh! We gotta scram for now, boys! Let's go!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Ugh, fiiinally. I thought that would never end. Come on. Let's hurry up and report back to Master Lear.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Not yet. We need to continue making our rounds. Team Break have probably scattered all over this island.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Did you hear that, <player>? Sounds like we need your help for a li'l bit longer...''
|}


*Third Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Pokémon Ranger)</center>
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|{{tt|''I wonder what kind of country it is...<br>He's next in line for the throne, right?<br>An actual real-life prince! Isn't that dreamy?|blurb}}<br>Lear? Of course I know him!<br>He's supposedly the prince of some country, huh.<br>If he's got the kind of power that would allow him to build an entire island like this, he's got to be incredibly rich!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Preschooler)</center>
|-
|Preschooler
|{{tt|''Isn't he a gweat puyson?<br>I wespect him a lot!<br>But a lot of people think he's a bad guy...|blurb}}<br>Lear pwetends to be mean, but he's actually a weally wespectable puyson.<br>He's talented—and always twied his hahdest to become the pwince he is today!<br>I huyd a lady with puyple haiyuh saying that!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Rachel)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''Not too shabby, <player>! Let's keep up the pace!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Heh, Rachel's right. It's obvious you kids have grown a lot as Trainers since the last time we saw you.<br>But the young master's putting in just as much effort—if not more. He's made sure the volcanoes and glaciers all look as realistic as possible...<br>all so that the Trainers who come to Pasio can experience Pokémon battles in a load of different environments.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Sooo true. Master Lear's not just a genius—he's a hard worker, too.''
|}


*Fourth Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Rachel and Sawyer)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''These other Team Break thugs look stronger than the last ones. Don't let your guard down, <player>.''
|-
|Rachel
|''{{tt|He'll|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|She'll|If the player character is female}} be fiiine. Even Master Lear has his eye on {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|Her|If the player character is female}} lately. Right, <player>? This'll be, like, a piece of cake for you.<br>I mean, if we're being toootally honest here, the two of us are lookin' forward to seeing what you can do, too.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>All of your sync pairs' stats were temporarily raised!</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Leave it at that, Rachel. We just happen to share an enemy with <player> right now... That's all.''
|-
|Rachel
|''I know, I knooow... Only be nice if it benefits Master Lear...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Team Break)</center>
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Pardon me. You there!<br>I'll make you head over heels for me just like everybody else!''<br>'''I'd like to see you try.''': ''Ooh, I like you. You'll fit right in with my other followers!''<br>'''Thanks, but I'll pass.''': ''No, wait! Don't run away! I know I seem suspicious, but I swear I'm not a bad person!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again after declining)</center>
|-
|Masked Woman
|''I see you thought it over.<br>I'll make you head over heels for me just like everybody else!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Masked Woman
|''I thought I could show off to all my followers!''
|-
|Lass
|''It doesn't matter if you lose! This weak and vulnerable side of you is just as lovely!''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Please...just leave me alone...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Ending)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Phew... Looks like we cleared out all the Team Break stragglers in this area.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Hmm... Think we did good enough to squeeze a compliment out of Master Lear for once?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Rachel...the young master highly values the work that you do. You know that.''
|-
|Rachel
|''I knowww, but he never says it to my face... I'm just saying, a li'l compliment here and there would be nice.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Well, he's got a lot on his shoulders for someone so young. Running the PML is no small feat.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Yeahhh, Master Lear does seem pretty passionate about it. He says he's gonna create a whole new way to battle, starting here on Pasio.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''That's right. Right now, what the young master wants most is to see his tournament go off without a hitch.<br>That's why we're out here keeping order. We can't afford to let Team Break ruin Pasio's reputation.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Yeahhh. We do it because we love him, huh, Sawyer.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''L-love the—! The young master is someone I respect. He's my prince!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Saaame thing.... Anyways, thanks a bunch for helping us out, <player>.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Much appreciated, <player>.<br>However...the young master IS going to win the PML. Both of us support him wholeheartedly in that, all right?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Well, maaaybe we could root for you a li'l bit, too. Juuust a li'l bit.<br>See you around.''
|}


== Interlude 1 - Brock's Grit ==


*New Look

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Look, <player>! The arena's just up ahead!<br>All we have to do is register right over there, and we'll be all set to compete in the PML!<br>Wait a sec... I don't see Brock anywhere. He said he would meet us here, right?''
|-
|Brock
|''I'm over here.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brock appears in his sygna suit)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''I've been waiting for you guys to arrive...with my Tyranitar here.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Whoa... What's with the outfit, Brock?''
|-
|Brock
|''It's my sygna suit.<br>A fashion designer here on Pasio saw some new kind of potential in my Pokémon and me and designed it for us.<br>It's proof of how much we've grown and accomplished as a sync pair since coming here.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wow, you've got so much passion for this tournament, huh!''
|-
|Brock 
|''It's more than that, Rosa.<br>Up until now, my intention was to watch over <player> like a mentor Trainer.<br>But you've all grown into incredible sync pairs. Even island kahunas and other Gym Leaders have acknowledged your strength.<br>When I see how much you've all grown, I can't help but want to battle with you myself.<br>Not as a teammate...but as another Trainer!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Brock... I had no idea you felt that way!''
|-
|Brock
|''Well, now you do! Come on, <player>! Let's battle!''<br>'''I accept!''': ''I had a feeling you might! Thanks!''<br>'''I won't hold back, Brock!''': ''I wouldn't want you to! Thanks!<br>Come on, <player>! Show me how strong you've become!''
|}


*The Journey Begins Anew

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Brock
|''... ... ...<br>You did great! Look at how strong you've become, <player>.<br>I'm glad I was able to battle you. Now I know for a fact that you're much stronger than I originally thought.<br>I don't think there's anything left for me to teach you.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Huh? What do you mean there's nothing left to teach {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}}?''
|-
|Brock
|''<player>'s already become a fine Trainer. {{tt|He|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|She|If the player character is female}} doesn't need anybody to watch over {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} anymore.<br>I'd like to rejoin the team. Not as a guide or a coach but as a proper teammate... Is that all right?''<br>'''Of course!''': ''I'm glad. Thank you.''<br>'''Let's get to work, then!''': ''Definitely! Let's get even stronger together!<br>I'm counting on you to help push this team to the top. All right, <player>?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Tee-hee! I didn't think it was possible to be MORE excited for the tournament!<br>The rest of us will be right there with you! We've all grown sooo much since we first met each other, huh!<br>I'm so ready! Come on! Pokémon Masters League, here we come!''
|}


*Let the Tournament Begin!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Arena)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Pokémon Masters League. Let the opening ceremony begin!<br>I am Lear, host and founder of this tournament. I expect your undivided attention now!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Blue, Red, and Cynthia appear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Sync pairs who stand before me...you have proven your strength by collecting all five PML Badges!<br>This tournament will decide which team among you is the strongest of all. I had Pasio designed and built for that very purpose!<br>So rise, my ambitious Trainers! Climb the ranks and unleash your power! Claim the ultimate victory as your own!<br>Or at least entertain the hilarious thought that you might actually win.<br>Why hilarious? Because you have no chance. I, Lear, am unquestionably the strongest of all!<br>Bwahaha! Hahaha!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Brock and Rosa)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Sounds like the tournament matches will be starting soon. I wonder what sort of battles await us...''
|-
|Rosa
|''Cynthia... I should have guessed she'd be able to get at least this far.''
|-
|Brock
|''I see Blue and Red, too, but I suppose that's to be expected as well.''
|-
|Rosa
|''If we continue to win, we'll end up facing powerhouse Trainers like them somewhere down the line...<br>Wait...we're already gonna be competing with the best of the best, starting right now! We've gotta try our absolute hardest!''
|-
|Brock
|''You're right. But we went through the same trials and tribulations that they did. We belong here just as much as they do.<br>If we unite our hearts as a team, we can defeat any opponent! I believe in us.''
|-
|???
|''Unite your hearts...as a team? *snort* That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Oh, it's you...''
|-
|Lear
|''I must say, I never thought the likes of you would make it this far... I smell Foul Play.''
|-
|Rosa
|''E-excuse me?! We're Trainers of integrity! We collected our badges fair and square!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph! Sawyer!<br>It seems you made an error when choosing our PML Leaders. They must have been complete garbage to have let these amateurs through!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''M-my apologies, young master!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Uhh, did you wake up on the wrong side of bed this morning, Master Lear? You're even crankier than usual.''
|-
|Lear
|Of course I am! All I could see during the ceremony was that cheeky red-hatted twerp!<br>Ugh... That kid infuriates me! I shall not rest until I defeat him once and for all!<br>That goes for you, too! Another pip-squeak in a stupid hat! It's like you are TRYING to annoy me!''
|-
|Brock
|''Word of advice, Lear: <player> is a lot stronger than the last time we met.<br>If you let your guard down, you might be surprised at the results.''
|-
|Lear
|''You aren't actually implying that I could LOSE to {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}}, are you? Hah! When Tepig fly, maybe!<br>That's absurd!<br>None of you belong in this tournament! Just hurry up and lose so I can be rid of you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Tsk! Still as pleasant as ever, isn't he!<br>Are you just gonna let him get away with saying that stuff, <player>?!''
|-
|Brock
|'''I'll make him regret it next time we battle!''': ''Good answer. We sync pairs should settle our scores with Pokémon battles.''<br>'''Right now, I'm more focused on getting stronger.''': ''It's great to be humble and all...but all of us here are full-fledged sync pairs. That's something we should be proud of.<br>If we keep winning, I'm sure we'll eventually have to face him. When the time comes, let's show him what we're made of!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah! We'll show him... ... ...Huh?<br>Hey! Look over there! Isn't that...''
|-
|Brock
|''Paulo!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Brock, Rosa... <player>...''
|-
|Brock
|''It's good to see you again! And if you're here, that must mean...''
|-
|Paulo
|''Yep. I managed to form my own team and collect every last badge.<br>Now that I'm this strong, I won't let anyone...anyone...<br>... ... ...''
|-
|Rosa
|''Uhh, are you feeling OK, Paulo? You look a little pale...''
|-
|Paulo
|''Sorry... I'm probably just a little tired. That's all.<br>A lot's happened since we arrived here, <player>. We both managed to make it this far.<br>But I worked harder than ever to get to this point. I don't plan on losing anytime soon!<br>I'll see you in the finals!''
|}


== Chapter 11 - Alola's Rising Stars ==


*Alola's Rising Stars: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Arena)</center>
|-
|Hau
|''Alola! I guess we're your first match!<br>My name's Hau, and this is Sophocles! We're buddies from Alola!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''H-hi... I'm Sophocles... I'm a Captain back home...''
|-
|Hau
|''Loosen up, Sophocles! Just do it like we always do!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''OK... I'm sorry... I just g-get so nervous...<br>You're right, though... How often do you get the chance to battle against s-so many different Trainers like this...''
|-
|Hau
|''Yeah! I'm super excited, too! But since we're here, let's aim for the top!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''All right!''
|-
|Hau
|''That's the spirit! I'm gonna go all out, too!''<br>'''I'm not gonna just let you win/That championship is gonna be ours!!''': ''Yeah! That's what I like to hear!<br>All right, let's get this started! Let's do this, Sophocles!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Y-yeah!''
|}


*Alola's Rising Stars: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Sophocles
|''W-we lost...<br>But I still had a lot of fun! I'm glad I got the chance to compete.<br>I was so focused on the battle that I forgot to feel nervous at all!<br>You were awesome, <player>! I think I got goose bumps... How about you, Hau?''
|-
|Hau
|''Yeah, they were really strong. But...<br>Gaaah, we were so close! And we tried so hard, too. Guess I've gotta get even stronger!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Yeah... Or, wait a sec! I have an idea! Why don't you ask <player> if you can join {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} team?''
|-
|Hau
|''Huh?''
|-
|Sophocles
|''You can keep battling if you join their team, and you can keep getting stronger, like you said!''
|-
|Hau
|''Yeah... Yeah, you're right! Wow, Sophocles, you really are a genius!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Hehehe...''
|-
|Hau
|''Hey, <player>! I'm joining your team, OK? Let's do our best together!''<br>'''Sounds great!''': ''All right!''<br>'''Wha—? This sure is sudden...''': ''Don't sweat the small stuff!<br>How about you, Sophocles?''
|-
|Sophocles
|''I think I'll just observe for a while. I want to do an in-depth study of the way various teams battle together...<br>I think it could be really useful for my inventions!''
|-
|Hau
|''Yeah? Then from here on out, let's enjoy the tournament our own way!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''For sure!''
|-
|Hau
|''All right, then! Let's do this! We're gonna have so much fun!''
|}


== Chapter 12 - Candle and Flame ==


*Candle and Flame: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Flint
|''Oooh, but why, Blaine? Why?!<br>Just when I need him the most, he has to go and throw out his back!<br>I made it so far, and now I don't have a team...<br>But just when you think my fire's gonna go out, it starts to burn even brighter!''
|-
|???
|''"The grand tournament had begun at last, but for the girl, a great challenge remained..."''
|-
|Flint
|''Huh? Who talks like that? Sounds like somebody reading a book.''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Phew... We finally made it to Centra City, Chandelure.<br>Now we just need to hunt for a team... I hope we can find some nice people to join us!''
|-
|Flint
|''Shauntal!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Oh! Hello there, Flint! I had no idea you were here on Pasio, too.''
|-
|Flint
|''Well, yeah, I'm here. Anyway...<br>You weren't thinking of competing in the PML, were you?''
|-
|Shauntal
|''What? Oh, yes! I AM planning on competing in the tournament, as a matter of fact.''
|-
|Flint
|''... ...''
|-
|Shauntal
|''What is it? Is something the matter, Flint?''
|-
|Flint
|''Whooooaaa! I just found the best possible teammate!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Wha—?! Huh? Am I missing something?!''
|-
|Flint
|''C'mon, Shauntal! You gotta team up with me so we can burn up the PML together!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Me?! Form a team with you?''
|-
|Flint
|''I know good and well how fiery your spirit is! You and I together would be the strongest team out there!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''I'm flattered that you think so highly of me...<br>but if I compete in this tournament, I'm going to be competing to win. I intend to take this seriously.''
|-
|Flint
|''Yeah? Well, I will, too! As long as we both give it our all, nothing is impossible.<br>Just look at your Chandelure!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''My Chandelure? What about her?''
|-
|Flint
|''Can't you see how she's burning up with excitement?''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Hm? I suppose so...''
|-
|Flint
|''Now have a look at my Infernape.<br>You can see it, right? That same fiery passion?''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Sure... But I don't understand what any of this has to do with winning the tournament.''
|-
|Flint
|''Don't you see? Pokémon battles are all about how hot your spirit burns!<br>Just like our fiery hearts, our Pokémon's bodies and minds are flaming hot!<br>I don't think anybody can stop us if we team up. We can definitely win this whole thing!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''You really think...we can win this together?<br>... ... ...''
|-
|Flint
|''How about it, Shauntal?''
|-
|Shauntal
|''... ... ... ... ... ...<br>... ... ... ... ... ...<br>I'm still not sure I understand your logic, Flint...<br>but I do think we have a chance at victory! With your fiery spirit and my keen observation, I believe we can win!<br>Yes! Let's form a team, Flint—a team of flames, igniting our passion for Pokémon battling!''
|-
|Flint
|''That's what I'm talkin' about, Shauntal!<br>Let's burn the competition down to cinders!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Flint
|''Oh, so we're up against you, huh? I've heard a lot about you—and how you're supposedly the new up-and-comer!<br>Let's give it all we've got and have a burning-hot battle! With Shauntal and me together, you're up against two fiery Elite Four members!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''"A fervent, hot-blooded pro, ready to charge...and a fresh, young talent, poised for battle... Flames of determination danced in their eyes."<br>"The teams were well matched in power and skill...but only one could claim victory in the end."<br>Oh, I do hope it's our team that triumphs at the end of this story!''
|-
|Flint
|''No need to hope for anything, Shauntal. We've definitely got this!<br>Let's show 'em just how hot we can get!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Right! We'll give it everything we've got!''
|-
|Flint
|''All right, <player>! Let's see how fiery your passion for battles is!''
|}


*Candle and Flame: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Flint
|''... ...<br>... ...''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Oh, Flint... Your flame can't have been snuffed out that easily.''
|-
|Flint
|''But I'm done for... Burned right down to cinders...''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Thank you, <player>.<br>This experience has given me so much to be inspired about! I feel like I could turn it into a spectacular novel.''
|-
|Flint
|''I guess it's not as easy to succeed in the PML as I thought.<br>We did have a burning-hot battle thanks to you, though, Shauntal!''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Oh, Flint...<br>... ... ...<br>Um, <player>? Would you be willing to let Flint here join your team?''
|-
|Flint
|''Huh? What're you talkin' about, Shauntal?''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Flint, you and Infernape have a fire within you. Your flame burns brightly, and you have the potential to burn even brighter still!<br>It's time to use that flame to shine a light on <player> and {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} Pokémon.''
|-
|Flint
|''But what about you?''
|-
|Shauntal
|''Well, I'm an author as well as a Pokémon Trainer. Sometimes it's better for me to take a step back and observe the bigger picture.<br>What do you think, <player>? Will you let Flint join your team?''
|-
|Flint
|'''I'm ready to feel the burn!''': ''All right! Thanks, <player>!''<br>'''All this fire and passion might be a bit too much for me...''': ''Aww, c'mon! You can never have too much heat! Let me on the team. I promise you won't regret it!<br>Oh, and in case you didn't catch my name, I'm Flint, a Fire-type user who specializes in burning-hot battles!<br>I'm looking forward to teaming up with you!''
|}


== Chapter 13 - Cold Confidence ==


*Cold Confidence: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Beach)</center>
|-
|Clair
|''So...you're sure you don't want to join our team, then?''
|-
|Iris
|''Yeah, I'm sorry... I really love the team I'm on already!<br>You guys do look awfully strong, though.<br>I hope we get to battle someday! I'll be looking forward to it! Bye for now!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Iris leaves)</center>
|-
|Clair
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Lorelei
|''Looks like we got dumped.''
|-
|Clair
|''Hmph... Sooner or later, she'll learn she made a mistake turning down my invitation.<br>Though I have to admit, the girl has guts. She opposed me, knowing full well that I'm the greatest dragon master in the world!''
|-
|Lorelei
|''I'm not sure if she agrees with that last part...<br>Well, no matter. Where do we go from here? I know you've taken a liking to the girl, even if you won't admit it.<br>Should we look for a new member? We don't have that much time left.''
|-
||Clair
|''I don't think so. We don't need anyone else. We should use that time to train.<br>After all, I'm the greatest dragon master ever! And you're as elite as they come—one of the Indigo Elite Four, like my cousin Lance!<br>Our team is more than strong enough with just the two of us. If we were any stronger, we'd simply be unbeatable!<br>You just wait and see, Iris! You'll regret choosing another team over ours... I know you will!<br>Aha ha ha ha ha!''
|-
|Lorelei
|''Clair still has so much of that boasting, youthful overconfidence, doesn't she... I suppose that's where she and Lance are different.<br>Then again, maybe that's what makes her so fun to watch... Good luck, Clair. I'll be right there with you.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Clair
|''Ah, <player>! There you are... I'm Clair. I've been looking forward to this battle.<br>Step right up and witness the might of our team of dragon masters! Your streak of good luck ends here.''
|-
|Lorelei
|''I'm Lorelei. I'm not exactly a Dragon-type Pokémon user, but that's no matter.<br>We've trained hard, too. Watch out, or I'll put your Pokémon on ice!<br>I hope you're ready, <player>.''
|-
|Clair
|''It's time for you to learn a lesson in strength from a world-class master of dragons and a queen of ice!''
|}


*Cold Confidence: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Clair
|''How could I lose...<br>I can't accept this... There must be some mistake.''
|-
|Lorelei
|''Accept it, Clair. We lost.<br>You're all really strong, aren't you. Even my Lapras's Blizzard couldn't put out the fire in your hearts.<br>But now that you beat us, I expect you to keep on winning! You owe us that much, right?''
|-
|Clair
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Lorelei
|''What's wrong, Clair? Let's go.''
|-
|Clair
|''Heh... Hehehe...<br>Well? How was your first taste of the strength of a dragon master!''
|-
|Lorelei
|''Huh?''
|-
|Clair
|''You felt it, didn't you? The energy that my presence brings to this competition! We can't let that end here!<br>So...I suppose I can lend your team a hand!<br>... ... ...<br>... ... ...<br>S-say something! You're not actually thinking of refusing, are you?!''
|-
|Lorelei
|''You really are fun to watch, aren't you, Clair.<br>That does sound like an interesting idea, though. What do you say? Could you take Clair along with you?<br>She might be a little...eccentric, as you can see, but you can count on her. I guarantee it.''
|-
|Clair
|''Lorelei...''
|-
|Lorelei
|''You don't have to shoulder this alone, Clair. Aim for the top together, with a new team.<br>That is...if you ever want to be as strong as Lance, of course.''
|-
|Clair
|''What?<br>O-of course I do... And besides, I already surpass Lance when it comes to battle skills!<br>You'll see! Now that you'll be in the crowd, I hope you watch me more closely.<br>Thank you. I'll do my best for the both of us.''
|-
|Lorelei
|''Don't embarrass yourself, all right?''
|-
|Clair
|''Don't worry, <player>! You can rest assured with Kingdra and I on the team.<br>I, the greatest dragon master of all time, shall tip the scales in our favor!''
|}


== Chapter 14 - Bug Experts ==


*Bug Experts: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Forest)</center>
|-
|Viola
|''A boy with innocent eyes...and a Beedrill with a poisonous stinger...<br>The contrast they create is simply sublime. Fantastic! Just fantastic!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''Um, e-excuse me...Viola? How much longer are you going to be taking our pictures?''
|-
|Viola
|''Just a bit longer! I think I can get exactly the shot I'm looking for if I just take a few more...''
|-
|Bugsy
|''But the PML tournament matches are starting soon! I still have a lot of training to do...''
|-
|Viola
|''Yes, yes, I know.<br>Tomorrow's the day you win all your battles and show the world the true strength of Bug-type Pokémon, right?''
|-
|Bugsy
|''Exactly! I've studied Bug-type Pokémon more than anyone else. When we fight, it's majestic!<br>A lot of people are afraid of them because of the way they look, but I'm gonna show those people how awesome Bug-type Pokémon really are!''
|-
|Viola
|''Oh, you looked really determined just now! Fantastic!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''I was just thinking...I dream of being a Bug-type Pokémon Professor one day...and you're a photographer.<br>We're both Gym Leaders, but we're about as different as two people can get, huh?''
|-
|Viola
|''All right, I finally got the shot I wanted! Wanna start training?''
|-
|Bugsy
|''Huh?''
|-
|Viola
|''You wanna show the world how cool Bug-type Pokémon are, right? I think I can give you a hand with that.<br>With you and me together, Bugsy, we can show the world how fantastic Bug-type Pokémon are!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''OK!''
|-
|Viola
|''Bug-type Pokémon are our best friends! Now let's get ready to smile for all the cameras!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Viola
|''You must be the sync pair I've been hearing about—the one they say can't be stopped!<br>Ooh, and such a photogenic face, too! Perfect for a picture! Let me go ahead and take one right now.''<br>'''Wh-what?!''': ''Nice! Even that confused look on your face is fantastic! Just fantastic!''<br>'''Yay!''': ''What a cooperative subject you are! And that expression is just fantastic!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''Viola! You shouldn't take people's photos like that without asking their permission!<br>Sorry about that, <player>. Sometimes Viola gets excited and starts snapping photos without really thinking...''
|-
|Viola
|''All right, the shoot is finished! Time for me to transition from being a photographer to being a Bug-type Pokémon Trainer!<br>My lens is always focused on victory. I won't let anything ruin this shot!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''Hey...Viola? After the match is over, can you do me a little favor?''
|-
|Viola
|''What is it?''
|-
|Bugsy
|''I was wondering if we could take a victory photo with Beedrill and Surskit! Pleeease?''
|-
|Viola
|''That idea sounds...fantastic!''
|}


* Bug Experts: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Viola
|''You and your Pokémon make the best sync pair around! Just fantastic!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''We lost... But...for some reason, I don't really feel all that bad about it.''
|-
|Viola
|''That must be because you gave it everything  you had! You did great, Bugsy!<br>You and Beedrill were both really cool!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''Hey, Viola... Can I ask you a favor?<br>I'd love something to remember this battle by... Do you think you could take a photo of me and <player>? Pleeease?''
|-
|Viola
|''What a fantastic idea! How about it, <player>?''<br>'''Of course!''': ''OK, everybody get in the frame!''<br>'''Woo-hoo! Yeah!''': ''What a lovely subject you are! OK, everybody get in the frame!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Viola takes a picture of Bugsy and the player)</center>
|-
|Viola
|''All right, I got the perfect shot of your smiling faces. That expression looks good on you, Bugsy!<br>It must be thanks to <player>.''
|-
|Bugsy
|''You're probably right. I'm really glad we got to battle each other today!<br>You made me want to learn even more about Bug-type Pokémon!<br>That sort of got me thinking, actually! There are tons of other Trainers here on Pasio that use Bug-type Pokémon like me...<br>Now is the perfect time to go out and find them all. It's my chance to study how they battle with their Pokémon!''
|-
|Viola
|''Fantastic idea, Bugsy! And...maybe I could go along with <player>.<br>The way you made Bugsy's face light up like that was so lovely, <player>.<br>I think if I hang around you, I'll be able to take tons of pictures of smiling Trainers and Pokémon!<br>How about it, <player>? Can I join your team? Pretty please!''<br>'''Absolutely!''': ''Thank you!''<br>'''Woo-hoo!''': ''Woo-hoo! Wait... That does mean yes, right? I'm looking forward to being a part of your team!<br>Well, I guess it's good-bye for now, Bugsy.''
|-
|Bugsy
|''I guess so. But I hope we get to team up together again someday!''
|-
|Viola
|''Oh, that tearful look in your eyes at the thought of leaving my side! Fantastic! Just fantastic!''
|-
|Bugsy
|''I...I'm not crying!''
|}


== Chapter 15 - Dubious Duo ==


*Dubious Duo: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Arena)</center>
|-
|Nanu
|''So, are you our match for today?<br>Whew, this one looks really tough, Grimsley. This might be the end of the road for us.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Oh, don't play coy, Nanu.<br>Remind me...who was it that completely overpowered our last opponents after saying that very same thing?''
|-
|Nanu
|''Heh, sounds like something you would do, Mr. Elite Four.<br>Besides, I was only able to make it this far thanks to you.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Surrounding yourself in a blanket of smoke, keeping your cards close to your chest... Typical Nanu.''
|-
|Nanu
|''Look who's talking.<br>I get the feeling those same tactics won't work on our newest contenders, though.<br>These Trainers are earnest—I can see it in their eyes. They're not the type to fall for cheap tricks or bluffs.''
|-
|Nanu
|''Please. I've never done such a thing.<br>Well, as you can see, kid, we're just a couple of oddballs.<br>Let's see how you handle opponents like us.<br>Nothing too serious, though.''
|}


*Dubious Duo: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Nanu
|''Whew, you got us good.<br>You said you're <player>, right? You sure are something.<br>Seeing how strong you are, I'm guessing you've had your fair share of run-ins with Team Break?''<br>'''That's right.''': ''You didn't even hesitate to answer, did ya? I appreciate that.''<br>'''How did you know?''': ''Sounds like I was on target.<br>I may not be a zippy young Trainer like you anymore, but I still train hard to get stronger.<br>What would you say to having somebody like me on your team, kid?''<br>'''Sure!''': ''You might be a little too earnest for your own good... But I appreciate it.''<br>'''Um...sure.''': ''Don't worry. I might prefer Dark types, but I'm a good guy.<br>Guess that's that, then. What about you, Grimsley?''
|-
|Grimsley
|''I think I'll pass for now.<br>There's only room for one wild card in any good deck.''
|-
|Nanu
|''Is that right.<br>Well, guess it'll just be me, then. Looking forward to working with you kids.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Grimsley and Nanu alone)</center>
|-
|Grimsley
|''Guess this is the end of the road for our little team.''
|-
|Nanu
|''And it was me who bugged you about teaming up in the first place, wasn't it? Sorry about that.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''It's fine. All par for the course... Game aficionados like myself are used to diving into competitions on a whim.<br>Besides, I think I know what your true aim is here, anyway.''
|-
|Nanu
|''It's a pain in the neck, but I can't let this slide.<br>I know there's something lurking beneath the surface with that Team Break gang.<br>I can't nap in peace until I find out what that something is.
|-
|Grimsley
|''You think the kid's the best way to get to the bottom of it, huh?<br>I'll admit, <player> does have a way of drawing out the passion in others. A born leader.<br>I mean, {{tt|he'd|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she'd|If the player character is female}} have to be if {{tt|he|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she|If the player character is female}} managed to impassion a jaded guy like me.<br>That's reason enough to make {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} a target... So you decided to follow along to protect {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} and {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} team. That's what this is all about?''
|-
|Nanu
|''... ... ...<br>Heh, you can think what you want.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Well, why don't you just do what you want and let me do the same.<br>Who knows? The next time we meet, we might be fighting on opposing teams.''
|-
|Nanu
|''Cut me some slack here. I wouldn't stand a chance against you.<br>But if you're gonna find yourself another teammate, you might want somebody that uses a different type Pokémon than you.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Hmph. I still can't tell what's going on in that head of yours.<br>I think it's time I took my leave...''
|-
|Nanu
|''Oh, before you go, I forgot to tell you.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''What is it?''
|-
|Nanu
|''Come visit Alola sometime.<br>Let's get some Sushi High Roller. My treat.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''I'll think about it, old man.''
|}


== Chapter 16 - Ninja Kin ==


*Ninja Kin: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Arena)</center>
|-
|Janine
|''Here they are, Father! It's <player>'s team!''
|-
|Koga
|''Fwahahaha! Prepare for defeat, <player>!''<br>'''No, we'll defeat you!''': ''I like your spirit! But this will not go as you hope!''<br>'''You never know. We haven't even battled yet.''': ''We can already see the results, for the battle has already started!<br>We are modern ninjas, living in the shadows. We have mastered the art of espionage. We already know everything about you!''
|-
|Janine
|''You should be flattered. Father only prepares like this for opponents that he considers formidable.''
|-
|Koga
|''Some would say that we rely too much on underhanded tactics...<br>But that is not the truth. A true ninja masters many strategic techniques!''
|-
|Janine
|''Don't think that your conventional strategies will work against us!''
|-
|Koga
|''Allow us to show you that there are battles you cannot overcome with strength alone!''
|}


*Ninja Kin: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Koga
|''Fwahahaha! A splendid display! We concede!<br>You stuck to your earnest and straightforward tactics, and we stuck to our ninja tactics. We may have lost, but we have no regrets!''
|-
|Janine
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Koga
|''Hm? What is wrong, Daughter?''
|-
|Janine
|''I'm sorry, Father.<br>I'm not a child. I know why we lost that battle.<br>I held you back...''
|-
|Koga
|''... ... ...<br>Listen to me! Right now, we are not just father and daughter, but equals on the same team.<br>This defeat is shared. Do not blame only yourself.''
|-
|Janine
|''Father...<br>You can't spoil me like that! If you really consider me an equal, you should be more strict with me!''
|-
|Koga
|''Janine, I...''
|-
|Janine
|''Besides, I don't want to take your kindness for granted! I have to become stronger so that I can proudly call myself your equal.<br>That's why I'm going to go on a journey to train!''
|-
|Koga
|''... ... ...<br>I understand. Do what you must! Be diligent in your training, Daughter.''
|-
|Janine
|''I guess this is good-bye for a while. I promise I'll come back stronger.<br>So when I do, let's battle together!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Janine disappears)</center>
|-
|Koga
|''Take care of yourself, Janine.<br>My apologies. I am sorry you had to witness our familial squabbles.''<br>'''Shouldn't you go after her?''': ''I would love to. But even if I did, I know she'd send me away.<br>Moreover, she is an accomplished ninja herself. I must respect her wishes.''<br>'''She's an incredible person.''': ''Perhaps. But as a parent, I sometimes wish she would depend on me more.<br>But then again, I also know that it is my duty as a parent to respect her decisions.<br>To see my daughter act with such resolve... I must continue to find my own strength as well.<br><player>, forgive my sudden request, but...may I join your team?''<br>'''Yeah! Let's get stronger together!''': ''Indeed! I cannot allow myself to be weaker than Janine when she returns!''<br>'''It'd be great with you on the team!''': ''Fwahaha! Leave anything poison related to me!<br>You may have beaten me, but don't forget that I am a member of the Indigo Elite Four.<br>I will definitely be of use to your team.<br>As long as we can watch each other's back and try to cover each other's weaknesses, we can surely surpass our current limits!''
|}


== Chapter 17 - Ghostly Trio ==


*Ghostly Trio: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cave)</center>
|-
|Agatha
|''We'll be facing quite the formidable opponent in our next battle. It's <player>'s team.<br>They may not be the most experienced, but they've got a lot of momentum. An opponent like that can be tough to handle when they're on a roll.''
|-
|Phoebe
|''OK, so what we gotta figure out is how to mess their rhythm up.''
|-
|Acerola
|''Oh, don't worry, girls! We'll beat that team to smithereens, no problem.<br>We ARE the Elite Four, after all! Or, well, three members of the Elite Four from different regions...''
|-
|Agatha
|''Don't let our individual titles get to your head. This is a team battle, after all.<br>If each of us doesn't focus on her own strengths and support the others in battle, we may end up losing what should have been a winnable battle.''
|-
|Acerola
|''I know that. And like I said before, I don't think we have anything to worry about! The three of us can do this!''
|-
|Agatha
|''Well, well, well. I suppose confidence is a good thing.''
|-
|Phoebe
|''Hehe!''
|-
|Agatha
|''What's so funny?''
|-
|Phoebe
|''Oh, sorry! You just reminded me of my grandma.<br>She would teach me all sorts of things just like that when I was a kid.''
|-
|Agatha
|''How rude! Comparing me to your old granny!''
|-
|Phoebe
|''Ah, sorry! I'm sorry!''
|-
|Agatha
|''I suppose I forgive you. I know you meant it as a compliment, so I'll try to take it that way.<br>There's one thing I wanted to say to you girls before this next battle.<br>We came together because we thought we had some kind of connection, but this team of ours is really not half bad.''
|-
|Acerola
|''Yeah! I think so, too!''
|-
|Agatha
|''Then let's give it our all out there and show everyone the strength of Ghost-type Pokémon!''
|-
|Phoebe
|''Yes, ma'am!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Agatha
|''This is it—the real thing. Are you girls ready?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Acerola here, ready to go!''
|-
|Phoebe
|''I'm good to go, too!''
|-
|Agatha
|''That's what I like to hear. <player>, was it?<br>As you can see, we are a team of Ghost-type Pokémon Trainers.<br>We'll show you just how strong a team full of ghosts can be—and win while we're at it!''<br>'''You won't defeat us!''': ''Oh, we'll see about that!''<br>'''W-we're not afraid of gh-ghosts!''': ''Ahahaha, perhaps this will be over before the battle begins?<br>Enough with the formalities! Let's get started. After all, Pokémon are—''
|-
|Acerola
|''For battling! I know!''
|}


*Ghostly Trio: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Agatha
|''Oh my! I can't believe we lost. You're quite the Trainer!<br>It seems that you all have a better grasp on what it takes to truly battle as a team.''
|-
|Acerola
|''Darn it! We were so close, too!''
|-
|Phoebe
|''Aw, this stinks... I know I could have done better!''
|-
|Agatha
|''As long as we understand what we did wrong, that's enough. Reflecting on our mistakes makes us stronger as people.<br>I have to thank you, <player>. This defeat will make these girls stronger still.''
|-
|Acerola
|'''Let's battle again sometime!''': ''Yes, let's!''
|-
|Phoebe
|'''Ghost Pokémon are seriously strong!''': ''Ahaha! I appreciate you saying that!''
|-
|Agatha
|''This may seem sudden, but could I ask you for a favor, <player>?<br>I'd like you to let these girls join your team. They need more experience battling.''
|-
|Acerola
|''What?!''
|-
|Agatha
|''They could experience many kinds of battles and encounter many kinds of Pokémon with you.<br>And also meet many new friends. If you'd let them be a part of your team, I'm sure they could do all those things.''
|-
|Phoebe
|''But what about you, Agatha?''
|-
|Agatha
|''I need to start from scratch. I'll sit back and watch the tournament and try to learn more about team battles.<br>Once I'm satisfied, I'll make a team again. Who knows—maybe someday I'll face you in battle.''
|-
|Agatha
|''OK... If that's what you think is best, I'll gladly join <player>'s team.<br>I'll get stronger and stronger, and then someday I'll beat you and your new team, Agatha!''
|-
|Agatha
|''That's the spirit. Keep doing your best.''
|-
|Phoebe
|''Sorry... I don't think I'm gonna join.''
|-
|Agatha
|''Oh, you have a problem with my suggestion?''
|-
|Phoebe
|''No, it's not that! I just want to take some time to learn more about team battles, too.<br>I was thinking I might stick around with you and hopefully pick your brain a bit... What do you think?''
|-
|Agatha
|''Hmmph. I guess I can't stop you.''
|-
|Phoebe
|''Yay! You're the best, Agatha!''
|-
|Agatha
|''Well then, do me a favor and take good care of Acerola, <player>.''<br>'''You got it!''': ''That's what I like to hear. Thanks!''
|-
|Acerola
|'''Let's fight hard together!''': ''You bet! I'm giving this everything I've got!<br>Ready when you are, <player>! See you around soon, Agatha, Phoebe!''
|}


== Chapter 18 - Team Unova ==


*Team Unova: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Hilbert
|''Hey, Cheren. What's with the long face?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Well, you went on a massive journey around the Unova region...<br>and I followed a similar path right there along with you. Now I'm a Gym Leader.<br>Honestly, I think we make a pretty strong team, and I'm totally confident in our battle skills. It's just that...''
|-
|Hilbert
|''Yeah, I get it, buddy.<br>We might have to go up against Champion-level Trainers from here on out. If we're lucky, we'll be evenly matched.<br>In some respects, we're here as challengers. There are probably going to be some rough battles up ahead.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Yeah. I've been thinking the same thing.<br>Moving forward in this competition is going to require more strength and power than we've ever had to use before.<br>And...seeking victory for victory's sake won't be enough. We'll have to battle as a team—use our strength to help one another...<br>That's the sort of battling that's going to be expected of us from here on out.''
|-
|Hilbert
|''Use our strength to help one another, huh?<br>Pfft.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Hm? What are you laughing at?''
|-
|Hilbert
|''Sorry, sorry. It's just that...<br>I just remembered how you were before we started exploring Unova. You really have changed a lot since then.''
|-
|Cheren
|''I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult...<br>I'll admit that I've had tunnel vision in the past when it comes to winning. I didn't really know what I wanted back then.<br>But the experiences I had and the people I met along the way helped me figure that out for myself.''
|-
|Hilbert
|''You got that right. I want to use everything I learned during my journey to triumph in this tournament.<br>Hey...I've got an idea!<br>I think I might know someone who's in the same boat as us!''
|-
|Cheren
|''What do you mean?''
|-
|Hilbert
|''Cheren! I'm talking about somebody who might wanna join our team for the PML! Come on, follow me!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Hilda!''
|-
|Hilda
|''Hey, Cheren! Hilbert told me everything. If it's about Pokémon battles, leave it to me!<br>I've always wanted to team up and battle with you two. We'd be like Team Unova!''
|-
|Hilbert
|''You've seen firsthand what an awesome Trainer Hilda is, right, Cheren?<br>And all three of us have gone through similar journeys across Unova, right? I was thinking...that might help us really get in sync as a team!''
|-
|Cheren
|''I see... That sounds like a great idea!<br>Hilbert's right. I already know for a fact that you're passionate about Pokémon battling. It practically radiates off of you.<br>So you'll join our team then? I look forward to battling together!''
|-
|Hilda
|''Yeah, right back at ya!<br>All right! Now that we have a full team, let's train! Victory or bust!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''Good luck, <player>... It looks like we're your opponents this round.<br>You and your team have built up quite the reputation for yourselves—defeating Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and other famous Trainers.<br>But I guarantee you, our team is more in sync with each other than anyone else you've faced in this tournament!''
|-
|Hilbert
|''We're all Trainers that explored the Unova region.<br>But not just that! We trained together on Pasio, strengthening our bonds!''
|-
|Hilda
|''We'll show you our teamwork!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Let's give this battle everything we've got! No regrets on either side!''
|}


*Team Unova: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Cheren
|''Wow, <player>... Thanks for such an incredible battle.''
|-
|Hilbert
|''It stinks that we lost, but we did everything we could.''
|-
|Hilda
|''Yeah, truth be told, I feel really relieved.''
|-
|Cheren
|''You and your team earned that victory. All we can ask is that you keep moving forward, for your sake and for ours!<br>I'm looking forward to seeing all the things you're capable of from here on out.<br>Until then... Hilbert? Hilda? You ready to go?''
|-
|Hilbert
|''Pause, Cheren. What are you acting out of character for?''
|-
|Cheren
|''What?''
|-
|Hilbert
|''It's written all over your face. You want to see <player>'s growth firsthand.''
|-
|Hilda
|''You can't hide it from us, Cheren. We're a team, after all!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Hilbert... Hilda...<br>You two saw right through me, huh... Well, I guess there's no harm in asking.<br>I know it's a little sudden, but would it be OK if I joined your team, <player>?<br>Thanks to my friends here, I've already gotten so much stronger since the PML began...just like my journey back in Unova.<br>If you let me join, I think we can learn from each other's experiences and bolster this team's strength as a whole. What do you say?''<br>'''Come and battle with us!''': ''Thank you! I'll do my best.''<br>'''Let's help each other win this!''': ''Absolutely! In fact, I think that moving forward, teamwork is exactly what's going to separate the winners from the losers!<br>Personally, I want us to win this! So let's put our hands and our hearts together and make it happen as a team!''
|}


== Interlude 2 - A Stubborn Obstacle ==


*Stand Up as a Team

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Arena)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Looks like the tournament matches are ramping up!<br>That being said, I'm still amazed that you've gotten this strong, <player>.''
|-
|Misty
|''Hehe! You're right, Brock! It's pretty amazing how fast {{tt|he's|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she's|If the player character is female}} been growing.<br>If we can keep this up, I think our team might really be able to do it!<br>Win the tournament, that is!''
|-
|???
|''Bwahaha! Careful, someone might overhear that utter nonsense you're spouting over there!''
|-
|Brock
|''Who said that?!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''You should save that sort of talk for bedtime—the only tournament you stand a chance at winning is the one in your dreams!''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear!''
|-
|Lear
|'' I AM impressed, however, that you somehow managed to get even this far.<br>You must have some seriously good luck... I'm curious to see how far it will actually take you.<br>Bwahahahaha!''<br>'''It's our teamwork that's gotten us this far!''': ''Teamwork? Hah! Pure nonsense... Relying on others does NOT count as winning!''<br>'''We're gonna win this together as a team!''': ''As a team? Hah! Pure nonsense... Relying on others does NOT count as winning!''
|-
|Brock
|''Give it a break, Lear!<br>You heard <player>! We're a team! We all worked together to make it this far!''
|-
|Misty
|''Yeah! And all of our opponents up until now have had amazing teams, too!<br>If you keep up that attitude, you'll never know what true teamwork feels like, and I bet you'll never be able to win... I feel sorry for you.''
|-
|Lear
|''Excuse me?! Did you just say YOU feel sorry for ME?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''How dare you speak to the young master that way!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Ugh, why don't you just disqualify them? I'm sure you could, as the founder and all...''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Y-young Master? Are you all right?''
|-
|Lear
|''Ridiculous! Pure nonsense! Bonds, teamwork, sync pairs—all of it!<br>You'd have to be a complete fool to believe any of that nonsense will make you stronger! Surely, you must be joking!<br>The ONLY way to attain true strength is to train yourself hard—without relying on anyone else! You and you alone!<br>You have seen how powerful I am firsthand—isn't that proof enough? Is your weakness not proof enough?!<br>Say whatever you like—you shall never be strong enough to overcome the massive difference in power between us!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...''
|-
|Lear
|''I challenge you to a battle! If you refuse, I shall revoke your right to compete! Lose the battle, and you'll be just as gone!<br>Watch! I shall beat you to a pulp, just like last time, and you will be out of this competition for good.<br>And let it be a lesson to you! Bonds and teamwork are nothing but a ridiculous load of garbage!''
|}


== Chapter 19 - Rematch vs. Lear! ==


*More Precious than Victory 

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Pokémon Center)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Our team has worked really hard to make it this far in the tournament. We finally qualified for the second half—for the finals!<br>But now what? Lear has challenged us to a battle we can't refuse. If we lose, he's gonna kick us out of the competition.''
|-
|Iris
|''Founder or not, I can't believe he threatened to revoke our right to compete! That's just cruel!''
|-
|Brock
|''You're right... I'm not happy about the fact that we're being forced into a rematch when we're so close to the finals.<br>But it might be a good opportunity for <player> to show off {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} skills. Better be in top shape, though!''
|-
|Iris
|''Rematch? You've battled against Lear before?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah, it was before you joined the team, Iris. It didn't go very well for us, though...''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear totally crushed us.''
|-
|Iris
|''I see... Lear's pretty powerful, huh? I learned that the hard way when I battled against him, too.<br>I think we're gonna be all right, though! <player>'s a lot stronger now!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah! This time we'll win for sure! I believe in you, <player>!''<br>'''Let's beat him!''': ''That's the spirit! We'll be right there with you, supporting you all the way!''<br>'''I know.''': ''What's wrong? I thought you'd be super excited about beating Lear once and for all.''
|-
|Brock
|'''Let's beat him!''': ''Yeah. It's important to the team that we win this battle, but it's more important that we—''<br>'''I know.''': ''I think <player> realizes that even though winning is important for the team, it's even more important that we—''
|-
|???
|''That we have fun! Right, team?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Skyla and Cheren appear)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Skyla!''
|-
|Skyla
|''Every battle has a winner and a loser, but that shouldn't be the only thing you focus on!<br>Having fun is what's most important when it comes to Pokémon battling, don't you think?''
|-
|Iris
|''Having fun...<br>Yeah! I think Skyla's right! Winning or losing doesn't matter if you're not having fun battling!''
|-
|Rosa
|''True! We should all keep that in the back of our minds...including a certain prince!''
|-
|Skyla
|''Yep! I know all of us understand how important it is to have fun...<br>but I don't think Lear really understands that yet.<br>I hope he learns soon... Some things are more valuable than victory.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Prince Lear...<br>Something tells me he's going to be a tough nut to crack.''
|-
|Brock
|''But he's still a Pokémon Trainer, just like us. Part of me wants to believe that deep down he feels the same way we do.<br>I think you're the one who's going to have to help him realize that, <player>. He's stuck on you, for whatever reason.<br>It's not going to be easy, but one way or another, we have to get through to Lear during our battle.<br>We've got to show him that there's more to Pokémon battling than victory alone!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the field)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''It's almost time. Lear should be arriving soon.''
|-
|Brock
|''There he is.''
|-
|Lear
|''Well, well! Look who decided to show up. I thought you'd get cold feet, but apparently you have some guts after all.''
|-
|Rosa
|''What?! We'd never run away from a challenge! You seriously underestimate us, Lear!''
|-
|Brock
|''Take it easy, Rosa. He's just trying to rile us up.<br>Lear, battling is one thing, but threatening to disqualify us because of your personal feelings is wrong. Is that the kind of PML you want to run?''
|-
|Lear
|''Stop! I won't hear it! You're the ones who tried my patience in the first place!<br>This is the end of the PML for you! My...uh...Staraptor and I will make you wish you'd never signed up to compete!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Uh-oh! Better watch out. Lear's Staraptor is waaay stronger than the Krookodile you fought with Haxorus.''
|-
|Lear
|''And what a sad Krookodile it was! To let that battle end in a draw... I have no need for a Pokémon too weak to follow my commands!<br>The only Pokémon suitable for me is one that can follow my commands without question and WIN!''
|-
|Rosa
|''What?! How can you just throw away your Pokémon like that... All because of a tie?!<br>Sync pairs are supposed to be partners! Helping each other get through difficult defeats is part of what makes us grow stronger!''
|-
|Lear
|''Silence! How dare you judge my decisions! You have no right to lecture me. Now prepare to fight!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master... May I say something?''
|-
|Lear
|''Huh? What is it?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''<player> and {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} team may not be perfect, but they were strong enough to qualify for the finals, so be careful.''
|-
|Rachel
|''We'll toootally support you in this battle, Master Lear. You can count on me 'n' Sawyer—''
|-
|Lear
|''Just who do you think you're talking to right now?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Y-young master?''
|-
|Lear
|''I never asked for your advice or your support! I shall stomp these weaklings all by myself!<br>Is that understood?! Don't let me hear you try to advise me on this subject again!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Understood.''
|-
|Lear
|''Now, it's time we start this. Or end this, rather...''
|-
|Brock
|''<player>... This isn't the end of the PML for us. There's no way we're giving up now.<br>Sometimes battling is the only way to get people to see eye to eye with you.''<br>'''Then let's battle!/We'll win this!''': ''Yeah! Let's show Lear how strong our team's bond has become!''
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh! Bonds... Teamwork... You still have the nerve to speak about that nonsense in front of me?!<br>Fine! I'll show you once and for all how ridiculous all of it really is!''
|}


*Until Next We Battle

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Lear
|''Th-this is ridiculous...<br>This is NOT happening! Unbelievable! It's pure nonsense! How could I lose?!<br>Not once...but twice! That pest in the red hat was one thing, but to be beaten by...by a bunch of amateurs...<br>My commands were more precise, my Pokémon was stronger... I had the upper hand in practically every way! How...how did this happen?!<br>How in the world did I loooooose?!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear... You're extremely powerful—there's no doubt about that. Your skills as a Trainer might even surpass <player>'s.<br>But {{tt|he|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she|If the player character is female}} has a few things that you don't.<br>{{tt|He|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|She|If the player character is female}} has the capacity to have FUN in a Pokémon battle...and real friendship...and, most importantly, a real bond with {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} Pokémon.''
|-
|Lear
|''How...how can stupid things like that make a difference to who wins and who loses? It doesn't make sense!''
|-
|Cheren
|''I just had a thought...<br>Lear, you can't use sync moves, can you?''
|-
|Lear
|?!
|-
|Rosa
|''What? Wait, now that you mention it... I didn't see him use any sync moves in either battle!''
|-
|Brock
|''Sync stones are what turn the bond between Trainers and Pokémon into power.<br>If Lear can't use sync moves, then that means—''
|-
|Rachel
|''Stone, shmone! Master Lear's been crushin' it battle after battle for a long time without having to use one.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Exactly! The young master's worked harder than anyone else to get to where he is now and to become the ultimate victor.<br>He can win without using sync moves—and without help from anyone else!''
|-
|Rosa
|''And you two are OK with that?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Huh?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Lear doesn't depend on anyone but himself. He fights for himself and nobody else, and you two just watch from the sidelines.<br>Don't you think that's a little...sad?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I-I...''
|-
|Rachel
|''It is a liiittle lonely...''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear, you have friends who care about you. Friends who have stuck with you all this time.<br>All you have to do is reach out a hand—''
|-
|Lear
|''Silence!<br>None of that is of any use to me! With my skill and unrivaled discipline when it comes to training, there's nothing I can't do!<br>That goes for the PML, too! I and I alone will crush every last incompetent weakling in the running!<br>That's why I founded this entire tournament in the first place—to prove that the power of one man is stronger than any stupid bond!<br>And yet...<br>... ... ...''
|-
|Rosa
|''Lear...''
|-
|Brock
|''Maybe we should just give him some space for now...<br>Come on, team. Let's go.<br>Hm? What's wrong, <player>? Aren't you coming?''
|-
|Rachel
|'''See you in the tournament, Lear!''': ''<player>...''
|-
|Sawyer
|'''Our next battle will be at the PML!''': ''<player>...''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Brock
|''You really have grown a lot, haven't you?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Let's fight as hard as we can in the finals, team! I want another chance at battling against Lear!''
|-
|Brock
|''Let's head back.''
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...<br>What a bother. But still...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brock, Cheren, Rosa, and the player leave)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Awww, cheer up, Master Lear.<br>It's making me sad to see you all down in the dumps like this. Where'd all o' your arrogant laughter go?''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...<br>Your father, the king, made you a promise. If the PML is a success here on Pasio, he'll name you as the heir to his throne.<br>His highness won't go back on his word just because you lost a Pokémon battle... That's not gonna happen.<br>I think you'll be a great king someday—one who's worthy of succeeding your father on the throne.<br>Have a little faith, young master...''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master?<br>Huh? Why would the royal manor be calling at a time like this?<br>This is Sawyer speaking. Apologies, but now is not a good—<br>Wh-what?! Are you sure?! How could security let this happen?!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Sawyer? What's going on?!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''We've got an emergency, young master! I just got word that some thieves have entered the royal manor, and...<br>they've taken it, sir!''
|-
|Lear
|''N-no... You can't be serious!''
|}


== Chapter 20 - Shifting Shadows ==


*The Morning before the Finals

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Acerola
|''Good morning, <player>!''
|-
|Misty
|''Today's the day! I can't believe the PML finals are finally here!''
|-
|Acerola
|''I woke up sooo early this morning! I guess I must have been too excited to sleep!''
|-
|Misty
|''Sounds like Acerola's been ready to go since the crack of dawn, <player>!<br>How about you? Were you able to sleep OK last night?''<br>'''I slept like a log!''': ''Nice! Getting a good night's sleep is really important if you wanna be able to give it your all in battle!''<br>'''I was thinking about Lear.''': ''Lear... I guess it would be hard not to think about him after that battle yesterday.<br>But don't worry! I'm sure he'll be back to his usual snooty self at the opening ceremony today!''
|-
|Acerola
|''Hey, why don't we head to the arena now? If we hurry, we might be the first ones there!''
|-
|Misty
|''I don't think the arena's open yet, but we could always go out and have a battle or two to strengthen our team!<br>You've gotten pretty famous around here, thanks to all those victories, <player>. People in town will want to challenge you.''
|-
|Acerola
|''That's true! We can probably battle all kinds of Trainers now!<br>Come on! Let's go see!''
|}


*A New Face from Kalos

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Misty
|''Everyone seemed really excited to battle us back there, huh?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Yeah! I'm still in the mood for a few more battles, though!<br>The Trainers we'll be facing in the finals are bound to be super strong. We've got to make sure we're prepared!''
|-
|Misty
|''You always think ahead, Acerola!''
|-
|Acerola
|''Of course! I look after lots of little kids back home in Alola, so I'm used to being the responsible one.''
|-
|???
|''Um... You wouldn't happen to be <player>, would you?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Calem appears)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''Who's asking?''
|-
|Calem
|''Oh, I'm Calem. I recently came to Pasio from the Kalos region.<br>I heard a little about you from Cynthia earlier. I was hoping maybe we could have a battle!''
|-
|Misty
|''If Cynthia wanted us to meet you, you must be a pretty powerful Trainer...''
|-
|Calem
|''I dunno about that. The way you battle on Pasio is pretty different from how we do it in Kalos... I'm still trying to get used to it.''
|-
|Acerola
|''Well then, why don't we battle and see what you can do?!<br>The key to team battling is battling a lot and getting to know your teammates and your partner Pokémon really well!<br>We've still got some time before the tournament matches start... What do you think, <player>?''<br>'''Sure!''': ''Yay! All right, let's give it our best shot!''<br>'''You won't be too tired?''': ''I'll be fine! Trust me, I've got the power of old royalty on my side!''
|-
|Calem
|''I may be a new arrival to Pasio, but I'm no newbie when it comes to Pokémon training.<br>Time to see for myself whether your skills live up to Cynthia's description!''
|}


*Calem's Motives

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Misty
|''Guess that's one victory for us! I have to give you some credit, though—you're way stronger than I thought you'd be!''
|-
|Acerola
|''Yeah! Our Pokémon all look like they had a ton of fun in that battle!''
|-
|Calem
|''I told you I'm not a newbie when it comes to Pokémon training...<br>but you definitely impressed me back there. I can see how you've made it this far in the tournament.<br>Well, Espurr... They're definitely in the running for the championship... We've got some decisions to make.''
|-
|Acerola
|''Hm? Is something wrong, Calem?''
|-
|Calem
|''Well, it's just... I actually have a couple reasons for coming to find you today.<br>You've all heard of Team Break, right?''
|-
|Misty
|''How could we not? They're trying to sabotage the PML by stealing people's Pokémon! We've battled tons of them.''
|-
|Acerola
|''I haven't seen them around lately, though... Not since the tournament matches began, I think.''
|-
|Calem
|''Well, it seems they're back in business. They've started stealing Pokémon again.<br>I was planning to infiltrate one of their hideouts, but Cynthia told me to hold off.<br>That's when she told me about you all... She said you might be willing to help.''
|-
|Misty
|''Aha... Well, how could we say no to that!''
|-
|Calem
|''But aren't you supposed to be preparing for the finals? Are you sure you want to get involved?''<br>'''Of course we'll help!''': No hesitation at all, huh? Cynthia was right... You've definitely got some resolve.''
|-
|Misty
|'''We can't leave Team Break to their own devices!''': ''That's right! We've still got some time before the opening ceremony begins. Let's do this!''
|-
|Acerola
|''We'd love to help you, Calem! Let's take down Team Break together!''
|-
|Calem
|''Thanks, everyone. Just do me a favor and don't go too overboard, OK? You've still got a tournament to win.<br>Right, then. Let's head to that hideout.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the mountain)</center>
|-
|Calem
|''That's one of Team Break's hideouts... They're keeping their stolen Pokémon in that cave.''
|-
|Misty
|''It's pretty well guarded. We'll have to be careful!''
|-
|Calem
|''Espurr and I can handle the guards. Wait here. We'll take care of them.''
|-
|Misty
|''What? Why don't we all go together?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Yeah, let's do it together, Calem!<br>We'll be fine as long as we all stick close to one another.''
|-
|Calem
|''... ... ...<br>All right, let's do this. Come on, everyone!''
|}


*Friendly Concern

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Inside the cave)</center>
|-
|Calem
|''Hmm... I feel like I should have run into some of those stolen Pokémon by now... How much deeper does this cave go?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Calem, wait for us!''
|-
|Misty
|''Don't go running too far ahead! We agreed we'd do this together, didn't we?''
|-
|Calem
|''Oops. Sorry, I'm not really used to working in big groups.''
|-
|Misty
|''Well, we're deep inside Team Break's hideout now... Of course we're gonna worry if you take off on your own.''
|-
|Acerola
|''Misty... Maybe that's just Calem's way of looking out for us.<br>I think you're worried about us, too, Calem. That's why you wanted to walk ahead—to make sure it's safe, right?''
|-
|Calem
|''Maybe... In any case, we need to keep moving.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Calem leaves)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''C-Calem! Wait, we're coming, too! Ugh... Come on, let's follow after him—''
|-
|???
|''I don't think so!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Who said you could poke your noses around here, huh?! This is our turf!''
|-
|Misty
|''Oh no, this is NOT what we need right now! We have to find Calem before he gets too far ahead of us!''
|-
|Acerola
|''Then let's make quick work of these thugs! Come on, Misty and <player>!''
|}


*What Friends Are For 

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Man
|''Errgh! So our reports were true! Those Pokémon of yours are strong indeed!<br>Well, we have other ways to deal with you... I think it's time to move our plans forward.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''We managed to chase them off, but I feel like their Pokémon have gotten a lot stronger since last time.''
|-
|Acerola
|''I've got a bad feeling about all of this... We should try and catch up to Calem as fast as we can.''
|-
|Misty
|''Agreed. Why do you think he keeps running off on his own like that?!<br>Cynthia recommended us, so obviously she thinks we're skilled enough for the task. I wish he'd lean on us a little more...''
|-
|Acerola
|''Maybe he's just trying to be nice.''
|-
|Misty
|''Nice?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Well, he seemed really worried that getting us involved would affect our performance at the tournament.<br>I think that's why he's been trying so hard to take care of this on his own.''
|-
|Misty
|''Hmm... When you put it like that, it does make sense.<br>How'd you figure him out so quickly? Today was your first time meeting him, too, right?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Let's just say Calem reminds me of some friends of mine...''
|-
|Misty
|''Hm? What friends?''
|-
|???
|''Bwahaha! Give up now, if y'know what's good for ya, kid!''
|-
|Misty
|''Hey! I think I hear more of those thugs over there!''
|-
|Acerola
|''Oh no! Calem could be in trouble! Let's go!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Calem battling Team Break)</center>
|-
|Calem
|''No... This isn't over yet!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Think you can beat us all alone, huh, kid? Hah! Don't be stupid!<br>Things're different now! We can call up strong Pokémon to battle for us whenever we want now!<br>Give it up, kid! You can't win by yourself! Leave your Pokémon where we can see it and scram. Got it?!''
|-
|Calem
|''I don't care how strong you are...<br>I won't give up until I rescue those poor Pokémon that you've stolen from their Trainers!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Wipe that self-righteous look off your face... It's makin' me cringe.<br>You wanna play hardball? Fine, you got it! You're gonna regret not runnin' away while you had the chance, kid!''
|-
|Calem
|''...''
|-
|Acerola
|''Calem!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Acerola, Misty, and the player appear)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''We told you this would be too dangerous alone. Let us fight with you!''
|-
|Calem
|''You guys...<br>These thugs are way stronger than we thought... I'll hold them off here!<br>You go on ahead!''
|-
|Misty
|''What?! Did you even hear what I just said?!''
|-
|Calem
|''Just go! Quickly!''
|-
|Acerola
|''We can't just...<br>No! We can't just leave you, Calem!''
|-
|Calem
|''Wha—?''
|-
|Misty
|''Acerola...''
|-
|Acerola
|''I know why you're doing this. You want to do as much as you can because we've got the tournament ahead of us.<br>But you're forgetting that we want to help you, too. We're your friends, Calem!''
|-
|Calem
|''You...are?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Of course we are! There are some things you just can't do all by yourself... That's where friends like us come in!<br>That's why I really, really, really...<br>reeeally wish you'd let Big Sis help you!''
|-
|Misty
|''B-Big Sis?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Oof! What I meant to say was...''
|-
|Calem
|''Ha... Ha ha ha!<br>You're totally right... I can't believe I forgot something so simple.<br>Come on, everyone! Let's battle these thugs together—and rescue those stolen Pokémon!''<br>'''You got it!/We'll save them together!''': ''All right! Hope you're ready, Team Break!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Pffft! Think you're better than us now that you've got "Big Sis" to help you? Hah! Don't make me laugh!<br>Come on! Bet we'll beat you at your own game!''
|}


*Big Sis

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Man
|''Y-you gotta be kiddin' me... How did we lose?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Woo-hoo! We beat these thieves to smithereens!<br>That was amazing, Calem!''
|-
|Calem
|''Thanks, Acerola. Thanks, everyone.''
|-
|Misty
|''Guess we managed to do it in the end!<br>Which means it's time for you Team Break crooks to hand over the Pokémon you stole!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Heh heh... No can do, girlie!''
|-
|Calem
|''Don't tell me you still haven't learned your lesson!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Uhh, do we look like we're good at learnin' lessons? Hah! We're not gonna stop till we've totally annihilated this tournament!<br>And you kiddies walked right into our trap! When I give the signal, you'll be surrounded by every Team Break member in this hideout!''
|-
|Calem
|''What?!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Bwahaha! It's game over for you now!<br>... ... ...<br>Huh? Where is everybody?! If they're playin' hooky...''
|-
|???
|''Sorry, but your colleagues have already been apprehended.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cynthia appears)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''Cynthia!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Long time no see. Thanks to your distraction, I was able to complete our objective.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''N-no way... This place was crawlin' with Team Break members and Pokémon!<br>You tellin' me you took out ALL of 'em?!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''That's correct. My being here should be proof of that.<br>So, you now have a choice to make—come quietly, or...<br>see how you fare in a battle against Garchomp and me! Take your pick.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Er... Uh...<br>W-we're sorry we stole the Pokémon!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''There, that wasn't so hard, was it?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to outside the cave)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''The PML staff should be able to take over from here. We can leave Team Break and the stolen Pokémon to them.''
|-
|Acerola
|''I can't believe you defeated all these Team Break crooks on your own...<br>I...I don't even know what to say!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Like I said before, if you hadn't been keeping some of them distracted, I might not have been able to blindside Team Break the way I did.<br>It's really thanks to you that I was able to round up all these criminals.''
|-
|Misty
|''Wow, it feels awesome to hear that from someone like you, Cynthia!<br>That reminds me, I didn't get to ask you about that whole "Big Sis" thing back there, Acerola... What was that all about?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Oh! I think I said it out of habit... Hee hee! The kids back home at Aether House always call me that.<br>Calem sort of reminded me of them, I guess! The way he was trying his hardest to protect us, just like the kids always do.<br>But you don't have to worry about us, Calem. We want to help protect you, too!''
|-
|Calem
|''Acerola...<br>I guess I wasn't thinking about how the rest of you felt, was I? I just rushed in there headlong.<br>I did the same thing to my friend Shauna once... I regretted it back then, too, but I obviously didn't learn my lesson.<br>Sorry, Acerola. I should have paid more attention to how you and the others were feeling.<br>You were right there with me, just like a big sister, and I totally ignored your help.''
|-
|Acerola
|''Yeah! You should really let Big Sis help you out more often, OK?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Hmm... It seems you've gained some lovely new friends, Calem. I've been thinking about this for a while now, but after today...<br>I'm convinced that you'd do well on <player>'s team, Calem. It's perfect for you!''
|-
|Acerola
|''What?! You want Calem to join our team?!''
|-
|Calem
|''Remember how I said I had a couple different reasons for wanting to approach your team earlier?<br>Well, one of those reasons was to see if you'd help me take out Team Break... But I was also hoping you might let me join your team.<br>There are worse things than having a highly skilled Trainer from Kalos on your team, right?''
|-
|Acerola
|''Hee hee! Well, you have one vote from Acerola! What do you think, <player>?''
|-
|Calem
|'''Welcome to the team!''': ''Thanks! You won't regret it.''<br>'''You're in...as long as you learn to lean on the team a little.''': ''All right. I wouldn't want Big Sis to get mad at me.''
|-
|Acerola
|'''You're in...as long as you learn to lean on the team a little.''': ''Hee hee! I sure hope not!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Well, that's excellent! I think I'm even more excited to battle against your team now.''
|-
|Misty
|''Wait, does that mean... You're competing, too, Cynthia?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''I am, as a matter of fact. Best of luck to both our teams in the finals.<br>Speaking of which, we should probably start heading that way before they begin the opening ceremony without us.<br>Hm? Did you hear that?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel appears in the distance)</center>
|-
|???
|''Oof! Hope they didn't spot me...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel leaves)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''Just as I thought... There seems to be something bigger going on around here, unlike anything we've seen before...''
|-
|Misty
|''Is something the matter, Cynthia?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''No, nothing at all.<br>Shall we get going? The greatest sync pairs on Pasio are gathering at the arena, and we should be among them!''
|}


;A Rising Star

*First Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center><player> had made {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} way to the forest to do some intensive training with {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} Pokémon<br>when suddenly, {{tt|he|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she|If the player character is female}} heard the sharp cry of a different Pokémon nearby!</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(A Torchic appears)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|'''Is something wrong?/Are you lost?''': Torchic, wait for me!<br>*pant pant* I...finally...caught up to you!<br>You...you all found him for me, didn't you? How can I thank you?<br>That Torchic... He's my partner Pokémon!<br>I'm still an evolving Trainer—just a beginner, really. I've heard people call me a Rising Star, but...<br>I'm not very confident in my battling skills yet... My Torchic doesn't really listen to me.<br>I only looked away for a moment earlier, and he ran away from me...<br>Wait... Where's Torchic now?! Don't tell me he already ran off again!<br>No way! I can't believe this... Wh-where in the world did he go this time?!''<br>'''Whoa, calm down!''': ''Y-you're right... Panicking isn't going to get me anywhere. I need to go find him!''<br>'''He can't have gone too far!''': ''Y-you're right... If I run now, I should still be able to catch up with him!''<br>'''We'll help you!/Let's go find him together!''': ''Th-thank you so much! That would be amazing!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Rising Star)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|{{tt|''Where did he go?<br>Maybe he doesn't think I'm worthy...|blurb}}<br>Seriously, where did Torchic run off to?<br>I'm not really confident in my skills as a Trainer... What if Torchic doesn't think I'm a good partner?<br>Um...<player>? Can I ask you a favor?<br>While we're searching for Torchic, do you think you could give me some tips on how to become a better Pokémon Trainer?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|''If I gain some more confidence, maybe Torchic will finally acknowledge me.<br>I'm sure I could learn so much from you and your partner, <player>! Will you help me? Please!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Poké Fan)</center>
|-
|Poké Fan
|''You want to know how to be better friends with your Pokémon? Well, for starters, you can't be uncertain or anxious.<br>Pokémon can tell when their Trainer is feeling out of sorts.<br>You've got to brush off that negativity, walk right up to the Pokémon you want to befriend, and then—<br>Ahhh! Yesss... What a sweetie you are!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Poké Fan
|''I know it looks like she bit me, but she didn't. She's just showing me affection.<br>There, see? Look at what good friends we are!''
|}


*Second Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Pokémon Ranger)</center>
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Hm? You want to know about the bond I have with my Pokémon? Well, we actually started off as partners at work.<br>Bulbasaur's always had an easygoing nature, and I'm his super-perfectionist polar opposite. We were never in sync...and it showed.<br>I figured the best way to get in sync with Bulbasaur would be to get to know him much, much better.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''So I did! We went out on the weekends together, hung out, and just spent more time together in general.<br>Before I knew it, we understood each other like we never had before—and we'd become the best partners ever!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Rising Star)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|{{tt|''Where has my poor, sweet Torchic gone?<br>I hope he isn't hurt...<br>Come back, Torchic! I promise I'll do better!|blurb}}<br>Torchic is actually the first partner Pokémon I've ever had.<br>He's so small and cute. I love him to bits!<br>But I get scared and run away every time I see a strong Trainer.<br>My lack of confidence probably makes things a lot harder for Torchic... No wonder he doesn't listen to anything I say.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|''... ... ...<br>Did you hear that?! It's Torchic! He's calling for me! I shouldn't be moping around like this.<br>I need to be better and try my hardest—just like you, <player>! Wish me luck!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Street Thug with Torchic)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|''There you are, Torchic! Oh, thank goodness.''
|-
|Street Thug
|''This cute li'l Torchic belong to you, dollface? It came runnin' outta nowhere... Bumped right into my leg.''
|-
|Rising Star
|''Eeeek! Y-yes, he's my p-partner! S-sorry, mister! I'm sure T-Torchic didn't mean to run into you! It was an a-accident!''
|-
|Street Thug
|''What do you look so scared for, huh? It's fine! I ain't even mad about it!<br>If you wanna be a Trainer, you gotta stand up 'n' fight—no matter how strong your opponent looks! C'mon, yo! You can start with me!''
|-
|Rising Star
|''Wha—?! B-but I...''<br>'''Challenge accepted!/You're on!''': ''Uh...<player>? What are you doing?''
|-
|Street Thug
|'''Challenge accepted!/You're on!''': ''Hah! Your friend in the hat's got the right idea! C'mon! Don't hold back—I ain't gonna go easy on you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Street Thug
|''Whew! Your friend 'n' {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} Pokémon are beasts, dollface! You should buck up 'n' learn somethin' from 'em while you can. You got this!''
|-
|Rising Star
|''O-OK! I promise...I'll try!<br>He's totally right. You two are sooo strong, <player>!<br>You and your partner are so in sync with each other. I wish we could be like that, too!<br>Right, Torchic? Do you want to be like <player> and...<br>T-Torchic? Torchic! Where are you?<br>Ah! There you are! What are you doing all the way over there?!<br>Wait for me, Torchic!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Street Thug
|''Man, ain't she a piece o' work! Sheesh!<br>When I was her age, I'd duke it out with any Trainer I saw—no matter how strong they looked.<br>What she needs is to buck up and fight a bunch o' different sync pairs! Grow some...guts, if ya know what I mean!''
|}


*Third Area

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Rising Star
|''There you are, Torchic! I'm so glad you're OK. We've been looking all over for you!<br>Thank you so much, <player>! I couldn't have found him without you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Hiker)</center>
|-
|Hiker
|''Phew! Man, it feels good to be out of that dark cave and back in the sunshine!<br>Yodel-ay-hee-hoo! Hey, you over there! You're out here for some Pokémon battlin' today, aren't you?<br>Feels like days since I last saw another human! Let me yodel y'all a fightin' song to boost your morale! Yodel-ay-hee-hoo!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>Your sync pairs' Attack and Defense were temporarily raised!</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Hiker
|''Gahaha! Now y'all are ready for any challenger comin' your way! Good luck!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to the Rising Star)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|''... ... ...<br>Wha—?! What's gotten into you, Torchic? I didn't even say anything...''<br>'''Do you want to battle?''': ''What? H-hold on a second! I never said anything about a battle.''<br>'''I accept your challenge!''': ''Challenge? As in a battle?! Hold on a second! I never said anything about a battle.<br>Wait... I don't even know why I said that. I DO want to battle you, <player>. It's just that...<br>I think my gut reaction is still to be nervous and afraid. But deep down, I want to battle you more than anything!<br>Torchic could sense what I was really feeling, couldn't you, buddy? Thanks for giving me the push I needed.<br>All right! Get ready for a battle that's as good as—no, BETTER than that last one with the scary guy!''<br>'''I don't plan on losing!''': ''Great! Neither do I! Torchic and I plan to show you everything we've got!''<br>'''Give me a second to prepare!''': ''Sure, I can do that! Torchic and I are ready whenever you are!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again after declining)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|''I believe in my partner! If Torchic wants to win, I'll be right there, fighting hard with him.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(After the battle)</center>
|-
|Rising Star
|''Hehe... It looks like we lost this time.<br>I'm sorry, Torchic. Either way, it was an amazing battle!''<br>'''It was awesome!/Amazingly fun!''': Yeah! I never knew Pokémon battling could be this much fun!<br>I think I have Torchic to thank for that. After all, it was his confidence in me that encouraged me to jump into the battle.<br>The old me would have just run away.<br>I would have been way too afraid to challenge a strong Trainer like you.<br>Thanks, Torchic. And thanks to you for such an amazing battle, <player>!<br>Torchic and I are going to keep getting stronger and stronger. Next time we battle, I bet it will be even more fun!<br>That reminds me... Can I ask you a big favor, <player>?<br>I know it's a lot to ask, but I have this Pokémon that I really want you to raise.<br>Oh, no! It's not my buddy, Torchic!<br>It's actually a second Torchic that I brought with me to Pasio.<br>Meeting you and getting the chance to battle you has really changed me for the better, <player>.<br>You're the perfect person to raise this Torchic! I really hope you'll consider it.<br>I'm sure that during my adventure with Torchic I'll still come up against things that make me feel nervous and afraid.<br>But when that happens, I'll know that somewhere out there, you're doing your best with Torchic—just like me!<br>And knowing that will encourage me to stand up and fight hard, too!<br>So what do you say? Will you raise this Torchic for me?''
|}

== Chapter 21 - Face the Fight! ==


*Face the Fight: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Arena)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Phew! We made it just in time! We would have missed the opening ceremony if we hadn't run here from the volcano!''
|-
|Brock
|''Yeah! Do you think we might have time to take a—''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>We will be commencing the opening ceremony momentarily. All participating teams, please line up.</center>
|-
|Brock
|''break? Heh, I guess not. Shall we?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Let's!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo appears in the distance then leaves)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Hm? Wait, was that...''
|-
|Brock
|''What's wrong, Rosa? We have to get going.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah, I know... I just thought I saw Paulo over there.''
|-
|Brock
|''Paulo? He must have made it to the finals, too, then. That's great news!<br>I'd like to say hi to him as well, but first we have to line up! Let's go find him after the ceremony.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the ceremony)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''All right, listen up! We're starting the opening ceremony for the PML finals!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wha—?! Sawyer?''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear's not doing the opening announcement? What's going on?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''You and your Pokémon all pushed yourselves to the limit to make it this far in the competition.<br>You all got guts—that's for sure! Pat yourselves on the back!<br>But that's not good enough, is it? I figure most of you came here to win...<br>so let's see it! Duke it out to your heart's content! You're here to prove that you're the best, aren't you? Well, here's your chance!<br>The PML finals is your stage! It's time to show off!''
|-
|Brock
|''I didn't think I'd see Sawyer being master of ceremonies.''
|-
|Rosa
|''I didn't think he'd be so good at it! I'm glad it was him and not Lear! Can you imagine Lear saying anything like that?<br>I wonder what's going on, though... Lear doesn't seem like the type to pass up being in the spotlight.''
|-
|Brock
|''Could he still be moping around because of our battle? Either way...<br>our first match is about to start! Let's focus on the tournament for now.''<br>'''You bet!''': ''That's the spirit! Let's go for the win!<br>We have to focus if we want to have our rematch with Lear, right?''<br>'''I wonder if Lear is OK.''': ''It's probably best if we put Lear out of our minds for now—for his sake as well.<br>We have to focus if we want to have our rematch with him.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>Attention, all sync pairs: The first match of the finals will begin momentarily.</center>
|-
|Brock
|''It's time!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah! Let's see. Our first opponent is...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the beach)</center>
|-
|Marshal
|''Haaah! Haaah! Haiyaaaah!<br>Whew! I guess we can wrap up our daily training there. What do you think, Conkeldurr?<br>I know. The real problem is figuring out what will happen now...<br>We came to Pasio to train and take our martial arts to new heights—to find our new path.<br>But nothing has changed. We are the same as we were back in Unova. We have to do something different.<br>Hrmmm...''
|-
|???
|''Let's go, Machamp! Hoo! Hah!
|-
|Marshal
|''Hm? I recognize that voice...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Bruno and Machamp training)</center>
|-
|Bruno
|''That's it, Machamp! Now, give me ten thousand more Karate Chops!<br>Hoo! Hah!''
|-
|Marshal
|''Bruno!''
|-
|Bruno
|''Ah, Marshal! I did not realize you were on Pasio, too.''
|-
|Marshal
|''Yes. I was actually just looking for a good spot to train. Is that what you and Machamp are doing here?''
|-
|Bruno
|''Indeed, we are. There are many boulders here, which makes it perfect for training.''
|-
|Marshal
|''I see. It looks like it's going well. I could hear your battle shouts from way over there! They resonated deep within me.<br>I've never heard such intense shouts before.''
|-
|Bruno
|''Oh, you could hear my battle shouts?<br>Whenever I try to exert myself to the fullest, that sort of shout naturally comes out.<br>It's the same with Machamp. The more we shout from our cores, the more strength we can muster!<br>Here we go, Machamp! Show us your superior power... No, your overwhelming power!<br>Hoo! Hah!''
|-
|???
|''You do have a good shout... But you gotta have balance, too.''
|-
|Bruno
|''Ah, Brawly... Have you finished surfing?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brawly appears)</center>
|-
|Brawly
|''Yeah, those were some rad waves! Hariyama had tons of fun, too!<br>Oh hey, Marshal! You training here, too?<br>Wait! Marshal, are you and Conkeldurr—<br>Hmm...''
|-
|Marshal
|''What? Did we do something?''
|-
|Brawly
|''Your upper bodies are definitely impressive. Your muscles make it obvious that you've got an intense training regimen.<br>But your lower body can still use some improvement. If you train your legs, your lower half'll be totally gnarly in no time, too!''
|-
|Marshal
|''Wha—?! You could tell that in a single glance?''
|-
|Bruno
|''Brawly's Pokémon Gym is filled with exercise machines for Trainers and Pokémon to use. He would know a thing or two about muscles.''
|-
|Brawly
|''I might have a different methodology than Bruno, but I train and work out as well.<br>Oh! If you want a good way to train your lower body, I'd recommend surfing!''
|-
|Marshal
|''Conkeldurr and me...surf?''
|-
|Brawly
|''Haha! You never know... You two might be good at it!''
|-
|Marshal
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Brawly
|''Uh...did I say something wrong?''
|-
|Bruno
|''Surfing is a bit extreme, don't you think, Brawly?''
|-
|Marshal
|''Wait... That's it!''
|-
|Brawly
|''Huh?''
|-
|Marshal
|''New encounters! New perspectives! They'll lead to new doors...and maybe a new path!<br>Bruno, Brawly! How would you like to do even more intense training with me?<br>We can form a team—and aim for the top of the PML as the ultimate Fighting-type team!<br>Let's continue on our path to becoming masters of martial arts together!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Marshal
|''I haven't thanked you yet, Bruno and Brawly. If I hadn't teamed up with you, I wouldn't have gotten this strong.''
|-
|Bruno
|''No need to thank us. We all got stronger by being together.''
|-
|Brawly
|''I guess that's just the kind of synergy that Fighting-type fanatics like us create!<br>But we're not the ultimate team yet!''
|-
|Marshal
|''Exactly. We still have a ways to go on that path, but we will continue to battle on!<br><player>! We have all greatly improved our strength since forming a team together here on Pasio!<br>We have transcended both superior and overwhelming power—get ready for our SUPREME power!<br>Here we go! Hoo! Hah!''
|}


*Face the Fight: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Marshal
|''There is no such thing as the strongest Pokémon. Nor is there a perfect team combination.<br>I knew this, yet I thought that we could never lose. It seems that our path was steeper than we had thought.''
|-
|Bruno
|''But it wouldn't be worth it if it were easy, would it? The challenge is what drives us to master the path.''
|-
|Brawly
|''Besides, we're martial artists. You know it's not in our nature to quit.''
|-
|Marshal
|''Bruno... Brawly... Yeah, you're right.<br><player>... I feel like I saw your true nature during our battle.<br>You have a heart that cares for your friends and Pokémon.<br>Strengthen that heart of yours, and use it to rise to the top in this tournament! Best of luck!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Brock and Rosa)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''I didn't think we would get matched up with Marshal and his team so quickly.''
|-
|Brock
|''Yeah, not only was their coordination impeccable...but they looked like they were having a lot of fun during that battle, too!<br>To think our first opponents were that strong... Goes to show you that the finals are no joke!''
|-
|Rosa
|'''This is so exciting!''': ''I know what you mean! I can't wait to see all the other teams!''<br>'''Our teamwork makes us just as good as any of these other teams!''': ''You bet! That's why we we've been able to beat the competition up to now!''
|-
|Brock
|''Ha ha! If that's your first reaction after battling, we'll be fine!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>Attention, all sync pairs: Round one of the finals has ended.<br>The matchups for round two will be announced momentarily.</center>
|-
|Brock
|''It's already time to announce the next matches! Let's see. Our new opponents are...<br>No way!''
|-
|Rosa
|''What?! We're facing THEM next?!''
|}


== Interlude 3 - The Truth about Pasio ==


*King of Solitude

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cave)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''...And then supposedly this suuuper strong Trainer named Cynthia rolled in and defeated pretty much all of Team Break!<br>Long story short: the hideout I found was a dud.''
|-
|Lear
|''Same here... Those wretched Team Break thugs! Where'd they manage to hide it?!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Anyways...are you sure it was a good idea to ditch the opening ceremony so you could keep searchin', Master Lear?''
|-
|Lear
|''I had no choice! If our...secret friend...falls into the wrong hands, the PML will be the least of our worries.<br>Besides, if I'd been there, all that sappy talk of bonds and friendship would have made me gag.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Hm? Did you say something?''
|-
|Lear
|''No! Never you mind! And where in the world is Sawyer, anyway? He should have been here by now!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Mmm... I'm sure he'll thunder into this cave any minute now.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Sorry I'm late, young master!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Sawyer appears)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''You had better be! Those goons could be summoning all sorts of terrible Pokémon as we speak! Do NOT keep me waiting again!<br>Let's go! We've got to head to the next hideout!<br>It's time to take Hoopa back from those Team Break thieves... We cannot let them get away with this!''
|-
|???
|''Hoopa... You mean the Mythical Pokémon?''
|-
|Lear
|''You there! Whoever you are—come out and show yourself!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren appears)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''Ah, I guess I should apologize for eavesdropping. I never thought I'd hear the name of that Pokémon, though.''
|-
|Lear
|''You! Aren't you—?''
|-
|Rachel
|''His name's Cheren. He's one of <player>'s teammates.''
|-
|Lear
|''Yes, I'm aware. What is he doing here?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Well, I know I'm in the wrong here, but when I noticed you weren't at the opening ceremony, I got curious and followed Sawyer.''
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh!''
|-
|Cheren
|''I guess we're all in way more trouble than I originally thought.<br>Hoopa, the Mythical Pokémon, huh? I've only ever read about it in books.<br>It's said that Hoopa can warp space with its rings, sending anything and everything to faraway places.<br>I suppose with that kind of power, it could easily teleport people and Pokémon to Pasio from all over the world.''
|-
|Lear
|''Tsk! You think you know everything, don't you?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Well, when you bring Hoopa into the equation, all of the strange things going on around here start to make sense.<br>Some Trainers came to this island on a ferry or on the back of their Pokémon...<br>but some were transported here by some mysterious ring—me being one of them.<br>It all makes sense now... It was Hoopa's power that brought us here.<br>You used Hoopa to bring all of us sync pairs here to Pasio, didn't you? For the PML.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Uhhh, so what if we did? You tryin' to accuse us of some kinda crime?<br>For your information, Hoopa was totally happy to do it for us when we gave it donuts. It's, like, mutually beneficial or whatever.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''That's right. And we sent people back home if they didn't want to stay on Pasio, all right?<br>All we wanted to do was use Hoopa's powers to ramp up the excitement around here for the tournament!''
|-
|Lear
|''Silence! I told you not to bring that up!<br>Whatever. I don't have to stand here and listen to this twerp! Rachel, Sawyer, we're done here!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Wait, Lear! If Team Break really did steal Hoopa, all of Pasio could be in danger now.<br>You don't actually think you can solve this all on your own, do you? You need to enlist help from the other sync pairs on the island. Come on!''
|-
|Lear
|''Enlist...help, you say?<br>How dare you! Just because of what happened in that last battle, you DARE insinuate that I am weak?!<br>That was a fluke! A FLUKE, I tell you! I have no need for help—I have more than enough strength to handle this alone!<br>The last time I checked, I was the one in charge here. Everyone else can simply shut their mouth and do as I say!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear...''
|-
|Lear
|''I am in line to become king, and what a king says is absolute! No one is above a king!''
|-
|Cheren
|''OK, let's say you become king all on your own, without any help from anyone... Then what?''
|-
|Lear
|''Do you think I'm a fool? What does it matter what I would or wouldn't do? If I don't become king, I'll never gain recognition.<br>If I can't become king, then why am I even here?!''
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph! It's as if you all live to infuriate me! Rachel, Sawyer, we're leaving! Do NOT make me say it again!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Y-yeah! Coming right now!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear is bound and determined to do this all on his own, isn't he?<br>That obsession with power... He's definitely not going to make this easy for us.<br>I wonder if this is how Alder felt...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Team Break forcing Hoopa to summon Pokémon)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Heh heh heh... The power of Mythical Pokémon is sublime indeed. With Hoopa, we can summon any Pokémon we want, no matter how powerful!<br>And it's only the beginning... We'll use Hoopa to teleport more and more of them to Pasio and sabotage this obnoxious tournament!<br>Mwahahaha!''
|}


== Chapter 22: Rival Face-Off! ==


*Rival Face-Off! Round 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Forest)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Ngh... Can't believe these guys managed to corner me...''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Heh! Looks like you don't have any Pokémon left that are fit for battle.''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Your Rockruff was no match for our powerful Pokémon.<br>Weaklings like you should shut your mouths and let us do what we want!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Don't make me laugh! There's no way I'll let anyone steal Pokémon away from their Trainers!<br>I don't care who it is. I'll stop anyone who'd do something so terrible!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Hmph! Tough words for a kid who just lost.<br>I'm not here to listen to your speeches. All of you are going to hand over your Pokémon!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Tch...''
|-
|???
|''That's far enough!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Wikstrom and Wulfric appear)</center>
|-
|Wikstrom
|''We'll not sit idly by and allow these people to suffer your wicked deeds!''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Y'know what? It's time you packed it in and got out of here.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Those two are...''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Huh? Who're you two? You'd better not get in our way!<br>More scrubs who don't know their place, huh? We'll beat you and take your Pokémon, too!''
|-
|Wulfric
|''It seems there are evildoers no matter where you go.<br>Avalugg, lend me a bit of your strength!''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Aegislash! Teach these ruffians the sting of the blade of justice!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Wikstrom and Wulfric defeat Team Break)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Eek! W-we're sorry!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Youngster
|''Thank you so much! You really saved us!''
|-
|Wikstrom
|'''Tis not a deed that requires gratitude. It is our duty to help those in need.''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Y'know, it'd probably be best to stay away from suspicious-looking spots.''
|-
|Youngster
|''OK! Thanks!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Youngster leaves)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Please allow me to express my gratitude. Thank you, Wikstrom and Wulfric.''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Oh? You know of us?''
|-
|Paulo
|''I do! My name is Paulo.<br>I've heard so many stories about the two of you from Trainers from Kalos. I really look up to the both of you!<br>The strong-as-steel, chivalrous knight who battles fair and honorably against opponents, Wikstrom!<br>The man who's tough as an iceberg and hot as a furnace, Wulfric! I've heard you're a kindhearted man who looks after wounded Pokémon!<br>Representatives of the Gym Leaders and Elite Four of Kalos! It's an honor to meet you both!''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Haha! Y'know what? Compliments like that make me feel bashful.''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''I am honored that stories of my exploits have reached your ears.<br>Moreover, your courageous acts are truly the chivalrous deeds befitting a knight.''
|-
|Paulo
|''I...<br>No. No way am I good enough to compare to the two of you...''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Oh? What makes you say such a thing?''
|-
|Paulo
|''...I'm weak.<br>Things would've gone a lot differently if the two of you hadn't shown up when you did.<br>You're not only kind and chivalrous—the two of you have strength, too, to back it up.<br>But I... I might be brave, but I've got no strength to get the job done. I was too weak to even beat those guys...<br>At this rate, I'm sure to lose in the PML...''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Hm. The strength to enforce what you believe in...''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Y'know, you're still young.<br>I'm sure you'll become a fine Trainer in time. There's no need to rush things.''
|-
|Paulo
|'' In time, huh? But I...<br>... ... ...<br>Wikstrom, Wulfric! Would it be all right to ask you for something?''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Hm? What is it?''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Let us hear it.''
|-
|Paulo
|''Please!<br>Would you...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''The second round of the finals...<br>And our opponent is <player>...''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Hm? Are you having second thoughts, Paulo?''
|-
|Wulfric
|''I suppose I can't blame you. That one's a friend of yours, right?''
|-
|Paulo
|''That's right... <player> started collecting badges around the same time that I did.<br>{{tt|He's|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|She's|If the player character is female}} my rival.
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Oh? A rival, you say?''
|-
|Paulo
|''But...before I knew it, {{tt|he'd|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she'd|If the player character is female}} already gotten far ahead of me.<br>{{tt|He|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|She|If the player character is female}} was ahead of me gathering badges, and {{tt|he|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she|If the player character is female}} was ahead of me battling Team Break...<br>But today is going to be different!<br>The two of you taught me chivalry, kindness, and most importantly, strength.<br>I was able to become who I've always wanted to be, all thanks to forming a team with the two of you, who I idolize.<br>What I've always wanted to be... I've become a steadfast Trainer who won't lose out to anyone in strength or spirit!<br>This time, things will be different. I'll use everything I've learned and battle with all my strength. There's no way our team will lose!''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Haha! That's the spirit!''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''It seems we too must battle with all our might in answer of this spirited declaration!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Paulo!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brock, Hapu, Korrina, Rosa, and the player appear)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''The day's finally come, Paulo.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Boy was I surprised when I heard that our second-round opponent was you, Paulo!''
|-
|Paulo
|''Haha! I could say the same about you.<br>But I'm glad we get to meet on the field of battle in the PML like this!''
|-
|Hapu
|''More importantly...<br>Hm. Compared to before, you seem to be overflowing with confidence.<br>It seems those teammates of yours also made for some good teachers, eh?''
|-
|Paulo
|''Yes! They're Trainers I hold in high regard!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Paulo's teammates are Wikstrom and Wulfric? This doesn't look like it'll be easy.''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Y'know what to do. Let's go, Korrina!''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''We hail from the same region, so there's no need for pleasantries or holding back. Let us battle with all of our might!''
|-
|Korrina
|''OK! I'm already getting fired up! Let's go all out!''
|-
|Paulo
|''...Looks like it's time, <player>.<br>Thanks to this team, I reflected on myself and realized what you are to me.<br>You're the rival that's always ahead of me. The rival I never want to lose to!<br>But that ends today! I've changed. Here, today...<br>I will surpass you!''<br>'''I won't lose, Paulo!''': ''I'm going to win. And I'll continue to win...''<br>'''I'm going to win today!''': ''You're wrong! I'll win, and I'll keep winning...<br>I'll show you a true champion team!<br>Time for battle, <player>!''
|}


*Rival Face-Off! Round 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Paulo
|''I... I lost?<br>My ideal team... I thought that I'd grown so much stronger...<br>And I still lost?<br>... ... ...''<br>'''Paulo?/You are really strong, Paulo.''': ''... ... ...''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Don't let it get to you, Paulo. Each and every sync pair gave it their all for a truly intense battle.<br>Losing is a consequence of Pokémon battles sometimes, even if you still give it everything you've got.''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Accept what has transpired. Face it, and continue forward. That is the way to grow stronger.<br>And offer our congratulations to those who have won: <player> and {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} team.''
|-
|Paulo
|''You're right.<br>Sorry for acting weird. I'm all right now.<br><player>, you really are strong. I gave it everything I had, and it still wasn't enough.<br>You'll just have to keep battling for both of us! I'll be cheering for you!<br>... ... ...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo leaves)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Paulo... He kind of looked like he was forcing that smile. I hope he's all right...''
|-
|Hapu
|''I'm sure he was feeling down after his loss... But there's nothing we can do. If there's a winner, then there's sure to be a loser, too.<br>If even a single thing had gone differently in that battle, we would've ended up as the losers.''
|-
|Korrina
|''You're right. It could've gone either way. Paulo really is strong.''
|-
|Brock
|''For us to have won against Paulo...''<br>'''We've got to do our best for his sake, too!''': ''Right! We've got to fight even harder than before!''<br>'''We're going to win this thing!''': ''That's right. We've still got some rough road ahead of us. No matter what strong opponent we face, we can't afford to lose.<br>That's your duty, as Paulo's rival.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the beach)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Wikstrom, Wulfric.<br>Thank you for joining my team!''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Y'know what? We don't need any thanks.<br>What's most important is you really have grown, Paulo.<br>You had no confidence in yourself at first, but you found your way and grew stronger so quickly.''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Right from the beginning, you were brave enough to stand up to Team Break on your own. I always knew you were a Trainer with potential.<br>I never would've guessed you could become so strong. We were able to enjoy some truly first-rate battles thanks to you.<br>If there is any gratitude to be offered, it should be from us to you. Thank you, Paulo.''
|-
|Paulo
|''It makes me happy to hear you say that.<br>I won't forget any of the things you two have taught me!''
|-
|Wikstrom
|''Indeed. Though our teams may part ways, we must all remain diligent.''
|-
|Wulfric
|''Y'know what? Next time, you should have a battle with us, Paulo!<br>See you around, Paulo!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Wikstrom and Wulfric leave)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''... ... ...<br>Wikstrom... Wulfric... I looked up to them so much. I thought that if I was on a team with the two of them, I'd win for sure...<br>I still lost to <player>, though...<br>I sought the strength I believed I had, formed my ideal team, gave it every ounce of strength I could...<br>But {{tt|he's|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she's|If the player character is female}} still stronger than me...<br>... ... ...<br>...I just don't understand.<br>What is it going to take to become stronger than I am now? How do I beat {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}}?<br>Am I...am I just aiming too high?<br>I can't... I don't understand...''
|}


== Chapter 23 - Hearts Connected by Fashion ==


*The Maiden from a Land with History

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''We made it through the second round of the finals. Things are going pretty well for us!''
|-
|Erika
|''Indeed. It's been nonstop exciting battles the whole way.<br>I've hardly even had time to sleep.''
|-
|Misty
|''Hold on! Don't go falling asleep during battle now!''
|-
|Erika
|''Hee hee. Our opponents for the third round should be revealed soon.<br>Exciting, don't you think? ...Clair? Koga?''
|-
|Clair
|''Hmm...''
|-
|Koga
|''Hrm...''
|-
|Erika
|''Oh? Why the long faces, you two? Has something happened?''
|-
|Koga
|''Well, we met some kid Trainers on the way here.<br>It's...difficult to describe exactly, but...''
|-
|Misty
|''Ah! I get it! You lost to them in a battle!''
|-
|Clair
|''No, that's not it at all! It's what they said. They said our Pokémon were cool, but...<br>they said we dress weird!''
|-
|Misty
|''Huh?''
|-
|Koga
|''This garb has been passed down from ninja to ninja for generations. To hear such disrespect for it is...''
|-
|Clair
|''My look is so trendy, it's on everyone's lips in Johto! Pasio just hasn't reached my level yet!''
|-
|Misty
|''I admit I wasn't expecting that...''
|-
|Clair
|'''I think you two look great.''': ''R-right! I'd expect nothing less from your sensibilities, <player>!''
|-
|Erika
|'''I think you two look great.''': ''Hee hee. You're quite kind, <player>.''<br>'''Hmm... Those clothes are...''': ''Hee hee. I suppose you could say the two of you have quite the bold sense of style.''
|-
|Misty
|'''Hmm... Those clothes are...''': ''Ugh, Erika!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Valerie appears)</center>
|-
|???
|''Oh! Is that you over there, Erika?''
|-
|Erika
|''Oh? Well now...''
|-
|???
|''I'm glad we ran into each other.''
|-
|Erika
|''As am I, Valerie.''
|-
|Misty
|''Is this a friend of yours, Erika?''
|-
|Erika
|''Yes. This is Valerie, a Gym Leader from Kalos.<br>She's also a designer who makes all manner of wonderful clothing.''
|-
|Valerie
|''I'm Valerie. A pleasure to meet you.''
|-
|Clair
|''Hm? The way you speak... Are you from Johto?''
|-
|Valerie
|''That's right. In Kalos, I'm known as the maiden from a land with history.<br>Ah... You two...''
|-
|Clair
|''Hm? What is it?''
|-
|Koga
|''What business do you have with us?''
|-
|Valerie
|''No. It's actually your clothes...<br>They pair so well with your partner Pokémon. I think they're wonderful.''
|-
|Misty
|''What?!''
|-
|Koga
|''Our clothes are...''
|-
|Clair
|''Wonderful?<br>That's right, Valerie! My style is incredible, don't you think?''
|-
|Koga
|''Fwahahaha! I'd expect nothing less from a designer!''
|-
|Misty
|''Well, you two sure look pleased...''
|-
|Erika
|''Valerie, since you're here, would you mind joining me on a walk? I have something I'd like to speak with you about.''
|-
|Valerie
|''Really? That'd be wonderful. I'm still not quite used to things here on Pasio. I hardly know my left from my right.''
|-
|Erika
|''Hee hee. Then I'd be glad to show you around town.<br>I suppose we'll be off, then.''
|}


*To Be a Pokémon

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Koga
|''Hmm. It seems Valerie's reputation precedes her.''
|-
|Erika
|''Indeed. Valerie's designs are extremely popular with lots of people.''
|-
|Clair
|''Hmm... By the way, how much would one outfit cost?''
|-
|Erika
|''Hmm... Well, from what I've heard from other Trainers from Kalos...<br>a single outfit could cost more than 500 Big Pearls.''
|-
|Clair
|''M-more than 500 Big Pearls?!''
|-
|Koga
|''I see... I was thinking of getting an outfit for my daughter, but...if they cost that much...''
|-
|Valerie
|''It's not the price that matters. It's how good it looks on the wearer that's important.''
|-
|Clair
|''The wearer?''
|-
|Valerie
|''That's right. Clair, Koga, your outfits really match the two of you well.<br>The two of you have such a charming style. I'm sure even your clothes are happy to be worn by you two.''
|-
|Koga
|''I...I see!''
|-
|Clair
|''I knew you'd understand! We have the same sensibilities.<br>Hmm, all right! I've made up my mind! Since you've complimented me so kindly, I will grant you my company all day long!<br>If there's anything you'd like to do, just let me know.''
|-
|Valerie
|''Something I'd like to do?''
|-
|Koga
|''Anything is fine, from being shown around town to having a Pokémon battle. Anything you want.''
|-
|Valerie
|''That sure would be a big help.<br>In that case...<br>I'd like to become a Pokémon.''
|-
|Clair
|''Huh?''
|-
|Koga
|''You...want to be a...Pokémon?''
|-
|Valerie
|'''What do you mean?''': ''Well, I mean exactly what I said. I'd like to be a Pokémon.''<br>'''What?! Me too!''': ''Really? Oh, I'm so happy to hear that, <player>.<br>My fashion designs are all about that feeling of becoming a Pokémon.<br>After receiving a sync stone, I thought I'd be able to...<br>... ... ...''
|-
|Clair
|''Hm? What is it?''
|-
|Valerie
|''Oh! I'm sorry. I was caught up in the beauty of my sync stone for a moment.<br>And...well...<br>Sorry. I completely forgot what we were talking about before.''
|-
|Erika
|''You were talking about how you thought you'd use a sync stone to become a Pokémon.''
|-
|Valerie
|''Ah, that's right. So, what do you think? Would it be possible?''
|-
|Koga
|''Hmm. So you weren't speaking metaphorically. I think you might've heard some bad information.<br>...I'm sorry, Valerie, but you can't become a Pokémon by using a sync stone.''
|-
|Valerie
|''What? Really?<br>Oh, goodness. What a pity...''
|-
|Erika
|''Please don't be upset, Valerie.''
|-
|Clair
|''Isn't there anything else you'd like to do while you're on Pasio?''
|-
|Valerie
|''Hmm. Let me think for a minute...<br>Oh! Well, there is someone I want to meet.''
|-
|Erika
|''Someone you want to meet?''
|-
|???
|''Valerie! I finally found you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(An Ace Trainer, Lass, and Rising Star appear)</center>
|-
|Lass
|''P-please! I don't have much money, but...<br>We want a robe— No, please make a dress for Elesa!''
|-
|Valerie
|''Elesa?''
|-
|Lass
|''Yes. Just the thought of Elesa walking down the shining runway in the Nimbasa City Gym in one of your dresses is spellbinding...<br>I've made up my mind! I have to have you make it!<br>If you lose in a Pokémon battle, you have to make it for me, OK?!''
|}


*A Fellow Fashionista?

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Lass
|''No! My dream collab plan!''
|-
|Koga
|''Having a dream is fine, but that's no reason to go forcing people to do things.''
|-
|Lass
|''Y-you're right. I'm sorry. We just got a bit too excited...''
|-
|Valerie
|''Hey, you. You said you know Elesa?''
|-
|Lass
|''Huh? Of course. I just saw her not too long ago.''
|-
|Valerie
|''Really? Could you tell me where you saw her?<br>I've heard that Elesa is on Pasio, and I've actually been wanting to meet her.''
|-
|Lass
|''R-really? I can draw you a map right now!<br>I'm certain that one of your dresses would really complement Elesa's beauty! Please make one for her!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Ace Trainer, Lass, and Rising Star leave)</center>
|-
|Erika
|''I see now. The person you said you wanted to meet was Elesa.''
|-
|Valerie
|''I've been wanting to meet her for a while now. She's really stylish.<br>I want to know how she thinks and lives—and how to become like that.<br>I feel like meeting her would really get my creativity going.<br>Ah.<br>Huh?<br>My, how nice...''
|-
|Clair
|''I don't really get what's happening, but you want to meet Elesa, right?''
|-
|Koga
|''I'll show you to where the map leads. Please follow closely.''
|-
|Valerie
|''Thank you! I can't wait!''
|}


*Leaf's Idea

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Forest)</center>
|-
|Clair
|''According to the map, the spot should be right around here.''
|-
|Koga
|'' It certainly seems like that would be the case...<br>Hm?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Elesa and Leaf battling)</center>
|-
|Elesa
|''Let's go, Zebstrika!''
|-
|Leaf
|''I'm counting on you, Eevee!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to after the battle)</center>
|-
|Leaf
|''You're every bit as strong as I've heard, Elesa! I'm looking forward to the real match!''
|-
|Elesa
|''So am I. Though getting challenged like that was more than a little startling.<br>But was it really a good idea to show a potential tournament opponent your strengths and weaknesses?''
|-
|Leaf
|''It's fine, it's fine! Battles are the most fun when you just battle when you want without getting caught up in stuff like that.<br>Plus...we're both still hiding an ace up our sleeve, aren't we?''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hehe. You may be right.''
|-
|Misty
|''That was a great battle, Leaf!''
|-
|Leaf
|''Misty! Oh, and <player>, too! What're you doing here?<br>Oh, I get it! You came for a battle with me, too, huh?''
|-
|Misty
|''I'm afraid not. We came to find Elesa, actually.''
|-
|Elesa
|''Me? Oh...<br>You... Are you Valerie, the designer?''
|-
|Valerie
|''Wha—? You've heard of me, Elesa?''
|-
|Elesa
|''Of course! We models hold the fashions you create in the highest regard.<br>I'm glad you found me. There's actually something I'd like to ask you.''
|-
|Valerie
|''Me too. I'm really happy.<br>Say, Elesa...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades to black, then back)</center>
|-
|Elesa
|''Hehe. You sure have an interesting way of thinking about things, Valerie.''
|-
|Valerie
|''One day, I really hope you'll wear one of the dresses I make.''
|-
|Elesa
|''Totally!''
|-
|Misty
|''Heh. Looks like the two of them are getting along just fine.''
|-
|Leaf
|''By the way, Valerie, about you wanting to become a Pokémon...<br>Were you serious?''
|-
|Valerie
|''Huh? Of course I was. I absolutely want to be a Pokémon.''
|-
|Leaf
|''I love that!<br>And I actually know a way... A way to become a Pokémon.''
|-
|Misty
|''What?! Really?!''
|-
|Leaf
|''Yeah. I'm sure it's exactly the kind of thing you're looking for, Valerie.''
|-
|Valerie
|''You mean it? Can I really, really be a Pokémon?''
|-
|Leaf
|''Yes, if you follow what I say. All right...<br><player>! Have a battle with Valerie right now!''<br>'''Isn't this a bit sudden?''': ''C'mon! It's to help Valerie.''<br>'''Is that the way to become a Pokémon?''': ''Yeah! I think so.<br>Valerie, this will be your first battle on Pasio, right? That should do the trick!''
|-
|Elesa
|''Oh, I get it.''
|-
|Misty
|''Huh? You actually understand what's happening here, Elesa? What does she mean? How will this make someone a Pokémon?''
|-
|Leaf
|''Don't worry about it!<br>C'mon. It's time to battle with all your might!''
|-
|Valerie
|''Hmm. I still don't really understand, but I'm up for it if you are, <player>.<br>The elusive Fairy types may appear frail as a breeze and delicate as a bloom, but they are strong.''
|}


*The Stage Awaits

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Valerie
|''I lost, but...<br>How do I put this...? When I used my sync move...<br>it felt like I was one with Sylveon.<br>What was that feeling?''
|-
|Leaf
|''That was the feeling of...being a Pokémon.<br>It was the feeling of your hearts becoming one. That's the answer.''
|-
|Elesa
|''Sync moves happen only when a Trainer's heart and mind are in sync with their Pokémon's.<br>In that moment, your hearts are connected and beat as one.<br>I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but that's what it means to become a Pokémon here on Pasio.''
|-
|Valerie
|''That's what it means to become a Pokémon...<br>I see. On Pasio, you and your Pokémon can unite your hearts and minds, and when you do, it feels like you've become your Pokémon.<br>My, that's wonderful. Just wonderful. I'm really interested in Pokémon battles on Pasio now.''
|-
|Koga
|''Fwahaha! Glad to hear it, Valerie!''
|-
|Erika
|''Hee hee. It's good to see Valerie so happy. Thank you, Leaf.''
|-
|Leaf
|''Of course! I can't have anyone trying to actually turn into a Pokémon like Bill did.<br>Though I guess that'd be interesting in its own way.''
|-
|Valerie
|''I'm in your debt, everyone. Thank you.<br>It might be a bit too soon, but I'd like to get even closer with Sylveon right away.<br>Elesa, would you please do me the favor of battling me?''
|-
|Elesa
|''A battle with you? Totally!<br>Actually, Valerie, you should think about joining <player>'s team.''
|-
|Clair
|''Huh? Why's that?''
|-
|Elesa
|''The round three pairings for the finals were just revealed. My team is battling...<br><player>'s team!''
|-
|Koga
|''What?!''
|-
|Clair
|''Our opponent is Elesa...''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hee hee. That's right. Our shining battle will be on the stage of the PML...''
|-
|Valerie
|''So, your team will get to battle with Elesa next, <player>?<br>Oh my! I suppose I'll just have to join your team then, won't I?<br>That way, I can have a battle with Elesa on the greatest stage imaginable!<br>Oh, well, only if that's all right with everyone else.''
|-
|Clair
|''Of course! It's certainly a bit sudden, but we'd be glad to have you, Valerie!''
|-
|Valerie
|''Really?''
|-
|Koga
|''Fwahahaha! It seems we've gained yet another strong-willed ally.<br>We welcome you with open arms! Isn't that right, <player>?''
|-
|Valerie
|'''Let's do it, Valerie!''': ''<player>...<br>Thank you. Sylveon and I will do our best!''<br>'''I'm counting on you, Valerie!''': ''<player>...<br>I'm counting on you, too, <player>...<br>Hee hee. I think we'll get along quite well.''
|-
|Elesa
|''I'll be waiting for you in round three, then.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Elesa leaves)</center>
|-
|Leaf
|''I should get going, too. My teammates are probably waiting for me.<br>Don't go losing now, OK? I'm looking forward to a battle with you, too!<br>See you around!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Leaf leaves)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''Elesa... And Leaf is still in the running, too...''
|-
|Erika
|''After their battle, Elesa and Leaf both talked about how they still had an ace up their sleeve. I'm eager to see what they meant.''
|-
|Valerie
|''Me, too. I'm really looking forward to the coming battles.<br>I want to go all out, too, so let's be sure to give it everything we've got.''
|-
|Misty
|''Yeah! We'll take down any team that dares to take us on!<br>I'm sure we can do it together!''
|}


== Chapter 24 - A Shining Spotlight ==


*A Dazzling New Stage: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Beach)</center>
|-
|Elesa
|''Sabrina, Fantina, and me—a team made up entirely of Gym Leaders.<br>We've battled Elite Four members and some of the greatest Trainers in the world to make it this far.<br>Thanks to the two of you, my confidence is shining brighter than it ever has. I feel like we can take on anyone!<br>Round three is starting soon, and our opponent has already been chosen.<br>We're taking on the members of <player>'s team.''
|-
|Fantina
|''Ooh la la! <player>'s team! I've heard about them!<br>Their team is {{tt|très fantastique|very fantastic}}! This ensures a marvelously fun battle!''
|-
|Sabrina
|''I've heard about them, too. It seems they're quite strong.<br>I tried to look into the future to see the outcome of our battle with them. But for some reason, I was unable to see the results.<br>An unknowable future... We absolutely must not hold anything back in this battle.''
|-
|Fantina
|''Hmm...''
|-
|Sabrina
|''What is it, Fantina?''
|-
|Fantina
|''You promised it beforehand, Sabrina! You promised to smile more with us!''
|-
|Elesa
|''That's right. The finals are an enormous stage with many spectators.<br>We don't have to explode with glamor, but...we've made it to the finals—don't you think we should at least give everyone a magnificent smile?''
|-
|Sabrina
|''Something like that is...asking a lot from me.<br>I'm not a dancer or a model. I live in a very different world than the showy one you two live in.<br>Smiling is not something I'm used to.''
|-
|Fantina
|''But I've wanted to see your smile for such a long time.''
|-
|Sabrina
|''Huh?''
|-
|Fantina
|''I've had such fun since I joined this team with you two. I've been smiling every day.<br>That's why I want you to smile, too, Sabrina!''
|-
|Sabrina
|''Fantina...''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hee hee. Fantina and I are both performers. We have no trouble expressing what we feel.<br>That's why we'd like you to try it a little, too. When we win, I'd like to have the whole audience be captivated by our charm.''
|-
|Sabrina
|''I suppose it wouldn't be very much like you two to be satisfied by a victory alone.''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hee hee, we'll get you to change soon enough, Sabrina. Before long...<br>you'll be smiling and showing your teeth like you were a Rattata!''
|-
|Sabrina
|''Smiling like...a Rattata?''
|-
|Fantina
|''Oh my! What a terrible joke, Elesa. {{tt|Effroyable|Appalling}}.''
|-
|Sabrina
|''... ... ...<br>Heh.<br>That was a bad joke.''
|-
|Fantina
|''Ooh la la! Sabrina smiled, {{tt|non|no}}?<br>You must say more, Elesa! Speak more bad jokes, please!<br>Please keep Sabrina smiling forever!''
|-
|Elesa
|''Leave it to me. All right, this next one's a bit more complicated...''
|-
|Sabrina
|''Please, no more. This is already too embarrassing.<br>You win, you two.''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hee hee. What a lovely smile! You'd make a good performer.<br>Say, Sabrina. You said you couldn't foresee the outcome of the next match, right?<br>Even so, I believe in us.<br>We'll win together and wear the biggest smiles together. We'll grasp that shining future.''
|-
|Sabrina
|''A shining future...''
|-
|Elesa
|''However, today I saw that shine in <player>'s eyes...<br>I'm sure the next battle will put our bond and our connection with each other to the test.<br>Sabrina, Fantina!<br>We're going to utterly captivate everyone in that stadium with our next battle!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Fantina
|''Our match will be starting soon! Ah, how it gets the heart beating, {{tt|non|no}}?''
|-
|Sabrina
|''I wasn't able to see the outcome of this battle, but I've got a feeling it's going to be very intense.<br>I'm certain that feeling is correct... I'm looking forward to a great battle with you and your team, <player>.''
|-
|Flint
|''Yeah! We'll have the hottest battle ever!''
|-
|Valerie
|''By the way, where's Elesa? Is she still getting ready?''
|-
|Fantina
|''{{tt|Oui|Yes}}. {{tt|Préparation|Preparation}} has taken a bit longer than we would have liked, but she should be done soon...''
|-
|???
|''Sorry for the wait.''
|-
|Fantina
|''Oh, and here she is.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Elesa appears in her sygna suit)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Huh? Those clothes...''
|-
|Valerie
|''Oh goodness, Elesa. What lovely and elegant clothes you're wearing!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wow, Elesa! Amazing! Too amazing even!''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hee hee. Thanks, you two.<br>This is my sygna suit. I wanted to face you in battle wearing this special outfit.<br>Teaming up with Sabrina and Fantina has really helped me polish my skills. I'm as versatile in battle as a Rotom now.<br>In this place, at this battle... I will be the focus of everyone's attention!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wow, you're dazzling, Elesa. I feel like my head is spinning.''
|-
|Flint
|''Keep it together, Rosa! Your eyes are turning into stars!''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hee hee. If you're so captivated with only this glimpse, you're in trouble. I'm only going to shine brighter from here on out.<br>You'll be okay, right, <player>?''<br>'''I'm all set!''': ''I thought so. I'm really looking forward to battling you.''<br>'''I'm feeling a bit dizzy!''': ''Hee hee. I'm flattered, but you should get ready! I'm really looking forward to battling you.<br>Looks like it's about time to shine.<br>The curtain is rising! Two bright stars will clash! This will be the greatest—''
|-
|???
|''That's right! It's time for the curtain to rise, but it's going to be our performance that everyone remembers!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Team Break?! What are they doing here?''
|-
|Flint
|''Look how many there are! Where did they all come from?''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Hehehe. It seems our surprise attack was a complete success. All thanks to that one.<br>All right, everyone! Today is our big day!<br>We're putting a stop to the PML right here!''
|-
|Sabrina
|''They look like they might hurt the fans!''
|-
|Fantina
|''Elesa! We've—''
|-
|Elesa
|''I know.<br>I won't let them get away with hurting the people who've come to watch our Pokémon battle!<br><player>, we'll settle our battle
later. For now, we've got to work together to get rid of these guys!<br>Team Break, we're going to send you packing with a single strike!''
|}


*A Dazzling New Stage: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Flint
|''Whoa, Team Break's looking even stronger than they were before!''
|-
|Norman
|''For them to have gained this much strength...''
|-
|Flannery
|''Look! Over there!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Team Break battling a Rising Star)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Hehe! You've got your back against the wall! Now, hand over your Pokémon!''
|-
|Rising Star
|''I-I can't do that...''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Huh? Are you really in a position to refuse?''
|-
|Rising Star
|''Ahhh! P-please...''
|-
|Elesa
|''Stay tough! Don't listen to them!<br>Go, Rotom!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to after the battle)</center>
|-
|Flannery
|''It's all right now. They're gone.''
|-
|Rising Star
|''Th-thank you. But...<br>I was so, so scared...''
|-
|Flannery
|''I know. It'll be all right. Please cheer up.''
|-
|Flint
|''That's right! We'll drive Team Break away!''
|-
|Rising Star
|''OK...''
|-
|Elesa
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Norman
|''Let's go, Elesa! Other people need our help!''
|-
|Elesa
|''I understand your fear all too well.<br>But please don't give up.''
|-
|Rising Star
|''Huh?''
|-
|Elesa
|''Your partner Pokémon is amazing. It stood by your side to protect you during Team Break's attack.<br>Pokémon feel fear just like Trainers do.<br>But even though your Pokémon was scared, it gathered its courage and never gave up.<br>So you should have courage, too, as your Pokémon's Trainer.<br>You're a sync pair.''
|-
|Rising Star
|''A sync pair...''
|-
|Elesa
|''We might not be able to continue our match, but we can stop Team Break. We can't let them get away with what they're doing!<br>You and your Pokémon should get to a safe place and wait this out.''
|-
|Rising Star
|''... ... ...<br>Wait!<br>I-I'm all right! I don't want to lose to Team Break anymore!<br>No, it's more than that! I WON'T lose to them ever again! I won't lose to anyone who does such terrible things!''
|-
|Elesa
|''You...''
|-
|Rising Star
|''I'm scared, but I won't let Team Break win. They can't control me. So please!<br>Please continue with your match, Elesa!<br>I'm sure if you do, many sync pairs out there will see it and find their courage. Just like I did!<br>I want everyone in the stadium to see our courage!<br>The courage that will defeat Team Break!''
|-
|???
|''Well said, kiddo!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Huh? That voice...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Blaine, Brendan, Bugsy, Lorelei, Paulo, Shauntal, and Sophocles appear)</center>
|-
|Flint
|''Blaine? You came?''
|-
|Blaine
|''Hah! You didn't think a little back pain would be enough to keep me down, did you?<br>Leave Team Break to us! Go and enjoy your match!''
|-
|Norman
|''But...these people...''
|-
|Brendan
|''You know how strong my Pokémon and I are, right, Dad? There's no way we'll lose to Team Break!<br>But if you insist, I don't mind taking your spot in the battle!''
|-
|Norman
|''Brendan...''
|-
|Paulo
|''Fight on, <player>! Show them all what you can do!<br>Show everyone just how strong and brave you are!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Trainers fight back against Team Break)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Wh-what's with all these people?''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''They were all running scared until a moment ago, but now they're all working together?''
|-
|Elesa
|''Hee hee. What a marvelous crowd. Though they're stealing our spotlight...<br>How could we not want to battle when they've shown us such shining courage!<br>Let's begin, <player>!''<br>'''Let's battle, Elesa!''': ''Right! We'll show Team Break and all those brave people in the audience what we can do!''<br>'''Let's show them what we've got!''': ''That's right! Let's show Team Break and all those brave people in the audience what we can do!<br>Let's have the most courageous, most brilliantly shining battle ever!''
|}


*A Dazzling New Stage: Part 3

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Elesa
|''I feel wonderful...like my heart is melting.<br>Your shine—it greatly exceeded my expectations.<br>I don't feel the pain of losing... I just feel moved.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the Rising Star defeating Team Break)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Oh Rattata! I thought this plan would work for sure!<br>We're not gonna quit! Next time, we'll really wreck the PML!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Brendan
|''They sure are dedicated.''
|-
|Blaine
|''There's nothing to be worried about. If they try anything funny, we'll give them the boot!<br>Doesn't matter if a sync pair didn't make it to the PML or if they lost along the way. They all have the one thing they need: the flame of courage!<br>Hah! We'll protect everyone in the PML!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo begins to walk away)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Looks like you won, <player>.<br>I couldn't even make it this far...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo leaves)</center>
|-
|Elesa
|''Fight with all my might, and achieve a shining victory...<br>That was my plan. But there were some unexpected surprises, so my strategy had to change.''<br>'''Are you surprised?''': ''Yes, twice in a row.''<br>'''Team Break?''': ''No, not them. Two wonderfully shining things.''<br>One of them was you, of course. You shine so bright...<br>And the other was...<br>everyone's dazzlingly bright courage, which astounded even me!<br>Don't lose to anyone, <player>!<br>Make sure your heart shines brighter and brighter every day!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Karen and Will overlooking the arena)</center>
|-
|Karen
|''I never thought they'd make it past Elesa's team.<br>I'm not sure which surprises me more—that or Team Break's invasion.<br>Heh. <player>'s team really is at the center of this little storm.''
|-
|Will
|''There aren't too many teams left. It's possible we'll face <player>'s team in the next round.<br>I'm sure {{tt|he'll|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she'll|If the player character is female}} be surprised to find out you're on our team...''
|-
|???
|''A battle is a fluid thing, and the advantage changes back and forth. That kind of uncertain chance is what makes it interesting.<br>I'm going to really enjoy battling {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}}.<br>It'll be a great battle that will rage like churning waters on the stormy seas...''
|}


== Interlude 4 - The Once-Charming Prince ==


*Rachel, Sawyer, and Lear

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Oh, come on! You found ANOTHER of our hideouts?''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Our backs are really up against the wall now! We've got no choice but to fight back!''
|-
|Lear
|''You nitwits don't really think you stand a chance against me, do you?<br>Donphan, go! Wipe the floor with these—''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Wait, young master! We came to back you up!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Yeah, like, let us give you a ha—''
|-
|Lear
|''Save it! You two would only get in the way!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''B-but, young master...''
|-
|Lear
|''Gaaah! Enough already!<br>Go, Donphan! Now!
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear defeats Team Break)</center>
|-
|Masked Woman
|''H-how is a lone Trainer beating us this handily?''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Grr! Fall back, fall back!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. That's right! Come at me with whatever Pokémon you like—you'll lose just the same!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Your strength is a sight to behold, young master. But if you keep shouldering all these burdens alone...''
|-
|Lear
|''Did you not hear me the first hundred times, Sawyer? I'm—<br>Hmm?<br>Ugh! That Goody-Two-shoes again?<br>I'm going on ahead. You two stay here and deal with him!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master!''
|-
|Lear
|''Don't you dare follow me!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren appears)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''Well, he certainly seemed eager to cut you two loose.''
|-
|Rachel
|''You again? Whyyy do you keep, like, barging in wherever we go?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Like I've said before, if Hoopa has fallen into Team Break's hands, that spells danger for all of Pasio.<br>Plus, I can't help but worry about Lear.<br>Back home in Unova, I work as a Gym Leader and a teacher.<br>Although Lear's not my student, I can't let him do whatever he pleases, seeing how reckless he is.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Sorry, but your teacherly instincts are nooot our style. We don't need your help, like, at all.<br>Right, Sawyer?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Heeey. You, like, falling asleep over there?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Listen, kid—I mean, Cheren. I took the liberty of looking up a little more about you.<br>I know you didn't get to be a teacher without some leadership skills.<br>So what do you say to using those skills...to help our young master find his way?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Whaaat?! What are you even saying?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Ever since he lost to <player>, the young master's been growing more and more obsessed with becoming powerful.<br>He can't afford to go on that way.<br>I'm worried the young master'll get himself into big trouble if he takes the throne without learning what it means to be a true king first.<br>You see it too, don't you, Rachel? That temperament of his isn't kingly at all.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Like...I guess, but still...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Let's enlist Cheren's help. It's for the young master's sake, after all.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Weeell...<br>If you're really that sure, Sawyer, then I guess it's fine... Not that I'm, like, bursting with confidence in this guy.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Well, it may not relate directly to saving Hoopa, but it sounds like your problems run deeper than I thought.<br>Please, tell me all you can about Lear.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I know that to you, the young master probably looks like some power-obsessed snob who treats people and Pokémon like tools.<br>But he used to be a kind boy—the type of son you'd hope to see in a royal family.''
|-
|Cheren
|''A "kind boy"? Lear?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Yeeeah, back in the day. He could count on us for anything, and he was a real sweetheart to Pokémon, too.<br>But things were never really the same after Her Majesty the queen passed away.''
|-
|Cheren
|''The queen being Lear's mother, correct?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Right. After she passed, His Majesty the king took the young master from our care and sent him off to a strict school.<br>And when he came back, there wasn't much left of the kind boy we knew.''
|-
|Rachel
|''We were, like, shocked. Our little Master Lear suddenly couldn't trust anyone but himself.<br>He started saying awful things, like, like telling people and Pokémon they were just dead weight dragging him down.<br>Kiiinda like what he said back there.''
|-
|Cheren
|''So not only did he lose his mother, he was also torn from the two people he relied on most.<br>Between all that loss and the rough experiences he must have had at school, it sounds like he lost his trust in others.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I've been hoping that running the PML would help him work through some of his troubles.<br>Think about the meaning of the five badges and how the tournament's structure allows Trainers to team up with sync pairs they've battled against.<br>The rules don't really sound like something the young master'd come up with, do they? That's cause I'm the one who made the arrangements.<br>The idea was that the setup would help him remember what it's like to trust people and Pokémon.<br>But my efforts weren't enough to make any difference in the young master.''
|-
|Cheren
|''I'm sorry to hear that, Sawyer.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Please, Cheren—make the difference I couldn't.<br>Help him find his old self who cared so much about those close to him...so he can become a worthy king.''
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...<br>I don't have half as deep a history with Lear as you two, and as far as teaching goes, I'm still a beginner.<br>But in some ways, that might actually make me just the person for the job.<br>I'll do what I can to help Lear become a loving and beloved king.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''All right! Thank you. It means a lot to me.''
|-
|Rachel
|''You haven't won my trust juuust yet, you know.<br>But if you're gonna do it, like, give it all you got. This is Master Lear we're talking about.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Of course I will. He'll get my full effort.<br>But there's one thing I still don't understand.<br>How does Hoopa figure into this? It never came up during your story.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Well, to tell the truth, we don't get the deal with Hoopa ourselves.<br>The young master just showed up with it all of a sudden after we decided to put together the PML.<br>He wouldn't tell us where or how he met it, let alone why it's helping him.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Odd. Well, if you don't know, you don't know, I suppose. No point dwelling on it for now.<br>In any case, I'd like to get started with Lear right away.<br>But to do that, I need to ask the two of you for a favor...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Lear defeating more members of Team Break)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Bwahahaha! What a bunch of weaklings! I can see why you called yourselves Team Break!''
|-
|Cheren
|''There you are, Lear. We've been looking for you.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren, Rachel, and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh. Still hovering around, are you?<br>Well, since you're here, take a look at my work!<br>See?! Look how many sync pairs I took down
all on my own!<br>No sync moves, no outside help—just me and my own power!<br>Has it finally sunk in that I'm fine without your precious teamwork?<br>In fact, I'm BETTER without it! Having others around would just hold me back!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Tell me something, Lear.<br>Now that you're this strong, what kind of king do you plan to be?''
|-
|Lear
|''What's with you, changing the subject all of a sudden?<br>Well, I'm in a good mood, so I'll deign to answer your question!<br>What kind of king will I be? The strongest king of all!<br>I'll be so strong, I'll put down all the little upstarts like you!''
|-
|Cheren
|''The strongest king of all? Hm.''
|-
|Lear
|''Just wait and see! Once I grow even more powerful, there'll be no one who can defeat me!<br>Not <player>, and not that twerp with the red hat! I'll clean all their clocks and become the Champion of Pasio!<br>Then I'll claim my crown to go with my title as the strongest Trainer around!<br>Bwahahahaaa!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Oh, Lear...''
|-
|Lear
|''Rachel! Sawyer! Time to march! Hoopa wasn't here, so we're off to the next hideout!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Lear
|''What, did I stutter? Get a move on!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I'm afraid we're done going along with your plans.''
|-
|Lear
|''What did you say?!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Did HE stutter? We're saying, like, so long.''
|-
|Lear
|''Why, you...<br>Do you understand what you're saying?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Absolutely. We're giving up on you. We've had enough.<br>I really hoped that if you got to know lots of other sync pairs here, it'd bring back the good in you.<br>But if your recent behavior is anything to go by, it seems I set my hopes too high.<br>It's such a shame. It really is.''
|-
|Lear
|''Wha—?!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''We're leaving Pasio. Excuse us.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Yeah, sooo, peace out...<br>Master Lear.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Rachel... Sawyer...<br>F-fine! Do as you like! I never needed you two anyway!<br>... ... ...''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear...you've got to change.''
|}


== Chapter 25 - A Glorious Gambit ==


*A Glorious Gambit: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Beach)</center>
|-
|Street Thug
|''All right, listen! We're through puttin' up with you!<br>We're sick of your big, risky gambits and your all-or-nothing battle style! We're done bein' on your team!<br>You still wanna tackle the PML? Sure, have fun...on your own!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Street Thug, Poké Fan, and Swimmer leave)</center>
|-
|Grimsley
|''... ... ...<br>You've got me wrong. All-or-nothing games aren't my style.<br>Every card in the deck has the potential to bring home a win. All I do is show them the way.<br>I've never withdrawn from any battles.<br>But, well, what's a player to do when they don't have a single card to play?<br>I think it's about time I cut my losses.<br>See what's next out there for ol' Grimsley...''
|-
|???
|''I sincerely hope you're not thinking about leaving Pasio.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Karen and Will appear)</center>
|-
|Will
|''It's far too soon for you to even consider that!''
|-
|Karen
|''Are you really going to give up here? Let all that power of yours go to waste?''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Hello there, Will. Karen.<br>What business could a couple of Indigo Elite Four members possibly have with me?''
|-
|Will
|''I'll cut to the chase, then.<br>Why don't you join our team, Grimsley?''
|-
|Grimsley
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Will
|''Your battle style speaks to me.<br>The way you relentlessly pursue victory, no matter who your opponent is or what obstacles appear in your path...<br>There aren't many Trainers out there who have your resolve.''
|-
|Karen
|''Truly skilled Trainers should try to win with the Pokémon they love best.<br>Once the battle actually begins, though, that can be easier said than done.''
|-
|Will
|''We're on the cusp of qualifying for the finals. But if we want to keep our winning streak once we're in, we'll need you.<br>Who better than a thrill seeker to channel our yearning for victory and swing the odds in our favor?<br>Please, Grimsley! Be our trump card!''
|-
|Grimsley
|''... ... ...<br>The winner takes everything, and there's nothing left for the loser.<br>That's been the philosophy guiding all my battles up till now, and that's not about to change.<br>In the heat of the moment, I could choose to make a move, believing it would win us the battle...<br>but the cost of that choice would be that your dear partner Pokémon get hurt.<br>Are you sure you can stand here in front of your partners and tell me that's all right?''
|-
|Will
|''I'm not going to answer that question.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Will
|''Or should I say, do I even need to answer?''
|-
|Grimsley
|''What?''
|-
|Will
|''Think of the ceaseless training and effort I put in just so I could climb high enough to finally join the Elite Four!<br>I traveled the world, training every waking hour for days on end...<br>I didn't do all that just to have you doubt the unwavering strength I've gained from all that experience!<br>I won't even let you get to the point where you have to consider hurting my partner to win!''
|-
|Grimsley
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Karen
|''Didn't I just say that truly skilled Trainers try their hardest to win?<br>That's because we want to win alongside the Pokémon we love best, no matter what we have to endure!<br>My partner and I are one wild, tough pair—even more so than we look!''
|-
|Will
|''We never pass up a chance to improve, and we never stop fighting to win, either!<br>So come scale this peak with us, Grimsley!''
|-
|Grimsley
|''All right. Then...I'll take you on.<br>Ol' Grimsley is going to flip a coin. Heads, you two win and I join your team.<br>Tails, you lose and we forget about all this talk.''
|-
|Will
|''What?!''
|-
|Karen
|''Oh my. After all that, you're going to leave it all to chance?''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Heh. No need to worry.<br>Those who give up on themselves can never claim victory.<br>But for those who don't give up, anything is possible...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''All right. Time for round four of the finals... Looks like we're going up against Will and Karen's team.''
|-
|Will
|''Heh heh! We've been watching your battles, you know.<br>You've fought tremendously—especially when you went toe-to-toe with Elesa's team!''
|-
|Karen
|''You battled so bravely, even the audience was inspired to rise up and fight back against Team Break.<br>An impressive feat, I must admit!''
|-
|Will
|'''Thank you!''': ''What a nice, sincere answer. No doubt that attitude of yours is how you managed to motivate all those sync pairs to take a stand.''
|-
|Karen
|'''It's all thanks to everybody there!''': ''I see you know the importance of being humble.''
|-
|Misty
|''I'm glad it turned out OK, but I sure hope we never have to battle in chaos like that again.''
|-
|Brock
|''Yeah. When I see people and Pokémon in trouble, I can't stop myself from rushing in and helping them out.''
|-
|Nanu
|''That shouldn't be a problem. From what I hear, they've tightened up security for the event.<br>So you kids can keep your eyes on the battle right in front of you.<br>That being said, if any trouble does break out, I, for one, plan to sit tight and stay out of it.''
|-
|Misty
|''Staying out of things is a real talent of yours, Nanu...<br>Still, it's reassuring to know that there will be more security. Thanks for telling us.''
|-
|Will
|''Heh heh. It seems you're every bit as tough to pin down as I've heard, Nanu.''
|-
|Nanu
|''Oh? And where'd you hear that, boy?''
|-
|Will
|''From a man I think you might know.''
|-
|Karen
|''Hehe. Speak of the devil—it looks like he's finally shown up.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Grimsley appears in his sygna suit)</center>
|-
|Grimsley
|''Well, hello again, <player> and {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} teammates.''
|-
|Misty
|''Whoa! Grimsley?''
|-
|Brock
|''You teamed up with Will and Karen?''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Well, after some twists and turns, yes.<br>Looks like I was right when I said we'd be fighting on opposing teams the next time we meet, huh, Nanu?''
|-
|Nanu
|''Look at you, Grimsley...<br>Got yourself some snazzy new duds since I last saw you, huh? And a snazzy new partner, to boot.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Why, yes. Allow me to introduce you to Sharpedo.<br>I realized a more aggressive fighting style would help me bring out the best plays for this team.<br>It seems the sheer thrill of my new style really inspired the designer of these sygna suits, and...well, the outfit clearly speaks for itself.''
|-
|Misty
|''Isn't Sharpedo supposed to be so ferocious that it's called the bully of the se—''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Sharpedo roars)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''Eeek!''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Oops! Sorry about that! He's a bit of a wild one.<br>But his fearlessness more than makes up for it. He doesn't mind taking a few licks if it means winning the battle.<br><player>, Nanu... Victory is calling me.<br>My team and I are going to take the entire PML!''
|-
|Nanu
|''Heh.<br>Gotta say, you look a lot happier now than when you were teamed up with me.<br>Well, what say you, {{tt|boy|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|girl|If the player character is female}}?<br>Feel up to taking this team down?''<br>'''You bet I do!/We're gonna win this!''': ''Now you're talking. Sounds like it's time for this jaded old man to muster up the same youthful energy.<br>Don't take it too serious, now!''
|-
|Grimsley
|''I'm putting everything on the line in this battle.<br>Let the game begin!''
|}


*A Glorious Gambit: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Grimsley
|''Well, isn't that something?<br>I played my hand for all it was worth, and yet...here we are.<br>Victory's yours, <player>.''<br>'''Thank you!''': ''This marks the second time I've seen that look on your face. It's not bad at all.<br>I just wish it didn't also mark the second time I've lost to you.''<br>'''You and your team were really tough, Grimsley.''': ''Heh. Maybe, but a loss is a loss.<br>The winner takes all, and there's nothing left for the loser.<br>That's the way of battle. I'm back to having nothing left.''
|-
|Will
|''I won't argue with that, Grimsley.<br>But having lost doesn't change what I...what we aim to do.<br>We're going to keep fighting until we reach the peak, no matter how many losses it takes.''
|-
|Karen
|''You're coming with us, Grimsley. You wouldn't be satisfied with ending things on another loss, would you?<br>Besides, I haven't quite had my fill of that thrilling battle style of yours.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Will... Karen...<br>Heh. I guess we're all Trainers of a particularly strange feather.<br>Let's get going. Losers like us don't get to stick around onstage.<br>Oh, Nanu...<br>It looks like my visit to Alola might have to wait a little while.''
|-
|Nanu
|''No problem. It's a standing invitation.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Grimsley, Karen, and Will leave)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''So now we've scraped by through round four.<br>Man, every time we take a step forward, we bump into a stronger team than the last. Wonder what we're in for in the next round.''
|-
|Misty
|''The quarterfinals are what we're in for, Brock! Which means we've got to go in pumped up and ready to fight!<br>Right, <player>?''<br>'''We're gonna fight our way through to the finals!''': ''You said it! See, Brock? That's the kind of energy we're gonna need!''
|-
|Brock
|'''We're gonna fight our way through to the finals!''': ''Haha! All right, point taken. I'm gonna turn it up even higher than before!''
|-
|Misty
|''That's what I like to hear. C'mon, I think they might have posted the matchups for the next round. Let's go check!''
|-
|Brock
|''Sounds like a plan.''
|-
|Misty
|'''That battle really wore me out...''': ''Aw, come on, <player>! Not you, too!<br>Well, let's at least go see if they've posted the matchups for the next round before we all take a break, all right?''
|-
|Brock
|'''That battle really wore me out...''': ''Good call. The sooner we know who we're up against, the better.<br>Let's get moving.''
|-
|???
|''Is that who I think it is?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cynthia appears)</center>
|-
|Misty
|''Oh! Cynthia!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Congratulations! That was quite a battle you all fought.<br>It looks like you all have gotten even better since last time.''
|-
|Brock
|''Thank you very much. That's why we can't afford to coast right now.''
|-
|Misty
|''The further we get in this tournament, the more these battles take everything we've got to win.<br>Would you like to come with us to check the quarterfinal matchups, Cynthia?''
|-
|Brock
|''Yeah, we're just about to head over.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Oh! You mean you haven't seen yet?<br>Then I think I can save you the trouble.''
|-
|Misty
|''What do you mean?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''I already know who you'll be up against.<br>I hope you'll give us a good fight.''
|-
|Misty
|''What?!
|}


== Interlude 5 - What Makes a King ==


*Cheren's Intervention

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel and Sawyer watch Cheren and Lear enter a cave)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''Hey, Sawyer, are you suuure this is a good idea?<br>I know Cheren said to, like, keep our distance from Master Lear, but I dunno...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Well, he had a point. We do tend to be a little indulgent with the young master.<br>So if Cheren says a little separation is what's best for the young master...<br>I don't think we have much choice but to believe him.''
|-
|Rachel
|''But, like, come on...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Ngh. I hope he's all right...<br>Gaaah! I can't stand it! Young master, it's killing me to leave you like this! But I've gotta stand firm for your sake!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Heeey! No fair! Here I was trying to be patient!<br>Master Leeear! Just so you know, I'm way more worried about you than Sawyer is!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''No, you're not! My care for the young master runs waaay deeper than yours and you know it!<br>Young master! I believe in you! I know you'll become worthy of the crown!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Cheren and Lear walking further into the cave)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''Did you hear something? I thought I heard some yelling coming from outside...''
|-
|Lear
|''If you're that concerned, why don't you turn back around and go see for yourself? I'm sick of you following me around!''
|-
|Cheren
|''No can do. Especially since Rachel and Sawyer aren't around to keep an eye on you.<br>Not to mention, as I'm sure you've noticed...<br>Team Break's Pokémon seem to be growing stronger and stronger as we go.''
|-
|Lear
|''Fool! It doesn't matter how strong they are—I'm more than enough to handle them!<br>I never needed you in the first place! That goes for Rachel and Sawyer, too!''
|-
|Cheren
|''So you keep saying, Lear...''
|-
|???
|''Lear! So you finally show your big, ugly mug!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Are you happy now that you've trashed our hideout?!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Well, your fun stops now! The boss got a brawny new Pokémon, and it's gonna wreck you!''
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''Heh heh! You better prepare yourselves—we're mightier than ever before!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. Big words from a pipsqueak running on borrowed power.<br>You stay out of it! I'll take this trash out myself!''
|-
|Cheren
|''As you wish.''
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''That kind of talk's why you grind my gears, Lear! But this time, we're gonna make you grind to a halt!''
|-
|Lear
|''Guh! You put up a real fight for a pipsqueak.<br>But too bad—victory's mine!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear defeats Team Break)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''What? I-I lost?!<br>Ngggh...<br>Hey, numskulls! How come you didn't follow my orders?''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Huh?!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''B-but we did what you said, boss—''
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''Can it! Both of you, can it! I only lost 'cause you two bozos held me back!<br>Hey, Lear! Next time, it'll just be you versus me, and you'll be goin' down! Don't you forget that!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break leaves)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph! What a pathetic battle. I can't stand looking at those losers!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Is that how Team Break's behavior made you feel?''
|-
|Lear
|''Obviously! That guy was strutting around all high and mighty and couldn't even face up to the fact that he lost!<br>That's nothing if not pathetic!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Fair enough. Then you ought to know...<br>that's exactly what you look like to everyone else.''
|-
|Lear
|''What did you say?!''
|-
|Cheren
|''I saw plenty of parallels between you and that Team Break leader.<br>How did you describe him? "Strutting around all high and mighty and couldn't even face up to the fact that he lost"?<br>I'm afraid that fits you to a tee.''
|-
|Lear
|''Shut up! I'm nothing like those vermin. They just scurry around in packs and get up to no good!''
|-
|Cheren
|''The resemblance doesn't stop there, I'm afraid.<br>You're also completely oblivious to how those around you help you out, Lear.''
|-
|Lear
|''Those around me? What are you talking about?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Well, look at how the Team Break leader was yelling at his flunkies.<br>But they were actually doing a decent job supporting him in that battle.<br>Perhaps their support was the reason why this battle was a lot harder than you expected.''
|-
|Lear
|''Wha—?!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Up until now, you've always had Rachel and Sawyer to help you out when you took on a really tough opponent.<br>But they're not with you now.<br>Are you feeling the emptiness where those two used to stand at your side, Lear?''
|-
|Lear
|''Ngh!<br>You're wrong! I've gotten to where I am by doing everything myself...<br>and that's not about to change now!<br>I'll stick with the only partner I can trust—myself!<br>And I'll become the strongest king there is—all on my own!''
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...<br>Fine, then let me be blunt. As long as you keep ignoring those who want to help you...<br>you'll never be fit to be a king.''
|-
|Lear
|''I—<br>... ... ...<br>It's been a long, long time since anyone dared insult me so brazenly.<br>You and I will battle right here, right now! I'm going to crush you so completely, you'll never dare open that upstart mouth at me again!<br>Don't forget—you're dealing with the man who will become the strongest king of all!''
|-
|Cheren
|''All right, then. I'm dying to see what the "strongest king of all" is made of.<br>Let's go, Stoutland! Let him see our strength!''
|-
|Lear
|''Don't you fail me, Donphan! Put them in their place!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren and Lear battle)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...<br>Looks to me like this battle is finished.''
|-
|Lear
|''I-impossible... How can this be?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren defeats Lear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''I lost? I lost...again?<br>And to you, of all people?!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Let's get one thing straight before you go any further. Your Pokémon isn't at fault here. Donphan fought very well.<br>Especially for a solitary Pokémon that was going up against a sync pair.''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Cheren
|''Listen to me, Lear.<br>There's a pair of heroes I've met who both earned the recognition of Legendary Pokémon.<br>They saw the world very differently, but one thing they had in common was the strength of their beliefs.<br>One believed firmly in the bonds between Pokémon and people...<br>while the other believed he had to change the world for Pokémon because they were his friends and he didn't want them to get hurt.<br>Those firm beliefs earned them the recognition of the Legendary Pokémon, and the heroes both grew strong enough to defeat their region's Champion.<br>They also drove back an evil man who sought to rule over both humans and Pokémon.<br>Let me tell you something, Lear.<br>Desperately grasping for power isn't kingly.<br>What you need is a caring spirit—for people and Pokémon alike.''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Cheren
|''I know it might be difficult to see now, but you've got to let go of this fixation on becoming the strongest one around.<br>Once you do, I know you'll be able to change for the better. And more than that...<br>you'll see what truly matters.''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...<br>What truly matters, huh...<br>Rachel... Sawyer...<br>And...''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Hey, listen up! This is Team Break! Can you hear me, Lear?''
|-
|Lear
|''What?!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Where's that voice coming from?''
|-
|Masked Man
|''I hope you're proud of yourself, trampling all over our hideout!<br>Not to mention, our surprise attack was a total bust. Things aren't going so great for us.<br>So, here's a little proposal. Why don't you and I settle this once and for all?''
|-
|Lear
|''Huh? What's this?''
|-
|Masked Man
|''I've sent a location to your Poryphone. Meet me there—alone!<br>We're gonna have a Pokémon battle. If you win, we'll give Hoopa back to you!<br>And if you lose... Heh heh heh! Wouldn't you just love to know?''
|-
|Lear
|''You'll return Hoopa?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Do you think we're going to just waltz into your exceedingly obvious trap?''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Oho, am I hearing a no? You sure that's how you want to play it? Don't forget—as long as we have Hoopa, we can do whatever we want...<br>I thought you needed the PML to be a success for you to become the king, Lear! Or do you not want the crown anymore?''
|-
|Lear
|''The crown...''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear, no!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Bahahaha! See you soon, Lear!''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Cheren
|''Don't do this, Lear. You know it's a trap!''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear, listen to me—''
|-
|Lear
|''Quiet.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Wha—?!''
|-
|Lear
|''I'm going to be king! If I can just do that, then there'll be no need for me to change!<br>Just you wait, Team Break!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear! Stop!''
|}


== Chapter 26 - The Future Is Now! ==


*How to Defeat a Champion

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''We're down to the last few battles in the PML. Next up are the quarterfinals.<br>And our opponent is Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh...''
|-
|Hau
|''Cynthia is really strong! She practically mopped the floor with Team Break at one of their hideouts all by herself!<br>I can't wait to battle her!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Don't get me wrong. I'm excited to battle her, too...<br>I just can't help feeling a little anxious about our chances. This is THE Cynthia, after all...''
|-
|Viola
|''Oh? You two have very different expressions on your faces even though you're talking about the same person. How fascinating!<br>It's a picture-perfect contrast! Fantastic!''
|-
|Rosa
|''V-Viola! Don't take my picture when I look this worried! It's embarrassing!<br>What about you, <player>? Are you excited? Or are you a little worried, too?''
|-
|Hau
|'''I'm excited!''': ''Right? I'm so ready for this battle!''
|-
|Viola
|'''I'm excited!''': ''That's some great energy you two have.<br>But I do understand why Rosa is anxious. We'll need to come up with a solid plan if we want to beat Cynthia!''
|-
|Rosa
|'''Maybe a little anxious...''': ''Right? We've had plenty of chances to see for ourselves just how strong Cynthia is...''
|-
|Hau
|'''Maybe a little anxious...''': ''Come on, Rosa and <player>! Don't look so down!''
|-
|Viola
|'''Maybe a little anxious...''': ''Hau's right. Let's think positive! We'll look better in pictures if we keep smiles on our faces!<br>Besides, if you're anxious about battling Cynthia, we should come up with a solid plan to beat her!''
|-
|Rosa
|''A plan?''
|-
|Viola
|''Yeah! Let me think...<br>I know! What if we battle against a bunch of strong sync pairs? That should give us experience and build up our confidence, don't you think?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Oh! That's a great plan!<br>Wait, the quarterfinals are tomorrow! We don't have much time to prepare...<br>Can we really find a bunch of strong sync pairs in such a short amount of time?''
|-
|???
|''Oh? Who do we have here?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Professor Bellis appears)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Bonjour|Hello}}, <player> and friends!''
|-
|Hau
|''Oh, Professor Bellis! Alola!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Alola! I see you're as energetic as ever today, Hau.<br>Hmm. Rosa, on the other hand, looks quite préoccupée about something. What's wrong, dear?''
|-
|Viola
|''Well...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Fade to black, then back)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''I see, I see.<br>So you want to battle as many sync pairs as possible in the short time before your match with Cynthia's team?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah. But I guess that's not a very practical plan, is it?''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''You'd think so, wouldn't you?<br>But don't worry, {{tt|gute Kinder|good kids}}! I have a great idea that might be just what the professor ordered!''
|-
|Rosa
|''What? Really?!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Yes! We'll just need a little help from some special someones!<br>Now, without further ado, let's {{tt|vámonos|go}} to my lab!''
|}


*Sync Pair Pinger, Activate!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Professor Bellis's Lab)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Velkommen|Welcome}} to my lab! I wonder if my special assistants are ready.''
|-
|???
|''Welcome back, Professor Bellis!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Clemont, Sophocles, and Molayne appear)</center>
|-
|Viola
|''Oh! It's Clemont!''
|-
|Hau
|''Sophocles?! And Molayne's here, too!''
|-
|Clemont
|''Hello, everyone!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Thanks for helping me out before.''
|-
|Molayne
|''Hi there, Hau. I hear you're doing pretty good in the PML.<br>And this must be <player>. I've heard a lot about you.<br>My name's Molayne. I run the Hokulani Observatory in Alola.<br>I'm also Soffy's cousin. Nice to meet you.''<br>'''Nice to meet you, too, sir!''': ''How polite! It seems the rumors about you being a promising young Trainer were true.''
|-
|Sophocles
|'''Sophocles's cousin?''': ''Yeah, he's a lot older than I am, but Big Mo and I are cousins—and best friends, too!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''These three have recently become interested in sync stones and kindly agreed to assist me with my research.<br>I've made significant strides since they came aboard. {{tt|Arigato|Thank you}}, you all!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''It's great because we get to learn a lot of new things, too.<br>Thanks to us researching together every day, I even made friends with Clemont despite my shyness.''
|-
|Clemont
|''I'm glad we became friends, Sophocles. It really is fun to talk about science with you.''
|-
|Hau
|''Wow. Looks like you two really hit it off, eh?''
|-
|Viola
|''A budding friendship between two young inventors! How fantastic!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''H-hey! Wait!<br>I get super nervous if someone makes a big deal out of taking my picture. So nervous that I might pass out...''
|-
|Molayne
|''Hahaha! I guess we still have some work to do fixing that shyness of yours, Soffy.<br>Anyway, we heard about your predicament from Professor Bellis.<br>So you want to battle a lot of strong sync pairs to prepare for your battle with Cynthia, huh?''
|-
|Hau
|''Yeah! We want to power up big-time!''
|-
|Sophocles
|'' In that case, we may have just the thing...<br>Activate the machine, Clemont!''
|-
|Clemont
|''You got it! It's all ready to go!<br>The future is now, thanks to science!<br>Sync Pair Pinger, activate!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades to white, then back)</center>
|-
|Viola
|''Huh?! What's that sound?!''
|-
|Clemont
|''Don't worry. That's just the sound of our machine powering on outside.<br>We call it the Sync Pair Pinger! It's a new invention that we came up with.''
|-
|Sophocles
|''When activated, the machine's antennae scan the area for sync stones and ping the locations of strong sync pairs.<br>It then releases a special odor in the direction of those locations—one that is particularly appealing to strong Pokémon.<br>Those strong Pokémon will then be lured to the machine...''
|-
|Clemont
|''...With their Trainers in hot pursuit until they both wind up here!<br>Ah, sorry. I guess we're a little too excited about our new invention. We could go on about it for days!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''I know just what you mean! I can't help myself when I complete a new invention. I have to tell everyone all about it!''
|-
|Rosa
|''You were actually able to make a machine that does all that?! You both are amazing!''
|-
|Molayne
|''Doesn't it feel great to have invented something that will help a lot of people?<br>My good friend Kukui said he comes around here pretty often. Maybe you'll be able to have a battle with him.''
|-
|Hau
|''Professor Kukui? Really?! That's exciting!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Sync Pair Pinger activates)</center>
|-
|Clemont
|''Ah! The Sync Pair Pinger has a reading!<br>Come on, everyone! Let's go take a look outside!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to a Hiker, Poké Fan, and Scientist outside)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Look! Someone's here!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Maravilloso|Marvelous}}! It looks like the machine works!''
|-
|Viola
|''Wait, but...''
|-
|Scientist
|''Look at all these sync pairs! This is just perfect!<br>My Pokémon can't wait to battle! Won't you battle with us?''
|-
|Molayne
|''Well, it's not Kukui.''
|-
|Clemont
|''But our machine called them here! They must be strong sync pairs!''
|-
|Hau
|''All right! Let's battle!''
|}


*Steadfast Inventors

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Excelente|Excellent}}! Well done, everyone!''
|-
|Molayne
|''So, what do you think? Was that a good battle?''
|-
|Rosa
|''It was a great battle!<br>But, well...''
|-
|Hau
|''I was hoping for someone a little stronger.''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Th-that's strange. The machine should be working normally.''
|-
|Clemont
|''Maybe it just needed some time to warm up. Let's fire it up again!<br>Not to worry, <player>! I'm sure the next sync pair the machine calls over will be a strong one! Just watch!''<br>'''We're counting on you!''': ''We won't let you down!''
|-
|Viola
|'''We're counting on you!''': ''Spoken like a true inventor—never backing down in the face of setbacks! Fantastic!''
|-
|Sophocles
|'''Maybe it's broken?''': ''Hmm. But we made all the necessary adjustments to be sure it works before you all got here...''
|-
|Hau
|'''Maybe it's broken?''': ''Then I'm sure it'll work just fine now! Let's give it another go!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Y-yeah. You're probably right.''
|-
|Clemont
|''All right. This time, I'll make some adjustments so the machine scans for the strongest sync pair in the area!<br>The future is now, thanks to science!<br>Sync Pair Pinger, activate!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Sync Pair Pinger activates)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Hold on. If you set it to only target the strongest sync pair, won't that just bring one super strong sync pair here?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Oh, you're right. It'd be better if we could get three to come so we can have a team battle.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Sync Pair Pinger activates)</center>
|-
|Clemont
|''H-huh? That's odd...''
|-
|Viola
|''What's wrong, Clemont?''
|-
|Clemont
|''W-well, you see...<br>A mob of sync pairs is rushing this way as we speak!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''What?!''
|}


*Third Time's the Charm

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Rosa
|''Wow! We got to battle a lot of different sync pairs! But...''
|-
|Hau
|''We were way stronger than all of them!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Th-that's so weird. The machine should be functioning normally...''
|-
|Molayne
|''Soffy, Clemont, why don't you give it an inspection?''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Good idea. You should figure out what exactly is causing it to malfunction.''
|-
|Clemont
|''But I'm not sure <player>'s team has that much time to spare...''
|-
|Sophocles
|''What do you think, <player>?''<br>'''It'll work fine next time!''': ''Y-yeah, I'm sure it'll be fine...''
|-
|Clemont
|'''Maybe you should inspect it...''': ''But that'll just be a waste of time for you all...''
|-
|Rosa
|''Let's trust them, <player>. I'm sure it will work right next time.''
|-
|Sophocles
|''OK! Third time's the charm! It's gotta work right this time!''
|-
|Clemont
|''Sync Pair Pinger, activate!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Sync Pair Pinger activates)</center>
|-
|Molayne
|''... ... ...''
|}


*Progress Is Progress!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Molayne
|''So, how were the sync pairs the machine found for you this time?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Um...''
|-
|Sophocles
|''It's OK... You don't have to say it...<br>Our Sync Pair Pinger...was a failure.''
|-
|Clemont
|''Sorry, everyone. You believed in our invention, even though you were short on time...<br>but we weren't able to help you out...''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Arara|Oh my}}...don't look so gloomy, you two!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah, you helped us a bunch! Right, <player>?''
|-
|Hau
|'''We got to battle a lot of sync pairs!''': ''Yeah! It was fun battling everyone!''
|-
|Viola
|'''We had some great battles!''': ''Yup! Thanks to you guys, I got a lot of fantastic shots of everyone, too!''
|-
|Clemont
|''Thanks, everyone. But unfortunately...''
|-
|Sophocles
|''...A failure is still a failure...''
|-
|Molayne
|''Well...maybe it didn't work this time.<br>But you still made progress!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Huh?''
|-
|Molayne
|''Look up at the sky, both of you.<br>I run an observatory, so every day I look up at the sky, just like this.<br>One day, I hope to discover a brand-new star that nobody has ever seen before.''
|-
|Clemont
|''A brand-new star?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Oh! That's amazing, Molayne!''
|-
|Molayne
|''Thanks! I still haven't discovered one yet, though.<br>But if I don't find one today, maybe I will tomorrow! And if not tomorrow, it might show up the next day...<br>But I'm sure I'll find one eventually as long as I don't give up!<br>It's the same with inventions.''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Really?''
|-
|Molayne
|''As long as you keep on trying, one day you'll succeed! A setback doesn't mean your work has gone to waste.<br>Because you're still making progress!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Big Mo...<br>B-Big Mo!''
|-
|Clemont
|''We were so fixated on our failures...''
|-
|Molayne
|''That's fine! It shows that you're passionate about creating something that can help others!<br>Now...<br>That said, we're not quite done yet, are  we, <player>?<br>I was thinking about it, and—''
|-
|Molayne
|''Hm? Dugtrio?''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Huh? Togedemaru?!''
|-
|Clemont
|''Heliolisk, you too?!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Could this mean...?''
|-
|Rosa
|''They're responding to the Sync Pair Pinger?''
|-
|Clemont
|''What?!''
|-
|Viola
|''Of course! Clemont is a Gym Leader!''
|-
|Hau
|''Yeah! Sophocles is a Captain...and Molayne is a member of the Elite Four!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Which means this experiment...''
|-
|Clemont
|''...Was actually a success?''
|-
|Molayne
|''... ... ...<br>I see. In that case, Soffy, Clemont, why don't we have a battle?''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Big Mo!''
|-
|Molayne
|''No holding back, of course. After all, this is to help out <player>!<br>Right, <player>?''
|-
|Clemont
|'''Of course!''': ''<player>...<br>Understood! If I've been chosen by the machine...<br>I'll give it everything I've got!''
|-
|Sophocles
|'''I'll go all out, too!''': ''All out...<br>Right! I may have lost last time, but this time, I'm gonna win!''
|-
|Molayne
|''Then it's decided! Time for a battle!<br>I'll gladly show you the skills of a Trainer who toughened up while adventuring alongside Kukui back in the day!''
|}


*An Unexpected Visitor

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Professor Bellis' Lab)</center>
|-
|Molayne
|''You're strong... No wonder your team has been doing so well in the tournament!''
|-
|Hau
|''You were awesome, too, Molayne! The Elite Four sure are strong!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Yeah, makes sense that the machine chose you!''
|-
|Molayne
|''Soffy, Clemont, about that...<br>I think the Sync Pair Pinger never really worked at all.''
|-
|Clemont
|''What? But Heliolisk and the other Pokémon reacted to it, didn't they?''
|-
|Molayne
|''I think they just got excited because they saw <player> battling and wanted to join in on the fun!<br>You noticed it, too, right? They are your partner Pokémon, after all!''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Well...''
|-
|Clemont
|''I suppose you're right. The machine really was a failure...''
|-
|Molayne
|''There's no need to feel bad about it.<br>What do you think about me joining your team, <player>?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Whoa, really?! That's awfully sudden!''
|-
|Molayne
|''In my opinion, the machine failed because of a lack of sync pair data!<br>With better data, I think the machine could really work! If we can get it up and running for real, the PML will be a breeze!''
|-
|Clemont
|''Which means...''
|-
|Sophocles
|''Big Mo, you're joining their team to help us complete the machine?''
|-
|Molayne
|''Partially! But another reason is...<br>I'd love to battle you again!<br>That battle just now was so exciting! It took me right back to my island-hopping days with Kukui!<br>I want to have more battles like that!<br>So what do you say, <player>?''<br>'''We'd love to have you on our team!/Let's have more exciting battles!''': ''Thanks! I'll give it my all!''
|-
|Hau
|''Yeah! Molayne's with us now!''
|-
|Viola
|''We've got another strong ally on our side! Fantastic!''
|-
|Clemont
|''Molayne, we'll keep fine-tuning the machine.''
|-
|Sophocles
|''We'll definitely get it to work right! We made progress, after all!''
|-
|Molayne
|''Great! Let's all do our best.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Sync Pair Pinger activates)</center>
|-
|Clemont
|''Huh?<br>The...the Sync Pair Pinger is picking up something!<br>And it's the strongest reading we've gotten so far!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wait, what? But I thought the machine wasn't working!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Let's head outside, everyone.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to outside)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Look! Over there!''
|-
|Blue
|''Easy there, Pidgeot. What's gotten into you all of a sudden?<br>Hm?<br>Oh, hey guys! What're you all doing here?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Blue?!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''What brings you here, Blue?''
|-
|Blue
|''Pidgeot just took off flying, so I chased after it and ended up here!<br>Anyway...since I'm here, let's have a Pokémon battle!''
|-
|Viola
|''Wait a minute... Could this mean...''
|-
|Clemont
|''The machine worked when we thought it was a failure, and then it failed when we thought it was working... So is our invention a success or not?''
|-
|Molayne
|''Haha, who can say...''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''What {{tt|perfecto|perfect}} timing! Blue would be great for your training!''
|-
|Blue
|''Come on, let's start the battle already! We're raring to go!''
|-
|Rosa
|''OK! Here we go, then!<br>We accept your challenge! Battling you is just what we need if we want to defeat Cynthia!''
|-
|Blue
|''Now that's what I like to hear!<br>I'll take you on as many times as you want! Bring it on!''
|}


*To the Quarterfinals!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Blue
|''Phew! I didn't expect this training session to turn into an all-nighter!<br>But we trained so much, you should be ready for anything now. Right, <player>?''<br>'''Yeah!''': ''Of course you are! How could you not be after training with ME all night?''<br>'''I'm not sure I'm ready...''': ''Don't go all weak on me now! You'll be fine! You're strong.<br>Of course, you still don't hold a candle to me!<br>Anyway, time for me to go. I have my own match to win.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Red appears)</center>
|-
|Blue
|''Oh?<br>Heh, guess my teammate came to pick me up.''
|-
|Rosa
|''No way! Is that...Red?!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Wow! The legendary Trainer himself!''
|-
|Blue
|''Hey, that's not what you said when I showed up!<br>Oh well. I guess you're just the kinda guy who stands out, even when you don't say a thing.<br>Hm?<br>Heh, so <player> caught your eye, too, huh?<br>Hey, <player>!<br>Cynthia's strong, but you guys aren't too shabby yourselves!<br>I expect to battle you again soon!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Blue and Red leave)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Blue actually makes a pretty good mentor!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yup! Thanks to him, we got a lot of training done!<br>After all this training, maybe we'll put up a good fight against Cynthia today...<br>No, you know what? We're gonna win our match today!<br>We have to keep winning if we want a battle with Red and Blue!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Oui, that's the right attitude!<br>It's time for your quarterfinals match with Cynthia and her team!<br><player>, are you ready?''<br>'''Here we go!/We'll win this!''': ''{{tt|Ganbatte|Good luck}}! Go for it! Everyone is hoping for your victory!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Cynthia at the arena)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''This day has finally arrived.<br>What have you learned here on Pasio? What discoveries have you made? Just how strong have you become as a Trainer?<br>Show me how far you've come!<br><player>! Come at me with everything you've got!''
|}


== Interlude 6 - Royally Alone ==


*A Less-Than-Perfect Reunion

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''What?! The young master went to face Team Break all by himself?!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Like, what were you thinking?! Why'd you let him dooo that?''
|-
|Cheren
|''I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him.<br>But we don't have time to waste! We need to go after him! Stoutland should be able to track his scent.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I-I guess you're right.<br>Honchkrow! Help look for the young master from the skies!''
|-
|Rachel
|''You help, too, Umbreon! We're toootally counting on you!''
|-
|Cheren
|''All right! It's up to us to save Lear!''
|-
|???
|''Not so fast!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Aren't you all part of Lear's group? I thought he promised to go in alone!''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''You all can play with us for a while out here!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Whaaat? Seriouslyyy? Do we have to do this, like, right now?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Get out of our way! We don't have time to waste on the likes of you!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Hang in there, Lear!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Fade to black)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''I'm going to be king. Everything I've done is for that purpose.<br>If I could just become king, I could have everything that I desire!<br>Status! Prestige! Power! Loyal Pokémon! Retainers! Whatever I want!<br>There's no need for ME to change!<br>Yes...that's right. I just need to become king. Then all will be mine.<br>Even what "truly matters," like that kid was blabbering about...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Lear at the glaciers)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh! What am I saying?! I've gone and let that brat get into my head.<br>All I have to do is become king. That will solve all my problems.<br>If I could only become king!''
|-
|???
|''Hah! I see you came alone just like I asked!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ah, there you are. The rude peasant with no respect for royalty who called me out here.<br>Let's battle and get this over with already so I can take back my Hoopa.''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Always Mr. High-and-Mighty, aren't ya? But for how long, I wonder.<br>Fine! I'm up for a battle! Along with all of my friends here!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(More members of Team Break appear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Tsk! I should have known this was nothing more than a trap!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Of course it's a trap! What made you think I'd play fair and battle you one-on-one?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(All the Team Break members send out their Pokémon)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Get ready! These're all superstrong Pokémon that we brought here with a little help from our pal Hoopa!''
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''There's no way you can beat all of us here alone without your precious retainers!''
|-
|Lear
|''I don't need them!<br>I can just command three Pokémon at once!
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear sends out Donphan, Krookodile, and Staraptor)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''What are you waiting for? Bring it on!<br>I'll show you that you pip-squeaks are no match for me—no matter how many of you there are!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Still playin' the tough guy, huh? I guess we'll just have to knock you down a notch or two!<br>Get him!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear battles Team Break, all of his Pokémon faint)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Impossible!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''How's it feel to lose to us "pip-squeaks"? Not so high-and-mighty now, are ya?''
|-
|Lear
|''No! This isn't right...''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Heh heh heh! All right, Mr. Loser. You're coming with us!<br>Get him!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Fade to black)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Oof!<br>I...lost again? To these fools?<br>I'm supposed to become...the strongest king of all...''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''OK! Let's take him back to the hideout before someone comes looking for him!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>Several years earlier...</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''*sniffle*''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the beach)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''I don't wanna do this anymore! All of this hard training and studying every day is too much!<br>I don't even wanna be king if this is what it takes. Why are you making me do this, Father?<br>*sniffle*<br>Where is everybody?<br>Rachel...Sawyer...<br>Mother...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa cries)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''Wh-what?! Who's there?<br>I don't see anyone... Was it my imagination?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa appears)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''Ahhh!<br>Wh-who are you?! What do you want with me?!<br>I'm royalty, you know! A prince! If you do anything bad to me, my family will hear of it!<br>They'll come running...<br>to save me...<br>... ... ...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa disappears, then reappears)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''Ahhh!<br>Wh-what are you doing?! Silly tricks like that aren't enough to scare me! I'm...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa summons a Phanpy)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''Ahhhhhh!<br>That's enough! I won't be scared by your tricks anymore, OK?!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades to white)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''Wow...<br>What a beautiful stone.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades back to Hoopa)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''What? You want to give it to me?<br>I guess you aren't a bad Pokémon after all.<br>Hey...<br>Would you be my...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades to black)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh...<br>I was...dreaming? Why would I dream of my past at a time like this? I'm not a weakling anymore.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Lear in a hideout)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Wait... Where am I?''
|-
|???
|''Good morning, Lear!''
|-
|Lear
|''I know that voice... You're the one who set up this ridiculous kidnapping!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Heh heh heh. Starting today, that room is your very own castle. Hope you enjoy it!<br>I'll come pay you a visit once I'm done with all of my preparations here. Ta-ta for now!''
|-
|Lear
|''Tsk! Does he think he can get away with this?!<br>I can't believe I lost to those fools...<br>I'm supposed to become the strongest king of all!<br>... ... ...<br>Who's there?! Show yourself!<br>What?! That's...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa appears looking defeated)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Hoopa!''
|}


== Chapter 27 - The Quarterfinals ==


*The Quarterfinals: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Mountain)</center>
|-
|Darach
|''Lady Caitlin, it appears that this is indeed the location indicated on the map.<br>But it seems Lady Cynthia has yet to arrive.''
|-
|Caitlin
|''And yet SHE is the one who called us out here. This is revealing her lack of punctuality, I see.<br>*yawn*''
|-
|Darach
|''My, what a yawn that was. Are you perhaps low on sleep?''
|-
|Caitlin
|''I have been getting quite enough sleep. That yawn was due to boredom.<br>I thought that an event as big as the PML would provide lovely battles with the strongest sync pairs...<br>but I can count on a single hand the number of satisfying battles I've had.<br>You must forgive me if I yawn once or twice.''
|-
|Darach
|''Haha. I believe your standards for a superb battle are ever so slightly too high, Lady Caitlin.<br>That having been said, with a Trainer as strong as Lady Cynthia on our team, I suppose such a thing is unavoidable.''
|-
|Caitlin
|''Well, in that respect, I guess you could say we made a mistake in our team selection.<br>Besides, with Cynthia, I've yet to...''
|-
|???
|''Sorry to keep you two waiting.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cynthia appears in her sygna suit)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''Forgive me. It took a while to get changed.''
|-
|Darach
|''If I'm not mistaken, that outfit is...''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Yes, it's my sygna suit. It was designed based on my Kommo-o.<br>For our upcoming match with <player>, I've decided to wear my sygna suit and battle with Kommo-o.<br>I wanted to have a Pokémon battle with you two to test out this change and make any final adjustments.''
|-
|Darach
|''Our upcoming match? Correct me if I'm wrong...<br>but didn't you say just a few days ago that you planned to wait until you had further time to train Kommo-o before battling with him in the PML?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Yes. But I've changed my mind.<br>Thanks to his daily training with Garchomp, Kommo-o has rapidly gotten stronger.<br>Just like <player>'s team, which becomes more powerful with each victory.<br><player> and Kommo-o have both grown so much stronger on Pasio. It seemed fitting to battle with Kommo-o in the quarterfinals.<br>With Kommo-o and me at our current power...<br>we'll win for sure!<br>In tomorrow's battle, Kommo-o and I will show the world what we're made of!''
|-
|Caitlin
|''... ... ...<br>You sure do hold that team—no, <player>—in high regard, don't you?<br>But never mind that. Let's get this practice battle over with, shall we?''
|-
|Darach
|''Lady Caitlin...''
|-
|Cynthia
|''... ... ...<br>I know I asked you for this battle, Caitlin, but I also have another request.<br>Could you please give it everything you've got?''
|-
|Caitlin
|''What?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''I've been watching you closely ever since we formed this team.<br>You have undoubtedly become stronger, and I want to test your newfound strength in a serious battle.<br>Because you're my teammate, my friend, and...<br>my rival!''
|-
|Caitlin
|''Me? You consider me your rival?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Why wouldn't I? Don't tell me you don't feel the same way.''
|-
|Caitlin
|''My, how good you are at motivating others. Perhaps you have some psychic powers as well.<br>I'm pleased that you value me so highly, but haven't you forgotten?<br>I have never once won a battle against you.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''You're right. You haven't.<br>Not yet, anyway. Right?''
|-
|Caitlin
|''Hmph, you really are a good motivator. Very well.<br>Here we go, Reuniclus! Let's go all out from the start!<br>I swear I will beat you this time, Cynthia!''
|-
|Darach
|''I beg your pardon, Lady Caitlin...<br>but it seems as if you have lost control of your emotions, like you did so often in the past.''
|-
|Caitlin
|''I don't care! No, rather, I am daring to let my emotions run free right now!<br>So that I may win this battle with elegance!<br>Here we go, Cynthia!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Give me everything you've got, Caitlin!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''The quarterfinals are finally under way. I see we're on a new stage, too.''
|-
|Misty
|''That's right. And our opponent is...''
|-
|Cynthia
|''So, this day has finally come, <player>...<br>I could tell there was something special about you the first time we met.<br>I wouldn't have expected anything less than to see you here in the quarterfinals.<br>Let's give it our all so we can have the best battle possible!''<br>'''Let's do it!''': ''That's a nice, straightforward response. I'm truly looking forward to our battle.''<br>'''I'll beat you, Cynthia! Just you wait!''': ''Hehe. That's some spirit you've got there. You're getting me all fired up, too.''
|-
|Rosa
|''U-um, Cynthia, I've never seen you in that outfit or with that Kommo-o behind you.<br>Did you change your partner Pokémon this far into the competition?!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Yes. This is Kommo-o's first battle here.<br>Truth be told, I didn't actually intend to bring him out for this battle. I just couldn't restrain myself any longer.''
|-
|Darach
|''Lady Cynthia says she thinks of herself not as a Champion but as another challenger here on Pasio.<br>It seems she never intended to win here with a conservative tactic like battling with Garchomp for every match.''
|-
|Caitlin
|''That having been said, Kommo-o's strength is on par with Garchomp's.<br>I can guarantee that.''
|-
|Misty
|''I believe you. I can sense Kommo-o's fighting spirit all the way over here.''
|-
|Brock
|''But, you know...<br>we have plenty of fighting spirit ourselves!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Hehe. You all really are outstanding!<br>All right. Shall we begin?''<br>'''Let's go, Cynthia!/We'll give it all we've got!''': ''... ... ...<br>Then I guess there's no more need for words!<br>My heart's pounding!<br>I'll give this battle everything I've got!''
|}


*The Quarterfinals: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Rosa
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Brock
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Misty
|''I can't believe it. We won?<br>Against Cynthia? THE Cynthia?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''... ... ...<br>Well done! That was an amazing battle!<br>And your team was victorious, <player>!<br>How strange. We lost, and yet I feel so content.<br>I suppose it's because I was able to battle with every fiber of my being against such strong opponents.''
|-
|Caitlin
|''I feel the same, Cynthia.<br>In the past, I would always lose my temper out of frustration from a loss, no matter how good the battle was.<br>Now I can accept <player>'s team's victory with grace.''
|-
|Darach
|''Lady Caitlin...''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Yes, I can as well.<br><player>, everyone, allow me to congratulate you once again!<br>Now there are only four teams left in the tournament, including your team.''
|-
|Misty
|''Oh wow. There were so many teams to begin with, and now...''
|-
|Rosa
|''We were so busy focusing on each battle that we didn't even notice how far we'd gotten.<br>I wonder which teams made it to the semifinals.''
|-
|Brock
|''Do you know which teams advanced, Cynthia?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Yes. Three of the four, anyway.<br>One of them is, of course, your team. The other two are...<br>the veteran team from Kanto led by Red...<br>and the team of Dragon-type masters led by the Champion of the Indigo League, Lance.<br>As for the final remaining team...<br>I'm not sure.''
|-
|Brock
|''Red and Lance, huh?''
|-
|Misty
|''Our opponent in the semifinals may just be one of them.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Wait, but...<br>Hey, Cynthia! About that final team...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>May I have your attention, please. All the quarterfinal battles for the PML have concluded.<br>We will now announce the matchups for the semifinal battles, to be held at a later date.</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Wh-what? Isn't that...''
|-
|Misty
|''Our opponent for the semifinals is...''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear!''
|-
|Rosa
|''I knew it! Lear made it this far, too!''
|-
|Brock
|''And we finally get to face off against him next!<br>Now we can pick up where we left off in our battle with him, <player>!''<br>'''We'll win this time!''': ''We sure will! But I bet Lear is far stronger now than he was before.<br>We're going to have to give it all we've got if we want to win.''
|-
|Rosa
|'''I can't wait!''': ''I know just how you feel! Given all we've been through, we know how strong Lear can be!<br>But we can't lose! We've gotta do all we can to get ready so we'll be in tip-top condition for our next battle!''
|-
|Misty
|''That settles it! Let's get some good rest and then begin preparing for the semifinals!
|-
|Cynthia
|''What a surprising bunch.''
|-
|Misty
|''I guess we'll be going now, Cynthia.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''All right. Do your best out there. I'll be cheering for you.<br>Keep working your way all the way to the top, and become...<br>Pasio's first champion team!''
|-
|Rosa
|''We will! Thank you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brock, Misty, Rosa, and the player leave)</center>
|-
|Caitlin
|''All right, Cynthia. It's time for us to go as well.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''I'll catch up with you later.<br>I want to bask in the feeling I got from that battle just a little while longer.''
|-
|Caitlin
|''Hehe. I see.''
|-
|Darach
|''Do keep warm out here.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Thank you.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the beach)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''That really was a great battle.<br>Wouldn't you agree, Kommo-o?<br>Hehe. You wanted to keep battling? Me too.<br>But our loss is proof that we haven't yet made it to the top.<br>We can become even stronger than we are now. Let's rejoice in that fact.<br>Hehehe.''
|-
|???
|''Cynthia...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren appears)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''Oh, hello, Cheren.<br>The rest of your team isn't with you?''
|-
|Cheren
|''No, I came here alone.<br>There's something I'd like to speak with you about.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Is it about Lear?''
|-
|Cheren
|''How did you know?''
|-
|Cynthia
|''To help protect Pokémon, I've been keeping an eye on Team Break's movements, so naturally I've had my eye on you as well.<br>Lear was also absent during the quarterfinals despite being his team's leader. I'm quite curious as to what's happened to him.''
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...<br>We need as much help as we can get to save Lear.<br>Please, Cynthia. Lend us a hand.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''... ... ...''
|}


== Interlude 7 - Shining Bonds ==


*The End of the PML

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Flashback)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Pokémon Ranger and Ace Trainer in a black background)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Please! Just let us see the young master! It sounds like he's really struggling right now.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Yeah! We'd have him cheered up in no time if you'd just let us taaalk to him! Come on!''
|-
|Young Lear
|''Is that...Rachel and Sawyer?''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''The answer is no! Master Lear is taking a rest at the moment.<br>And besides, you two are far too soft on him.<br>Right now, Master Lear is at a critical juncture in his preparation to assume the throne. I'm going to have to ask you to leave.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''But—''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Please be on your way!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Tch...''
|-
|Young Lear
|''Rachel... Sawyer...''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Come, Master Lear! To become a great king, you must put in a great amount of effort. It's time to resume your training!''
|-
|Young Lear
|''Right...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the forest)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''*pant pant*''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Don't tell me you're exhausted already?!<br>As king, you'll carry the fate of the entire kingdom on your shoulders! You must be prepared!''
|-
|Young Lear
|''I...I know, but—''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''I don't want to hear your excuses, Master Lear. Maybe if you stopped playing hooky all the time, you wouldn't be so far behind!<br>I know you've been sneaking out of your room every night to skip out on your studies! Did you think I wouldn't notice?''
|-
|Young Lear
|''I...''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Starting tomorrow, I'm moving your training to another facility where you'll be able to focus your attention on your studies!''
|-
|Young Lear
|''But this is where Hoopa—''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Do I make myself clear?''
|-
|Young Lear
|''... ... ...<br>Yes, ma'am...''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''I'm glad you understand. This is for your own good, Master Lear.<br>Now, then. We'll be taking our leave. I expect you to make your way back on your own, Master Lear.<br>I'll see you when you return.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Pokémon Ranger and Ace Trainer leave)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''... ... ...<br>I won't be able to see Hoopa anymore... I'll be all alone... Again...<br>Why does it have to be so hard? Why won't anybody help me?<br>No one understands. Not Rachel... Not Sawyer...<br>Who am I supposed to depend on?<br>... ... ...<br>No one's ever been there for me. I'm alone.<br>Maybe...maybe I don't need anyone's help!<br>There's only one person in this world I can truly depend on—<br>Me! And only me!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Flashback ends)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Lear in the hideout)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh... I've been stuck stewing here so long, I'm starting to dredge up the past.<br>This is all your fault, you know! You just had to go and get yourself kidnapped by those fools, didn't you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa looks defeated)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Tch. Nothing to say for yourself, huh?<br>Those buffoons must have worked you hard to have stamped out that eternal cheekiness of yours.<br>I won't feel sorry for you! It's your own fault for letting them capture you!<br>Tsk...<br>S-seriously! You won't get any sympathy from me! If you hadn't disobeyed me and run off unprotected, this never would have happened.<br>But no—you never listen to a word I say!<br>You never have!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Flashback)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the beach)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''I think this is it...the beach where we first met.<br>After all these years, I hope it still lives around here...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa runs into Lear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ow!<br>What was that?!<br>Hoopa! You're actually here! You...<br>Wait—did you just drop that on my head?! I'm a prince, you know!<br>You can't just go around hitting me with things! That sort of behavior could be considered a crime! Inexcusable!<br>As punishment for your rude conduct, you will cooperate with me on a new project I'm starting.<br>I'm calling it the Pokémon Masters League!<br>Remember that day in the forest?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the forest)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Is that a Hoopa—one of the Mythical Pokémon?! How?!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Whoooa! Not gonna lie—that's pretty amazing, Master Lear. Where'd you manage to find one?!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. Where I found it is irrelevant.<br>Starting today, this little trickster is going to help us ramp up the excitement for the PML!<br>Hoopa, show these two a taste of your power!<br>I know just who to summon first—that pesky upstart with the stupid hat! I'm going to crush that kid on the battlefield this time!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa summons a Preschooler)</center>
|-
|Preschooler
|''Huh? Where am I?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Uhhh...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I think you may have summoned the wrong kid, young master...''
|-
|Lear
|''Hnnnn...''
|-
|Preschooler
|''I'm not 'posed to talk to strangers... Mommy? Daddy? Where are you?<br>Wahhhhhh!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Aww, shh! Don't cry, sweetie! We'll get you back home to your parents right now...''
|-
|Lear
|''HOOPAAAA!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Flashback ends)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Every. Single. Time! You've caused nothing but trouble for me with your cheeky little tricks!<br>After all we've been through, you haven't changed a single bit! If you'd just obeyed my orders for once, none of this would have...<br>... ... ...<br>No... That's not why any of this happened. The problem isn't that you haven't changed...<br>It's that...I have.<br>I wanted to grow stronger—I wanted to protect myself.<br>More than anything else, I wanted to become king.<br>Instead, I got crushed battle after battle, I distanced myself from my retainers, and I wound up getting captured by Team Break.<br>I probably don't deserve to be king anymore.''
|-
|???
|''Hmm... Is that a hint of regret I hear in your voice, Lear?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''You again...''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Hehe. It sounds like captivity is starting to humble you a bit.''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''But this doesn't even begin to compare to what you put us through!<br>The public humiliation we endured after you defeated us.''
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''The resentment we felt after you denied us becoming PML Leaders.''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''That's what brought all of us together in the first place. The hatred we share for you and the tournament is what formed Team Break!<br>Grudges like ours don't just go away when you snap your fingers, Lear.''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...<br>I'm not interested in hearing your sob story. Why don't you just get to the point?<br>You're not here to chitchat, are you?''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''You got some nerve talking to us like that.''
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''Enough. If the prince wants to know why we're here, why don't we tell him?''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''All right. As you may have guessed, we've got a big plot under way, Lear—a way for us to use all of the Pokémon we've stolen.<br>We're going to storm the arena once more, and this time, we're going to utterly sabotage the PML once and for all!''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''There's just one problem. The audience members and Pokémon are innocent in all of this. My heart aches at the thought of them suffering.<br>How about you make a personal announcement to them saying that the PML is officially canceled?''
|-
|Lear
|''...What?''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''As long we get to destroy your precious PML, we'll be happy. It's enough for us to see it fall.<br>Once we have confirmation that the tournament's collapsed, we'll let you go. Fair enough, don't you think?''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''So, what do you say, Lear?''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...<br>It sounds like this is the end of the PML no matter what I choose.<br>I couldn't even participate in my quarterfinal matches yesterday, so my chance to win the tournament is gone.<br>I called myself the strongest Trainer of all and then got completely crushed by you lowlifes.<br>And on top of all that, I ruined things with my retainers. My father will probably never hand down the crown to me now.<br>I have nothing left. Nothing.<br>... ... ...<br>All right.<br>I'll do what you asked. Let's hurry up and get this over w—''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa gets up)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Wha—?! What's it doing?! It shouldn't be able to move right now!<br>This is bad—it must be up to something! Capture it now!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades to white)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Wha—?! It's trying to use its powers on Lear!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hoopa?<br>Wait! Hoo—''
|}


*Things Forgotten

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear is teleported to the forest)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Looks like...I got teleported outside?<br>Why would Hoopa do that...for me?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren, Rachel, and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master! I'm so glad you're all right!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Leeear! Is it really you?!''
|-
|Lear
|''Rachel?! Sawyer?!<br>I thought you'd gone back to the kingdom.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Oh... That was totally just a ruse.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''What we were doing obviously wasn't working, so we had Cheren try to be a guiding voice for you instead.<br>We wanted to help you change.''
|-
|Lear
|''Help me change?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Yeah. But then...<br>I can't believe you'd walk into a trap like that all by yourself! What were you thinking?!''
|-
|Lear
|''Wha—?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''If anything ever happened to you, I'd...I'd...''
|-
|Lear
|''Sawyer...<br>Are you...crying?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...<br>We're just suuuper glad you're OK, OK?<br>*sob sob*''
|-
|Lear
|''Rachel...<br>You guys...you did all of that for me?''
|-
|Cheren
|''I'm glad you're safe, at any rate.<br>They captured you, didn't they? How did you manage to escape?''
|-
|Lear
|''Well, it all started when...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Fade to black, then back)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''I see. So it was Hoopa that saved you.''
|-
|Lear
|''I don't get it.<br>Why would Hoopa help me escape?<br>Why save me when it could have saved itself?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Maybe it was trying to help you protect the things you care about.''
|-
|Lear
|''What do you mean?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Hoopa's been right by your side, hasn't it?<br>I'm sure it knows how important the PML and becoming king are to you.<br>So it did whatever it could to keep your dream alive. I'm sure that in Hoopa's mind...<br>it was protecting a friend.''
|-
|Lear
|''A friend...<br>Wait...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Flashback)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the beach)</center>
|-
|Young Lear
|''Hey... Would you be my...<br>...servant?! If you were my servant, we could hang out together all day!<br>Wh-what's the matter? You'd hate being a servant that much?! Well, I guess...<br>in that case, would you be my...<br>f...friend?<br>Oh! It seems like you really like that idea.<br>OK! From now on, the two of us are going to be pals!<br>Friends forever, OK? Don't forget it!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Flashback ends)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''It was me who forgot, wasn't it.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Before, you told me you wanted to become the strongest king of all.<br>But what people really want from their king  isn't strength.<br>What they want is a king who cares about them—someone who treasures the bonds between people and Pokémon.''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...<br>I sought the strength to protect myself and strove to become the strongest king of all.<br>But...<br>Rachel!<br>Sawyer!<br>And...you, too, Cheren!<br>Listen...<br>I have a favor to ask of you!''
|}


*The Power of Friendship

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hideout)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Our plan to sabotage the PML should be kicking off any minute now, huh.''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Yeah. Every Team Break member on Pasio should be receiving instructions as we speak.<br>We're talking tons of operatives here—enough of us to blow our last assault on the arena out of the water.''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Good! Lear mighta slipped away from us, but that won't matter once the plan's set in motion.<br>The PML's as good as gone!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Tremor)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''What was that?!<br>Think we have intruders?!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear appears)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Well, well! Look who I found!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Lear?!''
|-
|Lear
|''Buffoons like you should consider it a privilege to be chased down by me.<br>You see, I never got to thank you properly for taking care of me! I figured now might be a good time.''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Hah! Did you hit your head, man? You'd have to be pretty dumb to come right back to the place you just escaped from!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''The prince thinks he's funny. Let's see if he's still smiling when we're through with him!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(More members of Team Break appear)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Everybody, move in! We're gonna capture him again, just like we did last time!''
|-
|Lear
|''Actually...I don't think you are.<br>Rachel, Sawyer, lend me a hand!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel appears)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''Let's do this, Umbreon!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Sawyer appears)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Counting on you, Honchkrow!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Tch! I see you brought some friends this time!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Doesn't matter, though! Last time you fought with three Pokémon, too, and we still crushed you!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. Fools.''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|'''Scuse me?!''
|-
|Lear
|''Rachel! You and Umbreon cover our backs!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Totes!''
|-
|Lear
|''Sawyer! Have Honchkrow keep pace with Krookodile as we move in! Got it?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Ready when you are, young master!''
|-
|Lear
|''Krookodile, you're our striker! Get ready to punch through this mob!<br>We can do this as a team! I believe in us!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Hah! Team or no team, there's no way you can defeat us!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Yeah! We outnumber you by like a million!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''C'mon, y'all! Time to put the puny prince in his place!''
|-
|Lear
|''Get ready to lose, Team Break!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the Masked Man and Hoopa in the hideout)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Yeah, we'll execute the plan during the second round of the semifinals. Let the others know.<br>OK, now the word is out. Next...<br>The only thing left to do is make Hoopa bring us even more Pokémon. Then we'll be ready  for anything!<br>What are you calling me for? Can't you tell I'm busy?''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Sir, we have a problem! Lear's attacking us!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''What?!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''And he's way stronger than before! Quick, we need your backu—''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Hey! What's going on? Answer me!<br>Lear came back?<br>Heh heh heh. In that case, I know exactly what to do.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the defeated Team Break)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Well done, young master!''
|-
|Rachel
|''It's, like, toootally our win!''
|-
|Lear
|''Don't let your guard down yet. We still haven't gotten Hoopa back!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''M-my apologies!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. So this is what it's like to battle together and put your trust in others.<br>It might...not be so bad after all.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Y-young master! Did you just say what I think you said?''
|-
|Lear
|''N-never mind! Let's hurry and get Hoopa back!''
|-
|???
|''There's no need for you to come to us!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The Masked Man appears with Hoopa)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''You! You're that guy from before!<br>And...<br>Hoopa...''
|-
|Rachel
|''So is he, like, the boss or what?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''We took care of everyone out here! This is as far as you go!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Don't be ridiculous! This is the largest Team Break hideout of them all! There's a lot more where they came from.<br>And furthermore...<br>Think about what might happen to your precious buddy here if you try to hurt me, hmm?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''What a dirty trick!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Wahaha! It looks like this is as far as YOU go!''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...<br>Hoopa, can you hear me?<br>Hmph. If you can't move, just listen to what I'm about to say.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''H-hey, don't ignore me!''
|-
|Lear
|''Shut up!<br>Hoopa...you...<br>You really saved me! And there's nothing I hate more than owing someone a debt!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Y-young master?''
|-
|Lear
|''When I think about it...this is the second time you've saved me.<br>If I had never met you that first night you showed up...<br>If that never happened...<br>I probably would've been crushed by my own loneliness and left completely broken.<br>To think that you've saved me a second time...<br>I... I hate to say it, but...<br>You...you and I are...<br>...friends!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Lear...''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Hehehe...<br>Friends?! Are you kidding me? That's the last word I'd expect to come out of your mouth!<br>But if you're friends, you'll have to do your part to protect each other, won't you? Come here quietly so I don't have to hurt anyone!''
|-
|Lear
|''Fine. I won't do anything.<br>In return...let Hoopa go.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren appears)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Cheren!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Stoutland rescues Hoopa)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''Whaaaaat?!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Sawyer!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Hang in there, Hoopa!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Sawyer heals Hoopa)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Heh. Well done, Cheren.''
|-
|Cheren
|''What a troublesome plan...making just one of us act separately to save Hoopa...<br>But I'm glad it worked out.''
|-
|Lear
|''Of course. I'm the one who decided what to do, and my plans are always flawless—<br>Argh! How dare you! Stop being so active! Go back to how you were earlier!<br>Heh. You really are a troublesome Pokémon.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''It's not over yet! I-I'm still way ahead of you!<br>Come on out, Team Break!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break reinforcements show up)</center>
|-
|Masked Man
|''With a group this big, there's no way we'll lose! We're taking you down once and for all, Lear!''
|-
|Lear
|''What a stubborn bunch of riffraff. Come, then!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Screen fades to white, then back)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''What's going on?!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Lear's sync stone is glowing?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Up until now, it wouldn't glow, no matter what we did...''
|-
|Lear
|''This glow... I saw it the first time we met, too...<br>Which means...you and I are a sync pair? Of all the annoying things in the world, this surpasses them all. It's laughable.<br>But...this guy in front of us is even more annoying.<br>Let's take him down, Hoopa! Let's show them our power...<br>Our power as a sync pair!''
|}


*A King Who Cares

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Man
|''No! Why is he so strong?! What is this power?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Omigosh, Lear! You toootally crushed it!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Well done, young master!''
|-
|Lear
|''So this is the power of sync stones...<br>Or rather...the bond between me and Hoopa!''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Th-this isn't over yet! We have more who can fight! We'll crush you to—''
|-
|???
|''Unfortunately, you're the only one left.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cynthia appears)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''We've gone ahead and taken care of the other members of Team Break that were here at this hideout.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Wha—?! That's impossible! There were so many of us!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''No matter how strong a Pokémon may be, if the bond between it and its Trainer is weak, it won't be able to reach its full potential.<br>It's time for you to surrender.''
|-
|Masked Man
|''Urgh...<br>I...give up...''
|-
|Cynthia
|''A champion came to help us?<br>Cheren, was this your doing?''
|-
|Cheren
|''I asked for some help so we could save Hoopa...<br>You were counting on me. There's no way I could let us fail.''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph...<br>I have something important to tell you all. Follow me.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Y-yes, sir!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the field)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master, what is it?''
|-
|Lear
|''I...used to think that the only one who could save me was myself.<br>I believed that ever since I was a child, and that's why I trained myself to be strong.<br>Friendship...trust...bonds... Those were just shackles that would make me weaker.<br>But...I don't think that anymore, thanks to all this.<br>I'm not invincible. There's only so much I can do all by myself.<br>I knew it deep down...but I was scared of change, so I stubbornly held on to my beliefs.<br>When things got worse, the ones who saved me were...<br>You, Hoopa.<br>And the two of you.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...''
|-
|Lear
|''There are people by my side who are willing to risk their lives for me...scold me...cry for me...guide me...<br>When I realized that, I felt...that I want to return that feeling.<br>I wonder if this is what they call...<br>a bond.
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear...''
|-
|Lear
|''Maybe putting your trust in someone other than yourself...isn't so bad after all.<br>Hoopa!<br>Sawyer!<br>Rachel!<br>Our chances at winning the PML are gone, but I assure you, I will be king one day!<br>Please lend me your strength!<br>In return, I shall protect you...and everyone under my rule!<br>I'll become a king who treasures the power of bonds more than anyone else!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear... Waaaghhhhh!<br>Of course! I'll follow you foreverrrr!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master! Look at how you've grown!<br>I, Sawyer, have no regrets! I can live happy!''
|-
|Lear
|''D-don't embarrass me!''
|-
|Cheren
|''*chuckle*''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cynthia appears with two Ace Trainers)</center>
|-
|Cynthia
|''You all look like you're having fun.''
|-
|Lear
|''You...<br>I didn't say this earlier, but you saved us... Thank you.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Oh? I never thought I'd hear that from you!''
|-
|Lear
|''D-don't mock me!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''*chuckle* Sorry. Actually, I had a small surprise for you.''
|-
|Ace Trainer
|''Lear! I am so moved by your words!''
|-
|Lear
|''You...you were my teammates for the tournament...''
|-
|Cynthia
|''They helped me battle Team Break back at their hideout. And that's not all they did.<br>These two made their way to the PML semifinals! They won, even though you couldn't show up!<br>Lear! Your PML challenge isn't over yet!''
|-
|Lear
|''I'm...still in the tournament?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''M-my apologies, young master! We knew, but...''
|-
|Rachel
|''We...didn't get a chance to tell you...''
|-
|Lear
|''Heh. How interesting.<br>Well, then. That means my next opponent is <player>.<br>Cheren, when you go back, tell them this:<br>This time—for sure—I will crush them all!<br>With my power! Or...no...<br>With the power of my team!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Yeah, OK.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master, we must hurry and prepare!''
|-
|Lear
|''No, we have to finish up what we started here. Team Break still has more hideouts.<br>I want to enter the semifinals without any interruptions.<br>Just you wait, <player>! We'll be there to put you in your place!<br>Bwahahahaha!''
|-
|Cynthia
|''That personality of his sure is twisted, but I think he just might have what it takes to become a great Trainer... Even a king!<br>I'll do my best to help you all out so you can have the best match possible!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Thank you, Cynthia.<br>(Lear, I'm looking forward to our battle.)<br>(We'll see you at our showdown in the semifinals!)''
|}

== Chapter 28 - Change of Heart ==


*Moments from the Semifinals

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>The day of the semifinals had finally arrived, and with it came the highly anticipated match between <player>'s and Lear's teams.<br>Folks gathered around video screens all over Pasio, eager to watch the live feed of the battle.</center>
|-
|Scientist
|''We're finally entering the final stretch of the PML! Can you believe it?<br>The only matches left now are the semifinals and the finals.''
|-
|Ace Trainer
|''Who do you think is gonna move on today? <player>'s team has had a steady performance thus far.<br>Or do you think it'll be Lear's team? I mean, he's practically announcing his victory already.<br>It could really go either way, huh.''
|-
|Scientist
|''I should think not! Lear's team is almost certainly going to win. According to my latest data—''
|-
|Street Thug
|''You outta your mind, bro?!<br>I don't care how strong his team is. I don't wanna see his pompous face in the finals! No way!<br><player>'s gonna win this one for sure! Hundred percent!''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''Now that you mention it, Lear becoming Champion would be kinda...well...<br>You all know what I mean, right?<br>All right! Come on, everyone! Let's all root for <player>'s team together!''
|-
|Youngster
|''A-actually...''
|-
|Preschooler
|''We, umm...''
|-
|Scientist
|''Ooh! Look, the match is about to start!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Brock, Cheren, Misty, Rosa, and the player at the arena)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''We're only a few moments away from our third battle with Lear...''
|-
|Misty
|''Is this really the third time?<br>Our first battle with him was a one-on-one, huh. Didn't he totally crush us that day?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Yeah, but we beat him the next time we battled! We ran circles around him with our awesome teamwork, remember?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Both of our teams have won once and lost once. Today we get to settle that score.''
|-
|Brock
|'''And we're going to win!''': ''I'm sure Lear's thinking the same thing right now.''<br>'''Let's have some fun with it!''': ''You two never change a bit, do you.''
|-
|Rosa
|'''And we're going to win!''': ''Let's make this a super awesome battle! I promise to give it my all!''<br>'''Let's have some fun with it!''': *giggle* Come on! Let's all have a superduper fun battle with Lear!''
|-
|Misty
|''Speaking of which...<br>Lear and his team are running awfully late.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Oh, you're right... Maybe their battle prep is taking a little longer than they expected.''
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Brock
|''Where in the world are they?''
|-
|Rosa
|''We're supposed to be starting our match right now...<br>Do you think something bad might have happened to Lear and the others?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Wait... In that battle with Team Break...''
|-
|Brock
|''Team Break?! Cheren, do you know something you're not telling us?''
|-
|Misty
|''If you have any clues, we're all ears!''
|-
|Cheren
|''... ... ...<br>Well, I wasn't going to mention anything since I thought it might distract us from the match, but I guess now is as good a time as any.<br>You see...''
|-
|???
|''Ahahahahaha! Today the curtains close on the Pokémon Masters League!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Team Break appears)</center>
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Well hello, ladies and gentlemen of Pasio! Team Break here! Did you miss us?<br>Our lovely team members are about to storm this stadium and wreak havoc on the place! Do enjoy the show!''
|-
|Misty
|''Team Break?! What about Lear?!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear...''
|-
|Brock
|''I'm worried about him, too, but right now our first priority is stopping Team Break!<br>Come on, everyone! It's up to us to protect the PML!''
|}


*Help Arrives!

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Hmph! It appears they've strengthened their defenses since our last incursion, haven't they.''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Um, ma'am! D'you think the members coming from the hideout shoulda been here by now?''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''No need to worry. They'll be here. In the meantime...<br>Everyone, go after <player>! They can't have a match without {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}}!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Heh! You mighta been good enough to make it to the semifinals...''
|-
|Masked Man (3)
|''but you've got no chance against our numbers!''
|-
|Brock
|''Tch!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Get ready to eat dirt!''
|-
|???
|''Hoopa! Break up that mob!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Hoopa appears and attacks Team Break's Pokémon)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''What the—?!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Huh? Isn't that...''
|-
|Cheren
|''You're late.''
|-
|???
|''How dare you try to destroy my Pokémon Masters League...<br>My grand stage...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear and Cynthia appear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''I won't just stand here and let you do whatever you want with it!''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear!''
|-
|Misty
|''And Cynthia, too! Where did she come from?''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph! I see that I still have a few bugs left to squash. These fools just don't know when to stop, do they!<br>You! Go link up with the arena security! I'll handle these thugs.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Oh? Will you be all right on your own?''
|-
|Lear
|''Of course! Who do you think I am?!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cynthia leaves)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph!''
|-
|Misty
|''Lear finally made it!''
|-
|Brock
|''Uh-huh. And he still looks as smug as ever.''
|-
|Rosa
|''B-but look at that Pokémon he has with him!''
|-
|Cheren
|''I'm sure you're full of questions right now, but before we get to that, we need to take care of Team Break!''<br>'''Come on! Let's help Lear!''': ''Yes! If we all work together, we'll have this situation under control in no time!''<br>'''We can do this!''': ''That's the spirit! I'm sure Lear's feeling just as courageous now knowing you're here fighting by his side.''
|-
|Brock
|''All right! Let's give this everything we've got!''
|}


*PML Defenders

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Lear
|''We've taken down a good chunk of them, but it may still be a while before the situation is totally under control.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Leeear!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''What are you two doing here? I told you not to come!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Sorry, young master. It's just...''
|-
|Rachel
|''I know we're the ones to blame for getting hurt and delaying your arrival, but...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Can we use this opportunity to make things up to you? Let us fight by your side!''
|-
|Lear
|''Foolishness! In your injured state, you'll only slow me down!<br>Now stand back and follow your orders!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...''
|-
|Lear
|''Listen—this incursion is nothing more than a petty tantrum. The semifinals are the real battle!<br>When we reach that stage, you two will give me your absolute best! I need all of your strength.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...<br>You got it, sir! We'll make sure we're a thousand percent healed up and ready for the match, 'K?''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. I'll accept nothing less.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Iris and Pryce battling Team Break)</center>
|-
|Pryce
|''These scoundrels just keep coming, don't they... No sympathy for the elderly whatsoever.''
|-
|Iris
|''I know! And they chose to barge in right before our big match! Tch... I guess now isn't the best time to worry about that, though.<br>Come on, Pryce! Let's take care of these jerks!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear's Donphan and Staraptor defeat Team Break)</center>
|-
|Pryce
|''Lear?!''
|-
|Lear
|''What do you two think you're doing?! You can't expect to protect anyone fighting like that!''
|-
|Iris
|''Hey! That's not true—''
|-
|Lear
|''Hush! Just leave the rest of this fiasco to me! I'll find a way to get us all out of this!<br>For now, I'm leaving you to defend this area, understood?! Don't you dare mess this up!''
|-
|Iris
|''Ugh! What was that all about?! He's still just as mean to us as ever!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Heh. He's leaving it to us...<br>The lad's growing fast, just as I thought he would.''
|-
|Iris
|''Huh? What do you mean?''
|-
|Pryce
|''Ah, just an old man's rambling. Come, child! Let's give this battle all we've got!<br>I'll show these thugs why they call me the Winter Trainer!''
|}


*The Last of Team Break

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Woman
|''What is going on here?! This wasn't how today was supposed to go at all!<br>What happened to our backup? Where's the rest of Team Break?!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. Isn't it obvious?<br>We thwarted every last Team Break hideout on Pasio. Most of your members have already been captured.<br>You and the other goons in this arena are all that remain.''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''What?! Y-you're lying! There's no way any of that is true!''
|-
|Lear
|''Look around. The fact that your backup crew never showed up should be proof enough.<br>Now, why don't you give up this farce and accept your fate.''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''I... I don't care...<br>The only thing that matters is defeating you!''
|-
|Masked Woman
|'''Lear!/Pikachu, go!''': ''Eeeeek!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren and the player appear)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ah, you again...<br>Hmph. Trying to get back at me for earlier?''
|-
|Cheren
|''We can't have you getting hurt before we face you in the semifinals, now can we?''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. In that case, why don't you make yourselves useful.<br><player>! Cheren! Give me a hand here!<br>Let's put an end to this fight against Team Break, right here and now—<br>Together!''
|}


*A Match to Remember

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Ugh... All right, all right! We surrender!''
|-
|Cheren
|''A wise decision.''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. So you've finally accepted your fate.''
|-
|Brock
|''That's it! We've finally crushed all of Team Break!''
|-
|Misty
|''We sure did! And not only that...<br>We teamed up with LEAR of all people in the final battle!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. I could easily have defeated those fools on my own if I'd wanted to.''<br>'''Thank you, Lear!''': ''Sh-shut up! I only teamed up with you to hurry along the process!''<br>'''We did it, Lear!''': ''Hmph!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Sawyer
|''Nice work, young master!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Those Team Break losers were sooooo annoying. I'm super glad they're, like, finally gonna be out of our hair.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Looks like we've officially gotten rid of Pasio's biggest headache.''
|-
|Lear
|''Indeed.<br>... ... ...<br>Rachel. Sawyer. Round up all the Team Break members we captured and bring them to me.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Uh...''
|-
|Lear
|''Just do it!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''R-right away!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to all of Team Break gathered in front of Lear's group)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''All this time, you thought you could do whatever you wanted, wreaking havoc across my island.<br>Are you ready to face the consequences?''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''W-we're so sorry! We apologize for all of it.''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Please, I beg you! Spare us!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''What do you think, young master?''
|-
|Rachel
|''Hmm... Shall we, like, take turns beating 'em up? A li'l payback for all the trouble they've caused? Oooh! How 'bout a lifetime prison sentence?''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''B-beat us up?! P-prison sentence?!''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Nooo! I can't spend the rest of my life in prison!''
|-
|Lear
|''All right. I've made my decision.<br>You will all serve the same sentence...<br>To serve as my personal retainers and work for me here on Pasio!''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Huh?''
|-
|Lear
|''It won't just be cleaning duty. You'll also be responsible for greeting visitors, assisting with Pokémon battles, and any other tasks I see fit!<br>I'll pay you for your work and even give you days off, but play hooky on the job, and you'll live to regret it!<br>I'm going to work you hard, and I expect results! Is that understood?''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''I...but...''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Is that it? We just...have to work for you?''
|-
|Rachel
|''M-Master Lear?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Are you sure that's the punishment you want to go with?''
|-
|Lear
|''Well... I'm part of the reason Team Break was created in the first place.<br>If I'd bothered to listen to these people when they were upset and disappointed, maybe things would never have gotten this bad.<br>So I plan to look after them until they've corrected their ways.<br>It's my responsibility as the host and founder of the PML.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''You'll f-forgive us even after we wrecked everything so bad?''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''*sob sob*''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(The members of Team Break take off their masks)</center>
|-
|Former Masked Woman
|''Th-thank you, Lear! I mean, Master Lear!''
|-
|Former Masked Man
|''Pasio is gonna be the awesomest place ever! We promise to make up for all the terrible stuff we did!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. I expect nothing less!<br>Now that that's taken care of...<br>I have a message for everyone on Pasio waiting to watch the semifinals!<br>As you no doubt witnessed, our program for today was interrupted by a surprise Team Break raid.<br>The situation is now under control, but our partner Pokémon are exhausted and the arena will need to undergo repairs.<br>Therefore, I'd like to postpone today's semifinal matches to tomorrow!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Tomorrow?!''
|-
|Misty
|''I mean, I AM pretty tired and I want to make sure my partner gets some rest, but...''
|-
|Brock
|''I wonder how the people who've been waiting for this match are going to feel...''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...<br>I'm sure some of you think I'm abusing my power as the PML's host and postponing the match for my own selfish reasons.<br>But that's not it at all. I want everyone to be at their absolute best for this next battle!<br>So please, Pasio...<br>let us postpone this match!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the Trainers in the town)</center>
|-
|Street Thug
|''Uhh, am I hearing things, or did Lear really just say “please” to us?''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''W-well, he didn't ask to postpone the matches that time with Elesa...''
|-
|Preschooler
|''I say it's OK!<br>He said pwease! That's the magic word!<br>I'll wait for tomorrow wike Wear says!''
|-
|Youngster
|''Me, too! Lear's not even a bad guy!<br>Once, he even rescued our Pokémon from Team Break!''
|-
|Street Thug
|''He DID?! You serious?''
|-
|Scientist
|'' W-well, we did just witness him put his neck on the line to defend the PML today...''
|-
|Youngster
|''I'm rooting for Lear!''
|-
|Preschooler
|''Go, Master Wear! You can do it!''
|-
|Ace Trainer
|''Yeah! I can wait, too! I vote postpone!''
|-
|Street Thug
|''Same! I mean, he saved everybody from Team Break! What's another day or two?''
|-
|Pokémon Ranger
|''I can't wait to see everyone go all out in the match tomorrow! It's gonna be awesome!''
|-
|Scientist
|''Good luck, <player>! And good luck, Lear!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear! Big news, big news!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''We're getting reports from all over Pasio. Sounds like folks are OK with postponing the match until tomorrow.<br>In return, they say they want us to make it the greatest battle ever!''
|-
|Lear
|''That's what...everyone is saying?<br>I mean, of course! That's exactly the response I was expecting! I'll show them the greatest battle they've ever seen!<br>Pasio, you'd better be so excited, you don't get even a wink of sleep tonight!<br>Hahahahaha!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear...''
|-
|Misty
|''He's changed somehow, hasn't he. Still as self-important as ever, though.''
|-
|Brock
|''Yeah. I actually realized something about Lear when we were battling together.<br>He's gotten so much stronger that I hardly even recognize his battle style anymore.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Indeed. He's grown a lot. What we're seeing now is Lear's true strength.<br>Are you confident you can beat this new-and-improved Lear, <player>?''<br>'''Absolutely!''': ''A bold answer. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's match.''<br>'''I don't know, but I'll do my best!''': ''And that's perfectly fine. Battle your heart out with no regrets!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Let's give it our best shot tomorrow! Our battle with Lear is gonna be one for the history books!
|}


*Vengeance vs. Ambition

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Beach)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Hey! Are you listening to me, Hoopa? Tomorrow is the semifinals!<br>We don't have time to play around right now!<br>Oww!<br>Why, you little—! You DARE try to make a fool out of me?<br>Fine! We'll form our battle strategy later!<br>In the meantime, I'm going to make you wish you never provoked my wrath! Hah! I'm coming for you, Hoopa!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Red appears)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Fancy running into you here of all places.<br>Red...<br>Hmph.<br>Playtime's over, Hoopa. Let's go.<br>You know...one of the reasons I created the PML was so I could defeat you in a rematch.<br>You showed up in my kingdom out of the blue, crushed me when I'd been previously undefeated, then disappeared again just like that...<br>After that day, all I had to do was see your face, and I'd be beside myself with rage...<br>I vowed to annihilate you—to publicly humiliate you in front of everyone!''
|-
|Red
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Lear
|''But for whatever reason...<br>I couldn't care less about that now.<br>I only care about one thing...<br>And that's beating you!<br>See you on the battlefield, Red. Just you wait... I'm going to triumph tomorrow.<br>And then I'm going to defeat you in the finals!''
|}


== Chapter 29 - Semifinal Showdown ==


*Semifinal Showdown: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Battle Villa)</center>
|-
|Ace Trainer (1)
|''I've got zero doubts that your team is gonna win this, Master Lear!''
|-
|Ace Trainer (2)
|''We'll be rooting for you, too, Rachel and Sawyer! Show those kids who's boss!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Oh, for suuure. They won't know what hit 'em!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''You got us to the semifinals—now it's our turn to bring home the victory.''
|-
|Lear
|''Indeed! Don't miss our triumphant poses when we seize the win!''
|-
|Ace Trainer (1)
|''Oh, I'm not even gonna blink! Good luck!''
|-
|Lear
|''Right. Let's get going...''
|-
|Ace Trainer (1)
|''Master Lear! This guy says he wants to speak with you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Cheren appears)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''What is it, Cheren? Come to spy on the enemy just before battle?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Nah. I'm not here to spy on anyone.<br>And besides, we're more like battle comrades than enemies at this point, don't you think?''
|-
|Lear
|''C...comrades?!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Wuh-woh! Did he strike a nerve, Master Lear?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''We've learned that it's good to have friends, haven't we, young master.''
|-
|Lear
|''Tsk! Shut it, you two! He's still on the other team! You know, the one we're about to go battle against!''
|-
|Cheren
|''Of course! A battle is a battle. I wish both of our teams the best of luck.<br>But before we get to that, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. The reason I decided to follow you.''
|-
|Lear
|''Huh? I thought Sawyer asked you to do that.''
|-
|Cheren
|''That was part of it, sure. But there was something else as well...<br>You reminded me of myself—of how I used to be.''
|-
|Lear
|''Did I? And why is that?''
|-
|Cheren
|''Well, for starters, I used to think that strength was the only thing that mattered.<br>I thought that growing stronger and winning battles was the only way to prove my worth to others.<br>But eventually, I learned that I had it all wrong.<br>I owe my success to the friends, Gym Leaders, and Elite Four members I met along the way—and to a certain champion who liked to show up uninvited.<br>And, of course, to the Pokémon who shared the journey with me.''
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Cheren
|''I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for the lessons they all taught me.<br>So when I see someone treading down a similar path, I can't help but want to steer them in the right direction.<br>I guess it's my way of paying forward the kindness, you know?''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. So that's what all of this has been about... You steering me on the right path.<br>And I'm supposed to feel grateful, am I? So that you can give yourself a pat on the back for "saving" me? Hah! I don't need your pity!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Wha—? Master Lear!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Whatever his reasons may have been, Cheren did all of this for you, young master...''
|-
|Lear
|''Ugh! Stop it! I don't want to hear another word!<br>Cheren, I've had enough of your meddling!<br>I choose my own path! ME! So stay away and mind your own business!<br>Come on, you two! We're leaving!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''C-coming, young master!''
|-
|Lear
|''This isn't over, Cheren. I'm going to utterly annihilate you and <player> in the semifinals.<br>You used me to feel better about yourself...<br>And now it's my turn to pay it forward.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Lear...<br>Lear! Did you ever figure it out? What truly matters to you?''
|-
|Lear
|''A foolish question...<br>I merely realized the existence of something I had all along.<br>And I'm going to make you regret having played any part in that realization!<br>Hahahahaha!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''*chuckle* You really are a tough nut to crack, aren't you, Lear.<br>Even so, I'm sure you're going to be a great leader someday...and a great king.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer walking through the town)</center>
|-
|Preschooler
|''Wook! It's Master Wear!''
|-
|Youngster
|''Good luck, Lear! We'll be rooting for you!''
|-
|Street Thug
|''You made us wait a whole day for this, so you better not lose!''
|-
|Lear
|''Wh-what? I mean...yes, of course.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(A crowd forms around Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''Hear that? Everyone's cheerin' for Master Lear!<br>That's, like, never happened before! Right, Sawyer?!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''*sniffle*<br>I...I'm not crying! Someone must be cooking onions or something...''
|-
|Lear
|''S-stop this nonsense, both of you! We're in public!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Heh! You're one to talk, Master Lear! You're, like, totally blushing right now!''
|-
|Lear
|''N-no, I am not! Would you stop teasing me?!<br>A-as for the rest of you all, don't miss a moment of the action today! I promise to show you a battle you'll never forget!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer alone)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''It's been a while since I've been approached like that on the street.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Kinda nice, though, right? Havin' all those people supportin' you like that.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Your big speech yesterday must've made an impression on them. They can see how much you've grown.<br>Come on! Let's go win this thing and give the crowd what they're hoping for!''
|-
|Lear
|''Of course! That's exactly what I plan to do.<br>Hm?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo walks by)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|''Somethin' the matter, Master Lear?''
|-
|Lear
|''That Trainer... Didn't he appear in the tournament at some point?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''He did. I think his name's Paulo, if I remember correctly.<br>He lost to <player>'s team in round two. Is something going on with him?''
|-
|Lear
|''He just...had a weird look in his eye.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Hmm... How weird are we talkin'?''
|-
|Lear
|''I don't know. Something just feels...off about him.<br>Come on. Let's go.''
|}


*Semifinal Showdown: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Arena)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Hello, <player>... I never would have guessed you'd make it all the way to the semifinals.<br>When I first met you, you were a puny amateur at best.<br>I thought you'd drop out of the running before you could pick up your first PML badge!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Seriously, Lear?! Are you really gonna do this right now?''
|-
|Brock
|''<player>'s grown a ton since {{tt|he|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|she|If the player character is female}} first came to Pasio!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. That much is obvious.''
|-
|Misty
|''Huh?''
|-
|Lear
|''You've gotten this far, haven't you? That's a fact I can't ignore.<br>You've proven yourself worthy of standing on this stage, <player>.''<br>'''Thanks!''': ''Hmph. You don't need to thank me.''<br>'''Feels good to be recognized!''': ''Ugh! Don't get too excited, all right...''<br>Besides, you're not the only one who's grown a lot during this tournament!<br>I've grown a thousand times stronger than you have! No—a million times!<br>My team is going to annihilate yours today—mark my words!''
|-
|Brock
|''Not if we crush your team first!''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. You can try.<br>Enough small talk! It's time to battle.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''This is it, young master! Let's give 'em everything we've got, no holds barred!''
|-
|Rachel
|''These pip-squeaks don't stand a chaaance against us, Master Lear! Let's do this!''
|-
|Lear
|''Listen, you two...<br><player> is tough... To be honest, I don't think I'm strong enough to beat {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} on my own.''<br>But...<br>But together...maybe the three of us can. I want to defeat {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} together—as a team!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master...''
|-
|Lear
|''Rachel! You and Umbreon are slipperier than anyone else I know.<br>We can use that! Distract them with a feint, and create an opening for me!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Roger, rogerrr!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Sawyer! You and Honchkrow have served me longer than any of our other retainers.<br>At this point, you know me better than I know myself! Cover me where you know I need it most!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''You can count on us!''
|-
|Lear
|''As for you, Hoopa...<br>Heh! You've never been one to stick to the plan, have you. <br>I'll follow your lead. You just get out there and have some fun!<br>Now then...<br>It's showtime, <player>!''
|}


*Semifinal Showdown: Part 3

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Lear
|''... ... ...<br>We...lost.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I'm sorry, young master! I-it was my fault!<br>If I'd been able to support you better... I could have—''
|-
|Rachel
|''No waaay! I'm the one who botched it for us! If my feints had been better, we coulda outmaneuvered 'em...<br>I'm so sorry, Master Lear...''
|-
|Lear
|''What are you two apologizing for? I'm not angry.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''But—!''
|-
|Lear
|''You both did well. Better than I ever could have hoped for.<br>Besides, the PML is a team competition, isn't it? Every triumph is a team triumph. The same goes for the opposite.<br>Every loss is a team loss, so don't put all of the blame on yourself when things go wrong.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Master Lear...<br>*sniffle* Sorry! Don't mind meee... Just gonna need a minute to, like, stop myself from crying, that's all...''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Young master, you... You've really...<br>I'm just so proud of you.''
|-
|Lear
|''Don't be sad, Hoopa.<br>You were phenomenal.<br>No wonder we're friends! Heh... Thank you.<br>And <player>! The fact that I lost vexes me to no end! But I will state for the record...<br>Victory belongs to you and your team today! And that means that you'll be taking my place in the finals!''<br>'''Thanks!''': ''Don't thank me! You'll make me feel even worse! Anyways...''<br>'''Lear...''': ''Hush! No getting mushy on me! You just won the semifinals. Hold your head high and be proud!<br>One more thing. And listen closely, because I'm only going to say this once!<br>When we were battling each other a minute ago...for the first time in a really long time...<br>I...had a lot of fun.''
|-
|Rosa
|''Aww... Lear!''
|-
|Lear
|''For some reason, I've always felt so irritated by you, <player>.<br>I used to think it was because you and your silly little hat reminded me of Red...but now I think I understand what was really bothering me.<br>You truly believe in the people and Pokémon around you.<br>And when you're battling, you look like you're having more fun than anyone else.<br>And...I think deep down, I might have been jealous of that.''
|-
|Misty
|''That's why you've always picked on <player>...''
|-
|Brock
|''But now you know what it feels like to have that kind of fun, too.<br>Don't you?''
|-
|Lear
|''Hmph. Maybe.<br>If I had to name one reason why we lost the match today, that would probably be it.<br>You all discovered the joy of Pokémon battling long before I did.<br>And you've had far more time than I have to develop the power of your sync stones.<br>Other than that, I've got nothing! So that must be the reason!''<br>'''Maybe.''': ''Not maybe—definitely!''<br>'''You think so?''': ''Absolutely! There could be no other explanation!<br>But know this—I'm not going to quit just because I lost one match!<br>I'm going to form an even tighter bond with my team! Mark my words—the next time we battle, I'm going to win!<br>Just you wait! Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahaha!<br>Tsk! The least you could do is react a little! What's the point of cackling if no one's even paying attention!<br>Fine! I'm done talking! Come on, you two. We're leaving!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''C-coming!''
|-
|Lear
|''<player>...<br>...Win the finals.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer leave)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Lear sure was tough, wasn't he.''
|-
|Misty
|''He's always had a lot of talent.<br>If he'd known how much fun Pokémon battling is all this time, that match might have gone a bit differently.''
|-
|Rosa
|''If that were the case, I think it would have been even more fun!<br>Don't you think, <player>?''<br>'''Totally!''': ''Yeah! I bet our next battle with Lear's team is gonna be superduper awesome!''<br>'''Yeah! Our next battle is gonna be awesome!''': ''Totally! I mean, did you see how gung ho Lear was about it just now? It's gonna be great!''
|-
|Brock
|''At any rate, we should all give ourselves a pat on the back. We made it to the finals!<br>Whether we win or lose, we made it all the way to the end!''
|-
|Misty
|''Speaking of which, it looks like our opponents have arrived.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Red, Blue, and Leaf appear in their sygna suits)</center>
|}


== Chapter 30 - The Road to Victory ==


*The Road to Victory: Part 1

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Red, Blue, and Leaf training in the forest)</center>
|-
|Leaf
|''All right! Looking great, team! Any last-minute adjustments to make before we take off?<br>If not, we should probably head to the arena soon. We can't show up late to the finals!''
|-
|Blue
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Leaf
|''Hm? Is everything OK, Blue?''
|-
|Blue
|''Red...<br>I challenge you to a battle! Right here, right now!''
|-
|Leaf
|''B-Blue! What are you doing? We don't have time for that right now!<br>Besides, if your Pokémon get hurt, they won't be able to give one hundred percent in our battle with <player>'s team!''
|-
|Blue
|''I know that... It's just...''
|-
|Leaf
|''Well then, can't this wait?<br>The three of us are supposed to be a team right now.''
|-
|Blue
|''... ... ...<br>Yeah, I know we're a team. And maybe I'm just being selfish.<br>But honestly...<br>I'm not even sure why I joined this team in the first place...''
|-
|Leaf
|''What?''
|-
|Blue
|''Leaf, when you first approached us and we started this team together...<br>It wasn't BAD, per se... Fighting on a team with you two was even kinda fun.<br>But when we started facing tougher opponents, I felt myself starting to rely on you, Red. And then it hit me...<br>Why should I get pushed to the side while you get the spotlight?<br>I'm not your right-hand man—I'm your rival!''
|-
|Leaf
|''Blue...''
|-
|Red
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Blue
|''Lemme guess... Nothing to say, Red?<br>Look at me, getting all worked up while you stand there all cool...<br>Whatever, it's fine. Now's not the time. Just forget I said anything, all right?<br>C'mon, let's go! We're gonna be late!''
|-
|Leaf
|''O-OK...''
|-
|Red
|''... ... ...<br>...I accept your challenge!''
|-
|Leaf
|''Red...''
|-
|Blue
|''Red...''
|-
|Red
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Leaf
|''*chuckle* Oh, you two...<br>Are you really that surprised? You guys are rivals.<br>Of course he wants to battle you, too!''
|-
|Blue
|''So it wasn't just me?''
|-
|Leaf
|''Even so...I'm still really glad the three of us formed this team together.<br>We all grew up in Pallet Town, got our first Pokémon from Professor Oak, started our journeys together...<br>And even though we all took different paths after that, we eventually found each other again here on Pasio.<br>It's like that old sign near your house, Red... "Shades of your journey await!"<br>Teaming up here felt like starting a new journey—like a blank palette. And I'm glad we got to discover new colors together again.''
|-
|Blue
|''Leaf...''
|-
|Red
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Blue
|''Heh! What are you talkin' about?<br>I think you need to get your ears cleaned or something, Leaf.<br>Didn't I just say that battling with you two actually ain't half bad?''
|-
|Leaf
|''Oh, just admit that you like it already!''
|-
|Blue
|''Heh! All right, all right. I know now's not the time.<br>Red! I'm gonna have to give you a rain check on our big showdown!<br>Right now, our only focus should be beating <player>'s team at the finals!<br>C'mon, team! Let's give this thing everything we've got—and win, obviously!''
|-
|Leaf
|''Let's do it!''
|-
|Red
|''(Blue, Leaf...)<br>(Let's win this—together!)''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Leaf
|''OK! This is it! Are you ready, guys?''
|-
|Blue
|''Heh! I'm champing at the bit over here!<br>C'mon, <player>! Show us what you got already!''
|-
|Red
|''... ... ...!''
|}


*The Road to Victory: Part 2

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Town)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''{{tt|Guten Morgen|Good morning}}, <player>! It's finally your big day!<br>It was such a wonderful surprise to hear that you're in the finals!<br>I should have expected it, though. You've made it this far because you worked together with your team members and Pokémon.<br>I think now, you could make your sync stone shine brighter than anyone else's!<br>I'll be rooting for you at the finals! {{tt|Boa sorte|Good luck}}!''<br>'''I'll give it my all!''': ''Don't hold back! Show them everything you've got!''<br>'''Just watch me!''': ''Of course! I'm sure it'll be a match to remember!<br>Now, why don't you go and talk to your teammates for a bit before your big match?<br>I think they'll feel extra pumped up after a pep talk from you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When Talking to Professor Bellis)</center>
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Rosa and the others are waiting for you. Try talking to as many teammates as you can!<br>I'm sure they'd be happy to chat with you!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Blaine, Flannery, Flint, and Korrina)</center>
|-
|Blaine
|''Perfect timing, <player>! You should join us!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Yeah! Blaine is getting us pumped up with some motivational shouts!''
|-
|Flint
|''Pssh. As if we're not super pumped up already!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Fools! Don't forget, our team is facing off against a team led by a living legend—Red!<br>You can never be too pumped up for an opponent like that!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Wow! Is Red really that strong?''
|-
|Blaine
|''Indeed he is! He doesn't speak much, but his soul is always on fire!<br>If you don't want to get burned, join me in stoking the fire in our hearts! Hah!''
|-
|Flint
|''O-OK! Watch this!<br>I'm BLAZING now!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Haiyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Let's give it all we've got!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Excellent! We're on fire!<br>Now you try it, <player>!''
|-
|Flannery
|'''Haiyaaaaaaaaaa!''': ''Nice! But I can do even better than that!''
|-
|Korrina
|'''Let's give it all we've got!''': Yeah! You're exploding with energy now!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Good! We're almost there, but it's still not enough!<br>Let's do that a hundred more times! Get ready!''
|-
|Flannery
|''A-a hundred?!''
|-
|Flint
|''At this rate, we're gonna burn out before the battle even starts!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Less chitchat, more shouting! Hah!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Flint
|''I'm BLAZING now!''
|-
|Flannery
|''Haiyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!''
|-
|Korrina
|''Let's give it all we've got!''
|-
|Blaine
|''Keep going! Hah!''
|-
|Flannery
|''How long are we gonna do this?!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Grimsley and Nanu)</center>
|-
|Nanu
|''Oh, you made it, kid. Could you humor this guy for a moment?''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Before you head off to your big match, wanna see what lady luck's got in store for you, <player>?<br>I'll flip a coin. If you guess right, you win, and that means you'll also win the finals.<br>Get it wrong, and you lose...and unfortunately, you also lose the finals.<br>Ready? Call it.''<br>'''Heads./Tails.''': ''Got it.<br>Let's see the results...<br>Heh. Your win.<br>OK, I may have rigged it... But it probably helped boost your confidence, right?''
|-
|Nanu
|''*sigh* I know you're doing this to be nice and all, but you really shouldn't lie.<br>I'm a police officer. I can spot a shady trick like that from a mile away.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Heh... Guess nothing gets past you, Nanu.''
|-
|Nanu
|''The kid'll do fine, even without that little trick of yours.<br>{{tt|He's|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|She's|If the player character is female}} been leading a team with this old man, after all!''
|-
|Grimsley
|''I gotta admit, you make a convincing argument.<br>I guess you didn't really need any help... Let's just forget it happened.<br>I'm gonna enjoy watching you battle out there in your big match!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Nanu
|''The kid and the rest of the team are ready to pull us through. They don't really need an old man like me, to be honest.''
|-
|Grimsley
|''Heh. You don't really mean that, do you?''
|-
|Nanu
|''Who knows?''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Barry, Erika, and Valerie)</center>
|-
|Barry
|''player>! Do something about this!<br>I wanna get to the arena already, but Erika and Valerie are taking their sweet time!''
|-
|Erika
|''It's fine, Barry. We still have time to get there.<br>Haste makes waste... And before such an important battle, you have to make sure...to...relax...<br>Zzz... Zzz...''
|-
|Barry
|''Hey! Don't fall asleep here! That's way TOO relaxed!''
|-
|Valerie
|''I agree. Erika, it's time for the finals.<br>If my Sylveon were to battle in the finals, I know it would...<br>Oh my!<br>Oh ho?<br>Wow... I love it!''
|-
|Barry
|''Helloooo! Earth to Valerie! We can't exactly read your mind, y'know!<br>You two are way too spacey! Get your heads out of the clouds!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Barry
|''Get it together, you two!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Second Area)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Clair, Iris, and Pryce)</center>
|-
|Clair
|''*chuckle* One more win, and our team will become the champions!<br>And once I'm a champion, I can also call myself the strongest dragon master of them all!''
|-
|Iris
|''Oh really?''
|-
|Pryce
|''Clair, winning the PML is a team effort. Even if we win, there won't be any individual titles.''
|-
|Clair
|''I-I know that...but...<br>Hey, aren't you the leader of our team? If you say the word, everyone else will have to go along with it!<br>How about it? If we become the champions of the PML, will you let me call myself the world's strongest dragon master?''<br>'''Sure.''': ''I knew it! I knew I made the right choice in following your lead, <player>!''<br>'''I dunno...''': ''Oh, come on! Why not? I've been working hard for the team, haven't I?''
|-
|Iris
|''Oh, oh! Then I wanna be called "the strongest girl who knows the hearts of dragons"!''
|-
|Pryce
|''Yes, I don't see why not, Iris.<br>How about this? After the finals, why don't we bring all the dragon masters together and have a friendly competition?''
|-
|Clair
|''Huh?''
|-
|Iris
|''Oooh, good idea! There are a lot of dragon masters here on Pasio! Let's contact 'em all!<br>There's Drake and Cynthia... And of course, we can't forget Lance!''
|-
|Clair
|''Wait, you're contacting Lance, too?<br>H-hold on a second! If I have to do all that for the title, it doesn't matter if we win the finals or not!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Pryce
|''You're already thinking about what to do after the finals...<br>But I suppose that enthusiasm and spirit of self-improvement is something I  can learn from!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Acerola, Calem, and Hapu)</center>
|-
|Acerola
|''Are you excited for the finals, Calem?''
|-
|Calem
|''Yeah! I sure am, Big Sis!''
|-
|Hapu
|''Ho? I didn't know you were Calem's older sister, Acerola!''
|-
|Calem
|''Huh? Er...no, not literally...''
|-
|Acerola
|''Yup! I sure am!<br>Hey, do you want to be Calem's big sis, too, Hapu?''
|-
|Hapu
|''Ho! I can be Calem's big sister, too? In that case...<br>Calem, think of me as a big sister! You can count on me!''
|-
|Calem
|''Uh... I mean, you do have that reliable big sister aura, Hapu.<br>Y'know what? Why not?<br>Let's do our best, Big Sisters!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Calem
|''Good luck at the finals, <player>!''
|-
|Hapu
|''Our team's power will be a sight to behold!''
|-
|Acerola
|''Yeah! You've got the support of your big sisters!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Third area)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Elesa and Skyla)</center>
|-
|Skyla
|''<player>, look! Elesa came to see you before your big match!''
|-
|Elesa
|''Good job getting this far, <player>.<br>I've thought of the perfect way to wish you luck!<br>But first, you have to answer a little question of mine. Which do you like better, Absol or Exeggcute?''<br>'''Absol!''': ''I see. In that case...<br><player>, you defeated us to win your spot onstage in the finals...<br>So you Absol-utely have got to win for all of us!''<br>'''Exeggcute!''': ''I see. In that case...<br><player>, you beat our team, so we know you have what it takes to win this thing.<br>Even if Red is your opponent, you can still beat him if you Exeggcute your moves properly!''
|-
|Skyla
|''There it is! Elesa strikes again with a full-on pun!<br>It's time for you to take off and really soar in this final battle! Let's do it for everyone cheering on our team!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Hau, Molayne, and Viola)</center>
|-
|Hau
|''Alola, <player>! Check out my Raichu!<br>He got charged up on electricity from Sophocles's Togedemaru and Clemont's Heliolisk!''
|-
|Molayne
|''They both said they're definitely gonna watch our team in the finals!''
|-
|Viola
|''Look at these sync pairs amped up and ready to take the stage!<br>It's simply fantastic!''
|-
|Hau
|''Viola, you're taking candids again!''
|-
|Molayne
|''You've been taking a lot of photos... Are you sure you won't run out of film?''
|-
|Viola
|''Don't worry—I came fully prepared today!<br>I'll capture every moment on camera, from the most harrowing to the most triumphant!''
|-
|Molayne
|''You really love photography, don't you.<br>But if you're taking all the photos, who's going to take one with you in it?''
|-
|Hau
|''How about we take some pictures for you?''
|-
|Viola
|''Great idea! I love it!<br>On a day like this, I suppose it could be fun to be on the opposite side of the lens!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Molayne
|''I'd usually offer to use this opportunity to gather more data for Soffy and Clemont...<br>But given the occasion, I think I'll prioritize enjoying the battle instead!''
|-
|Hau
|''That's totally fine, Molayne! Let's give it our all!''
|-
|Viola
|''Focus on the battle, and give it your all! Fantastic!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Fourth area)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Koga and Norman)</center>
|-
|Koga
|''Hmm... It appears everyone is a bit on edge because of the finals.''
|-
|Norman
|''Yeah. But at times like these, we adults have to stay calm and collected!''<br>'''Grown-ups are amazing!''': ''Thanks. You don't seem any different than usual, so I'm not worried about you at all.''
|-
|Koga
|'''You're not nervous at all?''': ''Hahaha! Well, I may not look it, but I do happen to be a member of the Elite Four, so I'm used to the pressure that comes with battles like this.''
|-
|???
|''Father!''
|-
|???
|''Daaad!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brendan and Janine appear)</center>
|-
|Norman
|''Brendan?!''
|-
|Koga
|''Janine?! I thought you were out on a journey to train yourself!''
|-
|Janine
|''I decided to take the day off. After all, the big battle is today!<br>Here, I made you some lunch!''
|-
|Koga
|''Janine...''
|-
|Brendan
|''I hope your team wins, Dad!<br>Mom couldn't be here today, but I'll be sure to cheer your team on enough for both of us!''
|-
|Norman
|''Brendan...''
|-
|Brendan
|''We'll be watching the live stream! See ya!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Brendan and Janine leave)</center>
|-
|Koga
|''Well... I suppose I may still have a lot to learn after all.''
|-
|Norman
|''Me too. Now that I've heard all that from my son...<br>I have to support my team as much as I can!''
|-
|Koga
|''Fwahahaha! Exactly!<br>We'll show everyone the true extent of our fatherly support in the finals!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Koga
|''Fwahahaha! I'm looking forward to showing off the true power of my ninja techniques!''
|-
|Norman
|''<player>! Koga! Let's do this!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Cheren and Cynthia)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''It's almost over, <player>. Only one more match to go.<br>If we win this match, our team will become the first champions of the PML.''
|-
|Cynthia
|''Y'know, many people aspire to become a champion, but only a handful actually achieve it.<br>But you've all earned yourselves the chance to battle for it, through the power of your friendship and teamwork!<br>Put everything on the line, and beat Red's team, <player>!''<br>'''You bet we will!''': ''I sincerely hope it's your team that wins this.''<br>'''I hope we can...''': ''Have some confidence. It wasn't luck or a coincidence that brought you here.''
|-
|Cheren
|''Elesa, Grimsley, Cynthia, and even Lear...<br>By defeating each of their teams, we learned something about what made them strong, and we were able to incorporate it into our strategy!<br>We can win this, <player>! Let's become a team of champions!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Cheren
|''We can win this, <player>! Let's become a team of champions!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talking to Brock and Misty)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Today's the day, <player>!''
|-
|Misty
|''Was everyone OK? They weren't nervous or anything, were they?''<br>'''They were fine.''': ''That's great to hear. But of course, having a bit of nervous energy can sometimes help in battle.''<br>'''They were raring to go!''': ''I see! I guess with such a big battle ahead, everyone must be more excited than usual.''
|-
|Brock
|''That's probably better than getting cold feet!<br>OK, <player>. We're up against Red and his team.<br>Come to think of it, did you know I'm the first Gym Leader they ever challenged?''<br>'''Really?!''': ''Yup. There's a Gym in Viridian City, which is between Pallet Town and my Gym, but the Gym Leader there was absent at the time.<br>So instead they faced me in their first battle for a Gym Badge.<br>What I noticed about Red wasn't that he was strong but that he was gifted as a Trainer.''<br>'''Were they strong?''': ''Well... I'd like to say yes, but actually, they had just become Trainers at the time.<br>With Red, what really stood out to me wasn't that he was strong but that he seemed very gifted as a Trainer.<br>I felt the same when I first met you, too.''
|-
|Misty
|''Oh, I totally get that.<br><player> and Red are kinda similar, in a way.''
|-
|Brock
|''Red, Blue, and Leaf are from Pallet Town, and they're all excellent Trainers.<br>But no need to worry. You're one of Pasio's finest  Trainers—or rather, finest sync pairs!<br>Use everything you've learned on Pasio and bring it to the final battle, <player>!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(When talked to again)</center>
|-
|Brock
|''Use everything you've learned on Pasio and bring it to the final battle, <player>!''
|-
|Rosa
|''I can't believe we finally made it to the PML finals...<br>Ever since I met you, I've had grand dreams of battling in that arena...<br>And then we went on a journey to collect all five PML badges...<br>Of course it was a lot of fun, but it didn't always go as planned. We ran into quite a few obstacles along the way.<br>But overcoming all of that only strengthened our bond as a team!<br>It seemed like a long journey, but it was surprisingly short... And now it's coming to an end with this final match!<br><player>!<br>Let's make this last battle of our PML journey a resounding victory!''<br>'''We'll give it our best shot!/Let's get out there and win this!''': ''Yeah! I promise to give it my all!<br>Let's go!<br>Red's team is waiting for us! Time to head to the arena!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Blue
|''{{tt|Bonjour|Hello}}, <player>'s team!<br>I never thought we'd be battling you in the finals.''
|-
|Leaf
|''Well, I did! I knew you and your team could do it, <player>!<br>What about you, Red?''
|-
|Red
|''... ... ...''
|-
|Leaf
|''Oh, looks like he's already in battle mode.''
|-
|Brock
|''Red never wavers when it comes to his love of battling, does he.''
|-
|Misty
|''I mean, we ARE talking about the guy who wanted to focus on battling so much that he holed himself up in Mt. Silver!''
|-
|Rosa
|''All right! Time to get this battle start—''
|-
|???
|''Hold it right there!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Lear?!''
|-
|Lear
|''I'M going to signal the start of the finals! That's MY responsibility as the host of this competition!<br>Furthermore, I'll also be the referee of this match! You should all be grateful!<br>Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahaha!<br>I suppose that's enough for my usual entrance.<br>Ahem. The team that wins this match will be the first champions of the PML!<br>This battle will go down in the history of Pasio and be spoken of for generations to come!<br>Treasure the bonds you've built with your partner Pokémon and teammates, and hold your heads up high with pride<br>Sync pairs of Pasio! Show us the finest battle we've ever seen!''
|-
|Brock
|''All right! It's time for our final challenge!''
|-
|Misty
|''Ready to make waves, <player>?''
|-
|Rosa
|'''You bet I am!''': ''Let's fight our hearts out and totally win it all! Our team's gonna win this championship!''<br>'''We're gonna be champions!''': ''Yeah! Let's give it our best shot and fight it out to the very end!''
|-
|Lear
|''Ladies and gentlemen! Get ready for the championship match of the Pokémon Masters League...<br>Let the battle begin!''
|}


*The Road to Victory: Part 3

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|Blue
|''No way! How the heck did I lose to you?!<br>...Bet that's what you thought I was gonna say, huh. But I've seen how much you've all grown.<br>Guess I've gotta give it to you this time.''
|-
|Leaf
|''I'm feeling happy, sad, excited, upset... So many emotions all at once!<br>But above all that, there's one thing I really, really want to say to you all right now...<br>Congratulations!''
|-
|Blue
|''I'll admit it—you guys are the real deal! You're good Trainers!<br>Aren't they, Red.''
|-
|Red
|''Congratulations!<br>You won!''
|-
|Lear
|''Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the first ever champions of the Pokémon Masters League!<br><player>'s team!''
|}


*The Road Goes Ever On

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{black color}}; border:3px solid #{{black color}}"
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}"| Name
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}"| Text
|-
|colspan =2|<center><player> and {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} team made their way through town on the heels of their victory at the PML finals.<br>Crowds filled the streets of Pasio in a parade to celebrate the championship.</center>
|-
|Rosa
|''Professor Bellis! You made it!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''Of course I did, {{tt|mon amie|my friend}}! I couldn't resist joining in on the big {{tt|celebrazione|celebration}}!<br>Congratulations! {{tt|Glückwünsche|Congratulations}}! {{tt|Omedetou|Congrats}}! And {{tt|bravo|well done}}, <player>!<br>How does it feel to be champions of the PML and have all of these people cheering for you?''<br>'''It's the best!''': ''{{tt|Excelente|Excellent}}! You certainly earned it!''<br>'''I feel like I'm dreaming!''': ''*chuckle* But it's not a dream! You made this a reality!<br>You made it all the way to the top! It's hard to believe how far you've come...<br>Can I ask you something, actually?<br>According to my data, you had to face a number of sync pairs far more skilled than yourself in this tournament.<br>How do you suppose you were able to defeat such powerful opponents?''
|-
|Rosa
|'''It was our teamwork!''': ''Yeah! <player> always put the team first!''
|-
|Misty
|'''It was our teamwork!''': ''Whenever we saw {{tt|him|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} giving it {{tt|his|If the player character is male}}/{{tt|her|If the player character is female}} all, it inspired us to do our best, too!''
|-
|Brock
|'''We tried harder than anyone else!''': ''It's true. We saw you give it your all every time we battled.<br>And that pushed us to do our best, too!''
|-
|Professor Bellis
|''My, my! It sounds like you had a lot of influence on your teammates, <player>.<br>This information will be {{tt|très bénéfique|very beneficial}} for my research on sync stones!<br>Thanks so much for the chat! {{tt|Arigato|Thank you}}!<br>Now, I won't delay the parade any longer! Go soak up the attention! Let all of Pasio see their new champions!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to members of Team Break)</center>
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''*sigh* In the end, our plot to sabotage the PML never came to fruition...''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''And now Lear's got most of our old team working for him. So where do we go from here?''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Ain't it obvious? We continue doin' bad! What else?''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''But we—''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Think about all the times we got up to no good together. Weren't those the best days of your lives?<br>Team Break taught us so much! We can't just let it end like that, right?!''
|-
|Masked Man (1)
|''Y-you have a point!''
|-
|Masked Woman
|''Yeah! I miss those days! I just wanna feel like that again!''
|-
|Masked Man (2)
|''Right?! This ain't about holdin' a grudge against Lear anymore!<br>Team Break is breakin' out! We make our own rules—follow our own path!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Paulo appears in the distance)</center>
|-
|Paulo
|''Your own path, huh...<br>... ... ...<br>I think I'm starting to see a path of my own...''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition back to Brock, Misty, Rosa, and the player)</center>
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Rachel and Sawyer appear)</center>
|-
|Rachel
|'''Sup, <player>! Havin' fun?''
|-
|Sawyer
|''We're here to escort you to the award ceremony. Come with us. It'll be starting soon.''
|-
|Rachel
|''There's gonna be a huuuuge announcement, too! So, like, get excited for that!''
|-
|Rosa
|''A huge announcement? I wonder what it could be.''
|-
|Rachel
|''Hehe. You'll just have to wait and seeee!<br>C'mon! Let's roll!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Transition to the arena)</center>
|-
|Lear
|''Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official award ceremony of the Pokémon Masters League.<br><player>! Congratulations to you and your team for winning the championship!<br>You formed friendships with many other sync pairs, strengthened your bonds together, and created the ultimate team!<br>The five PML badges you collected during the tournament represent five key values:<br>tranquility, freedom, patience, harmony, and pride.<br>A peaceful spirit, an independent mind... The ability to persevere, to have faith in others and bring people together... A strong will...<br>These are the five qualities that make a worthy king.<br>In the royal family, this wisdom has been passed down from generation to generation.<br>And while these words may have been aimed at me originally, I'm sure that through your victories, you've come to understand their value as well.<br>You've shown you have these royal qualities—<br>as Pasio's best sync pair and as the leader of our very first champion team!''<br>'''Thank you!''': ''You're very welcome!''<br>'''I'm so honored, Lear!''': ''The honor is mine!<br>I hope you continue to provide us all with awe-inspiring Pokémon battles throughout Pasio!<br>Congratulations on your victory at the PML, <player>!<br>... ... ...<br>That's it—I'm done with this!<br>These insipid, ceremonial affairs make me sick!<br>Why should I stand here doling out soapy commendations I don't even believe!''
|-
|Rosa
|''L-Lear, what are you—''
|-
|Rachel
|''Weeeeeelp, guess he finally cracked.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''He must have tried so hard to hold it together... Just didn't quite make it to the end.''
|-
|Lear
|''<player>! I'll have you know that all my plans are in shambles because of you!<br>Yesterday, my father called me to say that my coronation has been officially postponed!<br>The entire succession is ruined all because you got lucky during our match! What do you have to say for yourself?!''<br>'''I don't know what to say...''': ''Ugh! I don't want to hear your excuses!''<br>'''I'm sorry...''': ''Don't apologize to me. Sorry's not going to change anything!''
|-
|Misty
|''Jeez... He's upset and he's taking it all out on <player>...''
|-
|Brock
|''I guess I wouldn't put it past him, but this really isn't the time or place...''
|-
|Lear
|''But I won't let it end like this! I'm going to succeed that throne if it's the last thing I do!<br>Therefore, today, on this stage...<br>I'm announcing the SECOND Pokémon Masters League tournament!''
|-
|Misty
|''What?! But the first one just ended!''
|-
|Rosa
|''Is this the huge announcement Rachel was talking about?!''
|-
|Lear
|''Heh! As the founder of this tournament, I have the power to hold it whenever I please!<br>And this time, I'm going to be champion! I'll prove that I'm worthy of sitting on that throne. Isn't that right, Hoopa!''
|-
|Brock
|''Lear, I see where you're coming from, but...''
|-
|Lear
|''"But" what? I thought that you of all people would be on board with this!<br>After all, you'll get the chance to battle face-to-face with <player> this time!''
|-
|Misty
|''What?''
|-
|Rosa
|''Face-to-face...with <player>?''<br>'''I'd love to battle you again!''': ''<player>...<br>You know, I've been watching you grow as a Trainer for a while now...<br>And I've gotta admit, I have been wanting to test my strength against you in an all-out battle!''
|-
|Misty
|'''I wanna battle you all this time!''': ''<player>...''
|-
|Brock
|'''I wanna battle you all this time!''': ''It goes without saying that you've become a rock-solid sync pair...<br>Given the chance, I'd like to battle you, too—as a rival I've grown stronger beside!''
|-
|Misty
|''Brock...''
|-
|Misty
|''I know you're excited for this, but don't count your Togepi before they hatch.<br>Who's to say my team won't jump in and beat <player> first!''
|-
|Lear
|''Exactly! Today's teammates are tomorrow's rivals! It's the way sync pairs on Pasio were always meant to be!<br>If you want to keep your champion title, you're going to have to find new sync pairs to team up with!<br>And then my team will crush every last one of you!''
|-
|Rachel
|''Even with his coronation postponed, Master Lear looks, like, sooo excited right now!''
|-
|Sawyer
|''Between you and me, when the king spoke to him about his succession yesterday...<br>he also told him, "You battled well."''
|-
|Rachel
|''Oooooooh! Bet that knocked his socks off, huh!<br>Hopefully this'll start to mend that rift that formed between them when the queen passed away.''
|-
|Sawyer
|''I'm sure it'll all work out, now that the young master has learned how important it is to connect with others...''
|-
|Lear
|''Hear my words, Pasio!<br>I'll be announcing the start of the second PML tournament as soon as preparations are complete!<br>And that's not all—Pasio will soon be host to a number of other exciting activities as well!<br>Let all of us—people and Pokémon—continue to strengthen the bonds that connect us!''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Credits)</center>
|-
|???
|''A second tournament, eh? That does sound intriguing.<br>But not as intriguing as my own plans.''
|-
|colspan =2|<center>(Giovanni appears)</center>
|-
|Giovanni
|''It's time to sow some chaos...''
|}

[[Category:Subpages]]
[[Category:Pokémon Masters EX Script]]