So, I've had a few requests about the rivals' reactions to the Alola League and I figured I'd give it my best shot. I have to say this worked out surprisingly easily, I didn't expect that. Anyway, here we go!
Gary:
Gary had just been putting the finishing touches on his new thesis when a call from his grandfather came. He'd learned plenty about Alola in his studies, their traditions and Pokémon seemed intrigued and he'd been considering doing some research there next. The news about the Alola League coming to be was surprising, Ash participating on the other hand? Perhaps not so much.
Now curious, the brunet knew he had to watch it. It was quite the format. Although that may not be quite accurate, format would imply having a system. This league allowed anyone to participate. And that elimination round, the best thing he could say was that it was complete chaos. Gary swore he heard a vague mention of Team Skull back when he was learning about Alola, weren't they criminals? That was like letting Team Rocket participate...
...Wait a minute, that blue haired guy in the colorful shirt and the Mareanie, the Meowth hanging around them...it couldn't be, right?
Ash's team was as colorful as ever. As expected, his bond with Pikachu was nigh-unbreakable, the two truly were alike in several ways. Professor Oak had told Gary plenty about the Melmetal, being particularly intrigued with the strange Pokémon. He didn't know even it could evolve-what an intriguing Pokémon. That gutsy Torracat would be the sort who'd get along with Ash like a house on fire, the Rowlet seemed like a dork but it also fit Ash's personality well. Gary found the Lycanroc particularly interesting, judging by the commentary, he was a unique form none of them had seen before. Even looking it up on his equipment, the brunet found plenty of information about the Midday and Midnight forms but next to nothing about this so called Dusk Form. Huh, he'd have to look into that later.
Although none of them had anything on the Naganadel, Gary had heard tales of Pokémon from other dimensions from Professor Rowan. Among those were naturally the Ultra Beasts, the dangerous Pokémon who'd nearly destroyed Alola in the past had it not been for the Tapu.
...Leave it to Ash to befriend a Pokémon like that.
To think there was some point where he thought Ash recreating that Bond Phenomenon with his Greninja was as strange as it would get, ha! He was barely even scratching the surface of the boy's adventures...the fact that the island's legendary guardian had crashed the event just to battle Ash only emphasized that...
Even if he did tease his former rival from time to time, Gary knew without a doubt that Ash had it in him to be a great trainer. He sometimes made befriending Pokémon look like a cinch even when they were kids. He had this never ending passion that kept him going back despite his failures. Gary could admit that the battle in Viridian would've devastated him if it wasn't for the fact that he'd had all his badges before. Even then, that monster...
He'd been so naive at the time, if he could back and smack some sense into his past self, he would. Gary actually wondered how people put up with him back then, it was embarrassing.
Gary's lips quirked as the award ceremony began, Ash rising to the podium with the cup in hand. It was good to see him take such a big step in his career as a trainer.
Turning slightly as Electivire rejoined him and Umbreon to continue watching, he spoke ''You know, the Sevii Islands aren't all that far from Kanto-what do you say we visit home for a spell?''
Ritchie:
Ritchie had come across the broadcast by pure chance.
Alola had been one of the regions he'd been considering visiting, having heard tales in his travels. The whole concept of the island challenge and the z-moves...everything about it sounded like a great adventure. Imagine his surprise to hear that Alola now had a Pokémon league of its own. How did that even work without gyms? Were the island trials used as a substitute to evaluate the competitors' strength?
...Apparently not as he'd learned from the baffled audience, anyone who'd shown interest had been able to enter. The more Ritchie watched, the more he believed it was essentially organized chaos.
If he'd been surprised to hear of the league-that was nothing to see none other than Ash Ketchum battling it out. He hadn't seen the boy in so long but he was certainly a memorable character. Besides, it wasn't every day that he met someone like himself. Even their Pokémon teams were quite alike!
Hearing the announcer declare Ash as one of the few who'd beaten all the trials in the recent years elicited a smile from the brunet, he could certainly believe it. Ash had been skilled even back then; their match had just been ruined by bad timing and Team Rocket's interference. Ritchie hadn't known at the time but he certainly would've looked into holding the match off if he'd realized what Ash had been dealing with. It was completely unfair to the other boy, he would've thought referees of the Indigo league itself would've acknowledged that and postponed the match or something.
Regardless, they parted on good terms and the brunet liked to think of the other boy as a friend even if it had been so long since their last encounter. Which mainly seemed attributed to their travels, he would've liked to see Ash the time he went to Professor Oak's lab in Pallet Town but the boy had already been in Hoenn back then. He certainly didn't seem to stick around home for long.
Ritchie had to smile as he watched Ash and Pikachu demonstrate their unique Z-move. If anyone could be counted on to master Z-moves it was definitely Ash. His bond with his Pokémon, especially Pikachu had impressed him since day one. Charizard was the exception to the rule, but he had heard from Tracey how he and Ash patched things up and now the powerful type was one of his most loyal teammates.
But to think he even took a challenge from Tapu Koko itself in stride like that...just what kind of adventures did Ash get off to all this time anyway?
Ritchie hoped they could meet again soon, he had so many questions now and the answers were sure to be fascinating.
Paul:
It had been Reggie who actually found out about the league.
Paul had been mildly curious; Alola had been one of the regions he'd barely heard about in his travels. He had initially been disinterested upon discovering the lack of gyms only to then learn about the island trials. While different, it did sound like a challenging concept, Paul wondered he would fare.
He hadn't really heard much about what happened about Ash had been up to since the end of the Sinnoh League, mostly because he'd chosen to immerse himself in training. While their match could've gone either way, Paul was honestly enough with himself to admit that he didn't know if he could've beaten Tobias. The young man was certainly the biggest mystery of the league, storming through the gyms with his Darkrai, no one besides Ash had been able to force him to use his second Pokémon. Few people had seen some of his other Pokémon, and supposedly he had a full team of legendaries.
That was just insane. How did he even pull that off?
If that weren't odd enough, he'd simply gone to ground. Paul wasn't even sure if Tobias actually did challenge the Elite Four after all. He'd checked with Reggie and even his brother was confused, both thought the word sure would've gotten out after the reputation he'd made for himself.
Paul had heard a few trainers' remarks on Ash getting the short end of the stick...And honestly he couldn't disagree. Why did someone like him even participate if he didn't care to challenge the Elite 4 and where had he gone?
Shaking the thought off, Paul found himself reflecting on the Alola League. Reggie had told him how bonding with Pokémon was especially important and he hadn't understood why until he saw a trainer using a Z-move. Okay, he was well aware that the way he handled his Pokémon may not have been the best but he'd never even thought something like that was possible. Paul knew Mega Evolution was also connected to the bonds of Pokémon and trainer but considering that only one of his could Mega Evolve (excluding his recent catches). He hadn't really given it much thought. He wouldn't refuse a chance to get an Aggronite, of course but that was something for the future.
Still...something like that would be right up Ash's alley.
The boy had irritated him quite a bit at first, he reminded him of Reggie before he became a breeder. Before losing to Brandon made him change and he couldn't help compare the two, chalking Ash up as a naive fool who was bound to get hurt with his ridiculous philosophy sooner or later. They were like oil and water, no chance of getting alone. Learning that the boy had not only challenged the battle frontier but defeated Brandon as well was certainly a shock.
At first it seemed like they were total opposites but then it turned out they did have their similarities, both equally passionate about battling, about becoming stronger. Their issue with each other had been the way they went about gaining that strength. Both worked their hardest to get to the top, persevering against challenges. And yet while Paul usually had plans ready and preferred knowing about his opponents, Ash was far more lax in that regard and yet he could come up with plans and tricks like he'd never seen with an ease that Paul envied. That free spirit of his kept him going further and further down his chosen path.
Despite his attempts, it had been Ash who'd gotten through to Chimchar, not only helping the chimp Pokémon overcome his trauma but allowing him to evolve all the way to Infernape. He would've chalked this up as luck had it not been for the boy's skill, it was only after their battle at Lake Acuity that Paul learned of Ash's exploits in the previous regions. Like him and Reggie, Ash had gone through other regions and competed in different leagues. Paul was admittedly most impressed with his performance in the Johto League, it was clear that despite having stronger Pokémon, Ash was restraining himself to Pokémon he caught in Sinnoh, which he personally felt was foolish. Using a handicap for a better challenge was one thing but limiting your choices in a crucial event like the league was entirely another. There was a reason Paul kept rotating his team after all.
That Professor had been interesting to say the least, a powerful trainer despite his quirks. Although how people never noticed the clear similarities between him and the Masked Royal was beyond Paul. The idea of comparing him to Professor Rowan made him hold back a snort. That legendary dashing in to challenge Ash and Pikachu was definitely strange; though the three were clearly familiar with each other. Come to think of it, hadn't Reggie mentioned something about Ash and his friends seeing Uxie and Mespirit? He wasn't sure...
It was quite the match; he could easily see why Tapu Koko was the God of Conflict. That speed and power...they were just incredible. And yet Ash and his Pikachu put up quite a fight. His knowledge about Z-moves was next to nil but according to the commentator, they came up with their own unique move, somehow he wasn't surprised.
Knowing he would've been simply jealous of the other boy for reaching such heights, Paul found that he felt nothing contentment. He was actually glad a rival he had truly come to respect was growing, just like he himself had.
Paul found himself wondering if they'd meet again. He would be sure to seize the opportunity and go for a rematch. Knowing Ash, he'd like that too.
Barry and Cameron:
''That was so cool!''
''I know, right? Professor Kukui was something else but that legendary-wow!''
Barry had met Cameron when the latter came to Sinnoh for the first time. His interest in challenging the Battle Frontier naturally led to him learning about Palmer. Discovering his plan, Barry made a split second decision and challenged him. Finding out that he was Palmer's son seemed to be all the incentive Cameron needed to accept.
A fierce one-on-one battle led to a burgeoning friendship between the two, neither really caring that the result had been a draw. Both had come to connect over their love of battling, startled to discover that they had a certain friend in common as well. Said friend was also part of the reason they took up Palmer's invitation to watch the first ever Alola League at the Battle Tower.
Palmer couldn't help chuckling at their enthusiasm ''I knew that kid was going to go places. The league's definitely an experience, I see why Hala was so glad to see it finally underway.''
''Oh, yeah-the friend who told you about this was that old Kahuna, right Dad?'' Barry checked.
Nodding, the older blond carried on ''I met Hala back when I was training with the Battle Frontier still being prepared. I thought I'd test myself in a distant region like Alola, even if just for the sheer experience. And I certainly wasn't disappointed, don't let the mellow act fool you, Hala's one tough customer.''
''I'll bet, he's going to be one of the new Elite Three-''
''Elite four! It's four! How many times do I have to remind you?'' Barry cut in, Cameron looking away sheepishly. ''Geez, how do your Pokémon handle themselves with such a scatterbrained trainer?''
''Hey, I wasn't the one who charged right into that group of Ursaring when we could've left like Lucario and Empoleon told us to!''
''What was that?! It wasn't like that at all! I'm gonna fine you for making stuff up!''
''I'll fine you first!''
Palmer privately thought the two were quite frankly, as bad as each other in that regard but wisely chose to move things along ''All right, let's not get into that again, you two. Come on, what happened to all your enthusiasm? You can hardly even think of getting strong enough to surpass Ash if all you do is squabble.''
Both grumpily conceded, the words reminding Cameron of something ''Oh, yeah-Barry never told me how you know Ash, Mr. Palmer.''
''That was back when I was invited to the Twinleaf Festival.'' He recalled with a smile ''The kid was interesting for sure. I actually heard about him from Scott, he was one of the few trainers to beat the Kanto Battle Frontier since it's come to be.''
''For real? Wow!'' He knew Ash was tough as nails, Cameron was also very aware that he'd been quite lucky in their battle. If Riolu hadn't evolved when he did, odds were Ash would've won. Heck, Ash was the reason he'd even been able to participate. The boy had really gone out of his way to help, even begging Nurse Joy along with him
Honestly, thinking back he was pretty embarrassed at his naivety. Seven badges and the Unova league over in Ecruteak City…what was he thinking?
Barry was also gawking ''He never even said anything…''
''Well, I did get the impression that he wasn't the sort to gloat about his accomplishments.'' Palmer mused. ''Scott invited him to be a Frontier Brain and I think he could've done pretty well, but he's too much of a free spirit to give his traveling up altogether. It's a shame you never got to battle in the Sinnoh League, Barry-that would've been a sight to see.''
''I know, right?'' His son agreed at once ''Ash got lucky and evaded what would've definitely been a loss for him.''
''Didn't you say the trainer who beat you was the guy who lost to Ash in a full battle?''
Barry glared at Cameron while Palmer snorted ''You can't complain if he's right, kiddo. From what I hear, Paul's doing pretty well for himself too. There's talk in a few circles about him being considered for a gym leader position.''
''Wait, Paul, a gym leader?'' Barry would be the first to agree that Paul was an awesome trainer but he found that hard to imagine. He was past that crazy admiration stage of the purple haired boy, but still acknowledged him as a powerful rival. Barry considered earning the stoic trainer's respect in the league his best achievement. It would've been amazing to make it as far as Ash and Paul did, to face the far more experienced boy (and boy was Barry going to fine Ash for keeping all the stuff he did a secret!) and come out on top.
But nah, they did all right for themselves. Empoleon had worked himself to the bone for Barry's sake and the boy was ever so proud of him for it.
''I'm actually curious to face the kid myself, seeing how you talked about him before.'' His father crossed his arms. ''But that's enough reminiscing, are we going to get to that training or not?''
''You bet!'' The two declared with equal enthusiasm.
Stephan and Bianca:
''Glad you didn't miss it.'' Stephan nodded before remembering that this wasn't a video call. Bianca had actually called to tell him about the Alola league only to discover that he'd been watching it right from the get go. Alola suddenly getting its own league was big news; it was hard not to hear about it. Both definitely hadn't expected to see Ash a participant but it made them all the more willing to watch in support for their friend. ''Awesome is right, I'm really glad Ash came out on top. It sucked that he lost after coming so close in Kalos but this was great! I'm happy for him too!''
The girl definitely was too, he didn't doubt that. Why, she'd only just stopped cheering after they heard the declaration that Ash won the final match. Both were naturally glad for their old friend, even if they went about showing it differently.
Bianca's following statement made him snort ''Of course you'd say that. I've heard of the Masked Royal before, Dad's always been really into wrestling and I used to watch it with him. He's been hooked ever since we came across one of the guy's matches. Not that I blame him though, the guy's super tough!''
''Totally! It's still kind of weird that nobody noticed he was Professor Kukui all this time, isn't it? I mean, they don't look all that different if you ask me.'' Bianca chimed in.
Stephan hummed in thought ''Now that you mention it, yeah, they're plenty similar. Guess I was caught up in all the stuff that came around then…''
''Yeah, everything with those weird Pokémon was scary! Do they pop usually around Alola or something? That announcer mentioned they've seen some of them before…''
''Can't you ask Professor Juniper? You are going to see her.''
''Oh, you're right! I'll do that!''
''Try not to crash into her like you did to me and Ash all those times, okay?''
Bianca made an indignant noise. Of course he had to bring that up ''Hey, I don't do that anymore…much.'' She conceded. ''Anyway, did I tell you I'm going to be her assistant?''
''Wait, seriously? Cool, how did that happen?''
''I've been helping her with a bunch of research and stuff here and there. Like, the other day, I helped her catch a Kling near Chargestone Cave. It's really interesting! I figured, she got me started on my journey and it's thanks to her that I met Emboar and got Escavalier, it's only natural to repay her!''
Stephan couldn't help smiling at her enthusiasm ''Good on you, so you've been hooked ever since, huh?''
''Yup! Dad's all for it too and Mom's fine with it since it's something I really want so I'm golden!''
''Nice, finally got him to really lay off, huh? No offense or anything, Bianca but your dad's a bit much…'' He'd only ran into the man once when he'd last met Bianca on her way back home and boy, that was something else. Somehow, Bianca's fascination with Pokémon and her usual fawning over Sawk's muscles led to him assuming Stephan was her boyfriend. And boy was that a headache and a half…
A sigh ''I know. Mom says I got it from him but I don't know where she got that idea. If I'm extra, Dad's like that times ten!'' Stefan definitely wasn't about to argue with that one ''He lightened up ever since that time he challenged Ash-but he says he can't help himself. I still think that whole battle was dumb but Ash was so nice about it.''
He certainly agreed there too. Stephan would definitely stand up for his friends any day of the week but the man really had no right to interfere in Ash's life like that, demanding that he'd go home and give up his Pokémon if he'd lost. No matter how you slice it, that was out of line.
But it was just who Ash was, he supposed. A really great guy who always went out of his way to help people in need and Stephan really respected that. Ash would be the sort to get a legendary Pokémon to respect him like Tapu Koko seemed to.
''Anyway, how's the training with Don George going? Didn't you say something about him taking things to a new level?''
He almost slumped at the reminder ''Yeah…it's way harsher than I ever thought but we're learning loads. He wants to take me to this place where he trained with his family and mentor before-apparently, it's called Challenger's Cave.''
''Ohhh, that place…''
''You know it?''
''I heard a few stories. Dad actually trained there for a bit, he says it's where a bunch of really hardened trainers gather and the wild Pokémon are super tough. Be careful, okay?''
''Usually, I'm the one doing the worrying between us…''
''Hey!''
He laughed, almost seeing the pout in Bianca's face ''I'm kidding, I'm kidding-thanks Bianca. We'll be all right-'' Noticing Sawk standing near the door, waving him over, he stood ''-oh, I think something's up. Catch you later, okay?''
''Yup, bye Stephan!''
Alain:
Alain's life had certainly slowed down after the Kalos League.
He was more than grateful to Professor Sycamore for welcoming him back even after all what happened, but he'd admittedly been at a loss of what to do. Of course he put in all his effort to helping fix up all the damage Team Flare caused. Despite reassurances from the Professor, Mairin and Diantha that they didn't blame him, Lysander had fooled many after all, but he still felt responsible. If he'd just realized it sooner…
It was coming across Greninja and Squishy (who he found out, had actually been Zygarde all along-and wasn't that a shock?) that began helping him move past that. Finding out that Ash had left Greninja behind to help the region made him feel worse, he knew how close the two had been. The Bond Phenomenon was the best example of that. If someone even asked him to leave such a close friend behind…it may be selfish of him but Alain really didn't think he could do it.
He and his Pokémon traveled with the pair for a while, helping them deal with the roots that nearly destroyed Lumiose City, now apparently spread around the region. Even Greninja didn't know why but he was somehow able to sense them, which really came in handy. But Lysander's scheme caused this much damage in such a short while…Alain shuddered to think of what could've happened if they hadn't stopped him when they did.
The man seemed like such a good person, he was even friends with Diantha and the Professor…Alain really thought they'd make a difference out there. How could things have gone so wrong?
A familiar low rumble startled him out of his musings, realizing that Garchomp had craned her neck to meet his gaze. Mairin's familiar cheery voice came ''You're brooding again, huh?'' Chespy was on her shoulder, wearing a grin much like his trainer's. ''You've got him all figured out too, don't you, girl?''
Garchomp let out a happy grunt as the girl patted her head, having indeed cottoned onto the teen's melancholy and choosing to do something about it.
Being well accustomed to Mairin's teasing ways; Alain chose not to humor her. The girl let out a hum ''So the Professor know that Kukui guy pretty well, apparently, it sounds like he's been asking a bunch about that exhibition match. That legendary coming out of nowhere was pretty random even for them. But get this; apparently it knows Ash pretty well. Ash actually met all four of the Tapu!''
Now that, he hadn't expected ''Really?''
''Yeah, he actually battled Tapu Koko twice before! Professor Sycamore says Ash must have made a really good impression for Tapu Koko to show up like that.'' The girl recalled ''Tapu Koko likes battles and the Alolans apparently hold a few in its honor but no one's ever seen it do something like that before. It's practically nothing like Zygarde but I guess even legendaries have their own characters, huh?''
''That's for sure.'' He thought back on the stories Sycamore told him about Alola ''The Tapu are all said to be free-spirited in their own ways, they're hardly ever seen even by Alolans. Not unless they seek them out and even then there's never a guarantee of meeting them, what Ash did is practically unheard of.''
A fascinated Mairin's smile grew ''I thought it was amazing enough that he beat Tapu Koko but wow, cool! Just goes to show, it's probably no skin off his nose by now!''
''What do you mean?''
''Me, Bonnie and Serena shared our travel stories! I thought what we saw was nuts but it's practically tame for them. You know they actually met Hoopa and Diancie?'' Alain's eyes widened. ''You remember that story about all the legendary Pokémon gathering over in that one city? Turns out they were there and Hoopa called all those pokemon! The girls even went shopping with Diancie. They helped her with some mess involving Yveltal-they didn't tell me everything but it sounded super dangerous. And somehow Ash got caught up in some trap with a weird device that tied him to a Volcanion. They couldn't get away from each other, it pulled him right back if they tried and that was just the start of it.''
''…I know you're being serious but it really feels like you're pulling my leg.''
''I told you it was nuts! Heck, that's just the stuff that comes at the top of my mind. You know, the way Ash handled it all makes me think he's used to that kind of thing by now.'' Mairin wouldn't have been surprised if the boy's previous adventures in the other regions were this bizarre. ''But hey, even Greninja's transformation was pretty unique, right? I think they said it's only been seen like centuries ago or something?''
Alain nodded, recalling something along those lines. ''…Well, I guess we can always count on Ash to break all expectations.''
''Right? It'd be cool if you guys get to battle again, from what I've seen, he's one of your most challenging opponents.'' Mairin blinked. ''I would've said Steven was too but come to think of it, you guys never did get around to finishing your battle, right?''
''Yeah…'' He hadn't given it much thought in light of everything else that happened at the time but Steven's Metagross had certainly been formidable. Now that it came up though, he wondered who which of them would come out on top. Although, he had heard that Steven wasn't the champion anymore…
On the other hand, the possibility of facing Ash again after seeing him in the league sounded great to Alain.
''You thought about face Ash too, huh?'' Mairin's comment wasn't even surprising; he supposed she did know him best next to his Pokémon and Professor Sycamore by now. It was a sign of how much things changed, he'd simply regarded as a naïve newbie at the time but she was an irreplaceable friend and he couldn't imagine traveling without her.
It was true about Ash as well; few had made such a strong impression on him in such a short time. The boy's passion and dauntless spirit intrigued him and their battles certainly didn't disappoint. Sure, he'd initially decided to enter the tournament to collect Mega Evolution energy but the possibility of facing Ash again had certainly been another incentive. Even without the Bond Phenomenon out, Ash and Greninja made for formidable opponents. Alain thought their final match could've gone either way.
''It'd be nice to see him and the others again. Clemont's always super busy with one thing or the other. Serena just came back from Hoenn but she's totally wiped so we didn't get to talk much, she said she's thinking of going to Kanto next. People were wondering if she'd want to challenge Aria again, that'd have been awesome. But Bonnie's almost at the age where she can go on her journey. I wonder which starter Pokémon she'd pick…''
''What about Dedenne? Clemont's technically his trainer but I'm pretty sure he qualifies.''
Mairin huffed ''You know that's not what I meant…'' The sound of a stomach growling cut her off and she grinned sheepishly. ''…just as well it's almost dinner time, let's see if I can rustle something up!''
''By I, you mean me, right?'' Alain didn't even blink at her pout ''Need I remind you of what happened the last time you tried to cook?''
''…It wasn't that bad, right?'' Even Garchomp gave her a long look for that one. ''It'll be okay this time!''
Alain remained unimpressed ''Chespy, keep an eye on her. If she keeps trying to interfere, you can get her share of dinner.''
The Chespin gave him a mock salute, coming along the kitchen as Mairin squawked in protest ''Traitor! Hey, get back here!''
Sawyer:
Sawyer had only learned about the league a while after it was on, having returned to Hoenn to help Steven as his assistant. He'd already admired the young man since their brief encounter at the start of their journey, now learning even more than ever. The boy had been interested in challenging the league but also hesitant as he didn't want to put that above his work with Steven. But it had been the young man himself who allayed these concerns, assuring that he wouldn't mind at all. He had just managed to secure a place in the Evergrande conference, but it was a couple of months away so he wanted to take his time and train after a quick visit home.
The green haired boy's smile was wide as he continued to watch, making a note to thank Tierno again for the whole thing. He was glad the other boy managed to obtain this, it was incredible. He was getting so much experience and ideas just by watching, his notebook was already half full!
Despite his loss in the league, Tierno had been quick to strike up a friendship with the more reserved Sawyer. The boy had been initially unsure how to handle the boisterous dancer but found that it was hard not to like him. They'd started training together by Tierno's suggestion but both found it a worthwhile experience. Sawyer found that Sceptile and surprisingly, Slurpuff, had picked up Tierno's 'rhythm strategy' the fastest.
He was so happy for Ash! The older boy more than deserved this victory!
Sawyer had met him and the others at a time when he really needed help, having lost his precious journal. They'd been so kind, helping him without even being asked and going out of their way to help with Team Rocket as well. Ash had only continued to impress him since, his skill and passion, even his ability to think outside the box and bounce back after failure. All of it had really blown Sawyer away. He wanted to learn as much as he could from someone like that. Even with his losses to the older boy, Sawyer had still learned much. His losses hurt but he'd still persevered. Yet none of them had been nearly as bad as losing in the league. After he'd come so far and done his best, it just wasn't enough. Sawyer felt like he'd failed as a trainer, failed his Pokémon, all of which had been quick to dissuade him of that notion. Sceptile in particular had been of the opinion that the opposite was true, to Sawyer's shock. It had been his turn to convince his starter that this couldn't be further from the truth and the two vowed to become the best team they can be together, inspired by Ash and his Pokémon's bonds.
The finals were amazing; Ash's team had been incredible. Especially that Lycanroc (apparently he was an entirely new form, according to the Pokédex) and the Meltan and his evolution. He'd never even heard of those Pokémon before, Steven's favorite type was Steel and he'd come to obtain many of them. Sawyer found himself wondering if his boss would know something about them.
He wondered how Z-moves worked; they were similar to Mega Evolution in that both needed a strong bond to activate, right? Could he achieve such a feat with his team? Not to say he doubted his bond with Sceptile and the others but still…
Things seemed bad when those Ultra Beasts appeared; the fact that this used to happen often in the past was frankly unnerving to the boy. Sawyer couldn't imagine how the people used to live in a place where those wormholes could pop up anywhere. But he was really glad to see that the invasion was repelled and they were all sent packing. Ash and his new friends were really something else!
He'd thought the previous battles were special but that exhibition match…wow!
Professor Kukui sure was a strong trainer, the battles were amazing! That Braviary turning the tide of the battle around despite the type disadvantage, Torracat preserving against all odds and winning, even evolving at the end! The excitement reached a new fever pitch with the reveal of who the Professor's 'sixth' Pokémon was. To think that the island legendary himself had chosen to involve itself in such a manner…and Ash clearly knew it somehow. Sawyer had to wonder how they ever met if it was such an elusive Pokémon.
It was a truly formidable adversary, as expected for one known as the God of Conflict. Ash and Pikachu even triumphed over such an opponent…they had really come a long way. Sawyer had come across a number of powerful trainers himself over his new journey but he wondered how he would fare against Ash now. It felt like it would be a real test of his prowess. He hoped they could meet again, Sawyer really wanted to know what the other boy had been up to since their parting.
A smile grew across his face as he glanced at the map on the wall. He had to wonder what traveling in Alola would be like; it seemed like a colorful place. They were bound to have some adventures there; perhaps he could visit it in the future…
And that's that!
Hope that was good, sorry if I got a few facts wrong. I did try to check but I'm not sure if I got everything right. Did Gary ever find out he was made to battle Mewtwo? I can't remember so I'm going with no. What's up with Tobias anyway? After all that buildup and his team, nothing! It just feels like they put him there to have Ash lose, which really sucks because the Sinnoh league is one of my top favorites and I really enjoyed it.
To clarify, the ones I consider rivals are the ones who actually were actually more than just people who pop up as opponents in the leagues and stuff. Casey barely even shows up after a short while in Johto, not even in the league. I couldn't think of what to write about her. Frankly, Morrison and Tyson show up a bit too late to really learn much about them. Same goes for Virgil, as much as I liked him and his team, it didn't really feel like I could say much about him. Conway just seems like a bit of a creepy gag character, really. Writing about Morrison didn't seem like it would be all that different from Cameron anyway. I don't feel like rehashing the same thing. (Yeah, I know I mentioned how bizarre Ash's adventures are a bunch of times but it needs to be said. Imagining their reactions to those stories was fun and yeah, I'm treating the movies as canon). I've never really liked Trip, he kind of gets on my nerves. I thought about it but I don't have much to say about him or Conway here either. As someone who loved the Unova games, the anime really disappointed me. Nothing against Tierno (it would've been interesting if they'd done more with him) but I honestly had plenty of trouble deciding what to write about him anyway. Sorry if the part with Bianca was short (I actually think she deserved better in the anime) I did try but there wasn't much else to really write about her.
I always had the impression that Barry and Cameron would get along like a house on fire. They never actually specified when Wallace became champion over in Journeys so I'm assuming it happens between Alola and the World Cup's beginning. As for Gary noticing the Team Rocket disguises, it bugs me that the gang never actually picks up on them when they're not even all that good at times, especially Ash and Brock. Gary always struck me as being much more observant than Ash anyway, especially now that he's not nearly as cocky as before. I figure Alola being an old region steeped in tradition loads of stories could've become known by now so it wouldn't be strange for people to hear about what goes on there. I'm not fully sure I remember right but I think the games did mention how the Ultra Beasts attacks used to happen more often in the past and it's not like they really had much of a way to figure out where the wormholes would turn up, right?
Thanks for reading. I tried to stay as true to the characters as possible, hope that worked and please read some of my other work if you like this one!