Pokémon/Season 25

This is a list of episodes in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, the twenty-fifth season of the Pokémon animated series (ポケットモンスター Poketto Monsutā?, Pocket Monsters), covering the adventures of series protagonist Ash Ketchum and his new travelling companion Goh as they travel around the Pokémon world, based at the Cerise Research Laboratory in Vermilion City in the Kanto region.

The Spectral Express!

The Winding Path to Greatness

It's All in the Name!

[Note: This episode is dedicated in memory of Ren's voice actor, Billy Kametz, who passed away on June 9, 2022, shortly after recording this episode]

Ash: Hey, whatcha got in the box, Ren?

Ren: After being out for repairs, it's finally back. A lamp that Francois really loves! [after plugging it in] Come on out! It's lunchtime!

Francois/ Magnemite: Magnemite! [Alright!] [begins absorbing the electricity from the lamp]

Suffering the Flings and Arrows!

[Note: This episode was to apologize to fans for making Erika a jerk and an irresponsible Gym Leader in the original series. Granted, Ash was rude back then, but still. As of this episode, fans have finally forgave the writers for this serious offence in the original series.]

Erika: Welcome to the Celadon Gym. Nice to meet you. My name is Erika, the Gym Leader.

Ash, Goh and Chloe: Hi there, it's a pleasure to see you.

Erika: Thank you. [recognizes Ash] Oh my, don't I know you?

Ash: [a bit nervous] That's right, I'm Ash.

Erika: I recognize you now. Hi Ash! [cut to flashback where Ash rescued her Gloom from the fire] You helped rescue all the Pokémon after the Gym caught fire. I want to thank you again. You did a really wonderful thing!

Ash: Aww...

Goh: Ash, you really did that? [It does hint that neither Ash nor Erika were proud of making a bad first impression of each other since they don't mention the issues that caused the Celadon Gym to get caught on fire to Goh or Chloe]

[Goh has decided to decorate flowers on Pinsir to make Heracross and Pinsir a happy couple, only to attract the attention of Erika]

Erika: A happy couple?! [starts to get mad. Don't you remember what you did wrong in the original series when you acted like that?!] Could it be you want to use Pokémon flower arranging for romance?!

Goh: [getting nervous] Uhhh...well, it's just that... [in his mind] Am I doing this for the wrong reasons?!

[a brief stare down later]

Erika: [getting cheerful again...whew] I think that's wonderful! A trainer would want to see their Pokémon be happy! I insist that you two allow me to help you out!

The Good, The Bad and The Lucky!

[Note: Since fans were curious as to why Cassidy and Butch were replaced by Matori at the end of the Diamond and Pearl series, fans get to know what became of the two]

Cassidy: Relax, it's not going anywhere and there's more where that came from.

Raticate: Raticate! [Please, enjoy!]

Jessie: This is scrumpty!

James: It's not everyday that a complete stranger would come and save our lives! [suddenly recognizes Cassidy] Time out! I've seen you before!

Cassidy: Normally, I wouldn't respond to that but I'll be glad to show you who you are dealing with.

[The Team Rocket learn that the cafe owner is none other than Cassidy!]

The Gang: Cassidy?!

Jessie: What are you doing in a place like this?!

James: I venture in a guess that you are on some super secret Team Rocket mission! Am I right?

Cassidy: Missed it by a mile. I quit. [The gang are confused]

Jessie: My leg's been pulled by a mile quite enough.

Cassidy: Team Rocket was part of my life but it wasn't all.

James: Things besides Team Rocket?

Meowth: Just what do you mean?

Cassidy: It's true we were elite members, miles above you, but all those failed mission reports- awful! The grind had simply worn us down.

[A familiar face and voice steps out of the bakery. It's Butch who also quit Team Rocket!]

Butch: [excited] We have customers? [shocked to see Jessie, Wobbuffet and Meowth] IT CAN'T BE YOU!

Jessie: So, who are you?

Butch: Normally, I wouldn't answer that but I'm glad to show you...[the gang freak out]

Jessie: Botch, it's you!

Butch: The name's Butch, okay?! The name is BUTCH!

[Later, Jessie, Wobbuffet and Meowth are enjoying bread Butch gave them]

Jessie: Yum! What is this?

Meowth: It rocks my world!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet! [So delicious!]

Butch: Ehh...to tell the truth...

Jessie: Don't say another word. All those lousy, loser reports and the grind had simply worn you down, right?

Butch: [a bit annoyed] Look, it's my story to tell so let me talk.

Meowth: Cassidy gave us the lowdown.

Butch: Huh? You already met with her?

Jessie: Butch, we like to pay for that yummy food you gave us by working for it.

Butch: THE NAME IS BOTCH! [realizes that Jessie pronounced his name correctly] Hmmm...she's right.

Lighting the Way Home!

An Evolution in Taste!

Out of Their Elements!

Battling Turned Up to Eleven!

[Ash and Goh arrived in Spikemuth after being tricked by Team Yell that the World Coronation series match is here. The city is dark and empty. Not a good place to have a World Coronation series match...]

Ash: We're going to have a battle here? [Even Pikachu is baffled]

Goh: Yep, apparently the directions Team Yell gave us lead right to this location.

Piers: ROCK AND ROLL! [while practing with his Rillaboom, two Toxtricity and Obstagoon]

[Both Pikachu's Thunderbolt and Toxtricity's Discharge attacks cancel each other out]

Ash: Hey, that wasn't nice!

Piers: We're in the middle of a rehearsal, so no one is allowed inside.

Goh: But hold on, isn't this a gym?

Piers: It's our gym, it's our stage. Spikemuth Gym. I'm the Gym Leader here, a real genius with Dark types. Mournful Piers is what the fans call me! Now meet the band! On backing vocals, Obstagoon! [Obstagoon screams like the band members of KISS] On drums, Rillaboom! On guitar, Toxtricity (Amped form)! On bass, Toxtricity (Low-key form)!

Ash: I'm here for the World Coronation series! My name is Ash! I'm battling today!

Piers: Wait, your name is Ash? Are you in the Ultra Class? And you are from the Kanto region?

Ash: Right, so you're saying you've heard of me?

Goh: Wow Ash! You're famous!

Piers: That's weird. Marnie should be waiting for you over at Wyndon Stadium.

[A weary Piers sighs in annoyance, hinting that Team Yell has a bad habit of sabotaging Marnie's opponents. Good thing Piers is a Team leader that is not a villain.]

Piers: They're part of our crew. Sorry if they messed you up.

Ash: So, how do you know about Marnie?

Piers: She's my little sister.

Marnie: No, I can't do that! [accept a default win] I want a real battle, you hear me? I'm gonna wait.

[Marnie learns that her fanclub, Team Yell, attempted sabotage from Ash]

Marnie: [to Team Yell] SHUT YOUR BIG YAPS! [to Ash] Hey, did that lot really lie to you?

Ash: Uh-huh. They said the match was somewhere else. Thankfully, Piers drove me here, himself.

Marnie: My bro did that?

Team Yell grunt: We really wanted you to win, Marnie! You win and it'll help Spikemuth out, don't you see that?

Marnie: Not if I win that way! [The Team Yell grunts all freak out. You know you did wrong when your idol chews you out for your actions]

[Marnie does the friendly smile pose just like in the games]

Marnie: Thanks for today. I loved our match. But mark my words, Ash. I won't lose again!

Ash: [nods in agreement and shakes Marnie's hand] We'll both do our best!

Pikachu: Pikachu! [Take care, Marnie!]

Meeting Up with the Monarch!

[two kids are running to watch the show]

Boy 1: We got to hurry, Leon's battle has already started!

Boy 2: Yeah, I know!

Ash: Huh, Leon's having a battle! Wait a second! Hang on.

Boy 1: Huh? You beat Marnie yesterday!

Boy 2: We saw it all! You were really strong! [hmmm...Ash is sure becoming more famous...]

Flint: [recalls his defeated Infernape] That's why you're the Champion. Thank you. [shakes Leon's hand. Back to training, Flint...]

Leon: Good battle. Let's do it again. [sounds a lot like Ash would say...]

[Goh asks Sonia about what Leon is like]

Sonia: Let me see...He can't sit still when he sees a Pokémon, kind of like a really big kid who just loves all of them.

Goh: A kid who really loves Pokémon? You know, that sounds just like Ash.

[Goh questions Sonia about Leon's early life]

Sonia: I'll tell you. Leon didn't have many friends when he was small.

Goh: Really, why is that?

Sonia: He was probably too busy caring for his little brother [Hop] or doing chores which didn't leave him much time to play with his classmates. But I was his friend, so he saw me now and again. But one day, he befriended Charmander. And as he learned about Pokémon battles, suddenly friends, rivals, and all sorts of people surrounded him. I guess you could say that Pokémon truly expanded Leon's world!

[The drawback of being a Champion.]

Ash: Hey Leon, what's it like to be a Champion, anyways?

Leon: [a bit glum] I'm scared all the time.

Ash: Huh?

Leon: I've never lost a Pokémon battle before. And that scares me a lot. I'm scared I reached my limit and I can't grow anymore, that I can't get any stronger than I am now. [cut to a flashback of the Darkest Day arc] But when that happened...

Ash: [flashback] The sky!

Goh: [flashback] Could that be Eternatus?

Leon: [continuing the narration] I tried, but I couldn't put a scratch on Eternatus. [goes back to the present] I was frustrated but excited at the same time. There are still many in this world that are much stronger than I am. But, I'm still chasing after them! I've got a lot of work to do to grow stronger!

A One-Stick Wonder!

[Note: Many fans still insist that Ash should have gotten Thwackey as to make up for not getting Grookey and continue the tradition of giving Ash a starter. However, current generation starters are not allowed to double up between main protagonists because it will get confusing and people will accuse the writers of playing favourites. Also, Ash is still a region Champion thus giving a starter will still be seen as a large downgrade in Ash's skill]

Goh: The Wild Area offers a chance to catch unlimited Pokémon! Or at least that's what I thought...[it's revealed that Grookey ruined Goh's chance of getting an Applin, causing it to run away] Grookey, you could be a little less rambunctious.

[Goh notices that the Thwackey has only one stick instead of two]

Goh: Huh? It should have two sticks. [The one-stick Thwackey runs off]

Ash: Oh look, it's getting away!

Goh: [throws the Pokéball at the Thwackey. Really, Goh?! You can't be bothered to evolve your own Grookey?!] Poké-ball, go! [Thwackey swats it away] What are you- [rightfully gets hit in the face with the Poké-ball.]

Battling in the Freezing Raid!

The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!

[Note: This episode and the next one is to apologize to fans for not introducing Drasna in the XY series.]

[As Ash heads to Lumiose Gym, he sees a television that is promoting an upcoming event which is none other than Ash's World Coronation series match against Drasna, the Dragon-type user of the Kalos Elite Four]

Announcer on TV: It's the Pokémon World Coronation Series Ultra Class! And for tomorrow's match, we'll bring you the 12th ranked competitor, Drasna! And...[Ash's face appears on the television screen much to Ash & Pikachu's shock]

Ash: Ahhh! That's me!

Announcer on TV: A rising star from Kanto who has been climbing his way up the ranks at number 15, Ash! It's almost time, right, Drasna? [Nice that Ash is getting acknowledgement for his accomplishments, yet they still don't mention that he's a Champion?]

Drasna: I believe Ash is extremely talented which makes me very happy to compete against him!

Announcer on TV: Well, folks, you heard it here first. We've been speaking to Drasna. Thanks again! [The report ends and cuts to a picture of Diantha and her Gardevoir.]

Ash: Clemont!

Pikachu: Pika! (Clemont!)

Clemont: Ash! Pikachu! Great to see you!

[Pikachu goes up to Luxray and they bump fists, which are sparking electricity.]

Pikachu: Pikachu! (Hey, Luxray!)

Luxray: Luxray. (Long time no see, Pikachu.)

Clemont: Your opponent really surprised me! You're battling the Drasna of the Elite Four!

Ash: Uh-huh! And my Pokémon are so psyched!

Clemont: So, for old time's sake...

Both Ash and Clemont: Everybody, come on out! [Ash's Journeys team appears alongside Clemont's Chespin and...Diggersby?!]

Clemont: [Dragonite excitedly hugs Clemont] Wow! It's Dragonite! [Dracovish starts nibbling on Ash's head] Who's that Pokémon?!

Ash: Its name is Dracovish. It was restored from fossils found in Galar! I think it's kinda rare.

Clemont: Hi! Nice to meet you!

[Ash notices that Clemont's Bunnelby is now a Diggersby, who is playing with Pikachu and Chespin]

Ash: Diggersby?

Clemont: Right! My Bunnelby finally evolved! [The reason Clemont's Bunnelby had to evolve into Diggersby was to avoid confusion with Goh's Bunnelby. Also, why didn't the writers evolve Clemont's Chespin?!]

Diggersby: Diggersby! Diggersby! (What do you think? Like my new look?)

Goh: Now, the route from here to Lumiose City Gym…

Bonnie: I'm going to Lumiose City Gym, too!

Goh: Really?

Bonnie: It's my brother's gym.

Goh: Nice. Your brother?!

Bonnie: Yeah!

[Somewhere in the Castle of Chivalry, Drasna and her Altaria are practicing with Wikstrom and Escavalier...]

Drasna: Just the cutting edge I expect. Great, Wikstrom!

Wikstrom: I return the words of praise. I'll never lower my guard!

Taking Two For The Team!

Wikstrom: Madam Drasna has truly been looking forward to offering you her greetings.

Drasna: Nice to meet you. Now Altaria, please say hello, too.

Altaria: Altaria! [Hello!] [begins spinning around] Taria! Taria! Altaria! [Wee-hee-hee! It's a pleasure to meet you!]

Drasna: Simply beautiful! Altaria is my number one Pokémon partner. We both wish you and yours the very best!

Ash: [nervously] Gee, thanks! Right backatcha! Let's have a great match! [extends his hand to Drasna]

Drasna: [accepts the handshake] I've done quite a bit of research on your battle history. [starts to crush Ash's hand...and gets a bit sinister] However, your series of easy wins is over as of this day.

Pikachu: Pi! Pi-Pika? [Yikes, she's that threatening?!]

Drasna: [reverts to her cheery self] And so I bid you a good day! [heads off to the stadium with her Altaria. We all know Ash's bad track record when battling Elite Four members up until this point.]

Drasna: What did you think of them, Altaria?

Altaria: Altaria! [They don't scare us!]

Drasna: Today's battle looks to be most enjoyable.

Goh: She looks like a nice person.

Grookey: Grookey-key! [My thoughts exactly!]

Clemont: Not a chance. She fools everyone with that smile of hers.

Bonnie: And you can trust what my brother says. He didn't stand a chance against her!

Dedenne: Denne! [That bad!]

Clemont: You could've stopped before the last part!

[Dracovish tries to use Ice Fang but Altaria counters with Cotton Guard causing Dracovish to fly backwards. Altaria is 4x weak to Ice...what is going on here?]

Drasna: Aren't those feathers wonderful? They're protection for Altaria from high damaging hits. [Ash growls in frustration]

[Dracovish uses Water Gun to soak Mega Altaria and cancel Sky Attack]

Drasna: [opens her eyes where it is revealed they are black just like her hair] Alright, now you've done it!

Ash: Alright! Wrap it up! Use Dragon Rush!

Clemont: [senses something wrong since Ash never fought a Mega Altaria before] Don't do that, Ash! NO!

[Dracovish does hit Mega Altaria but it causes Dracovish to fly backwards again. Pikachu exclaims in shock. You know what that means...]

Ash: Didn't do a thing!

Announcer: Mega Altaria took no damage at all!

Goh: How is that possible?!

Clemont: When Altaria Mega evolves, it changes from a Dragon and Flying type...

Drasna: ...and into a Dragon and Fairy type! Everything is going exactly as I planned in the first place!

Ash: Augh! Dragon-type attacks don't affect Fairy-type Pokémon.

[Drasna's Noivern collapses from exhaustion]

Rotom Drone: Noivern is unable to battle! Dracovish is the winner, which means the victory goes to Ash! [You did it, Ash! You finally defeated a member of the Elite Four!]

Announcer: Ash has risen to 9th place in the Ultra Class! [Now, if Ash wants to reach the Masters 8, he has to defeat a member from the Masters 8 who is ranked 8th place. Be ready of your next challenge, Ash.]

Drasna: Congratulations! Your Ultra Class ranking has risen to ninth.

Ash: Thank you so much! [Both Ash and Drasna shake hands]

Drasna: But it won't be quite so easy to climb higher in the rankings.

Ash: Yeah, but I'll do my best! [Pikachu also agrees with the statement]

Drasna: Sirfetch'd and Dracovish are simply charming. I'll know that I'll cheer for you!

Wikstrom: Now don't neglect your training!

Ash: Right, Wikstrom!

[Bonnie thinks for a moment...oh no...]

Goh: What's wrong, Bonnie?

Bonnie: I have made a decision! Drasna, you're a keeper! Please take care of my brother!

[everyone freaks out.]

Pikachu: Pika-Pikachu! [It's baaack!]

Bonnie: I mean, Drasna? You're so strong and in control that I don't think there's anybody else for my brother, see?

Drasna: [blushing] Oh, my stars! Whatever shall I do?

Bonnie: [After getting grabbed by Clemont's arm] Wait, but why?

Clemont: I told you to stop this a million times!

Reuniting for the First Time!

[Note: This episode is to apologize to fans for not introducing Lisia during the XY series as to represent the promotion of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. The writers made the mistake in the XY series of promoting Hoenn remakes by mostly recycling story elements from the Ruby and Sapphire anime, as well as having barely any callbacks.]

Lisia: Hi everybody!

Altaria: Taria! [Greetings, viewers!]

Lisia: Well, watch me dive in! It's dazzling! Dizzying! [spins around]

Crowd: Dizzying! [also spins around]

Lisia: Lisia's Miraculous Contest is Scouting! [the crowd cheers] I'm going to bring in another fantastic trainer into the world of contesting! Let's see...[starts her search and sees Chloe] You, watching with that baffled expression on your face!

Chloe: Me?

Lisia: Have you never joined in a contest?

Chloe: Uh...never.

Lisia: That's just what I want to hear. Then let's get this show on the road! Folks, this is the trainer I'm going to scout today! [Nice Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire reference]

Chloe: Wow, it's Sylveon. [The Sylveon trainer turns around and reveals to be none other than....Serena!]

Serena: You're the contestant Lisia scouted!

Chloe: How did you know?

Serena: I saw the live broadcast.

[As Ash and Goh head to the contest hall, a familiar voice calls out to them. It's Wallace, the ex-Hoenn Champion and current Sootopolis Gym Leader. Juan must have retired at some point...]

Wallace: Well, if it isn't Ash? [Both Ash and Goh stop] I knew it! So, I wonder if you remember me.

Ash: Let's see...

Wallace: [baffled that Ash doesn't remember him] I refuse to greet one who sees the visage and gets no inspiration.

Ash: Right! [both Ash and Goh try to leave only for Wallace to grab Ash by the backpack]

Wallace: Hold it right there! Recall that your friends May and Dawn participated in a certain Wallace Cup. [Fans sure miss May, but given that May's Japanese voice actress has throat problems meant she can't return unless it is a silent cameo...]

Ash: I remember now! You're the Contest Master, Wallace!

Wallace: Oui. So you do remember after all. Good. Now as luck would have it, my niece, the top Idol, Lisia, is appearing in this very contest.

[Both Ash and Goh try to leave again, but like last time, Wallace stops them]

Wallace: There's no need to be in such a rush. As a matter of fact, I've noticed a certain Trainer named Ash in the World Coronation series. [You can guess what's happening...]

Ash: You have? Well, thanks.

Wallace: I'm not in the series, but since we've met, I must assume that it's fate. What say we battle, eh? I'm a trainer who can keep up in battle with the Champion of the Hoenn Region.

Ash: Oh! You mean Steven Stone!

Wallace: [annoyed] Well, you had no trouble remembering his name. But I'll refuse to take any offense. [Guess Wallace's loss against Steven hit his sore spot]

[Ash just defeated Wallace, mostly off camera...yay, Ash defeated a former Hoenn Champion and all the Hoenn Gym Leaders...]

Wallace: Milotic, return. [recalls his defeated Milotic] To think that I, who am on par with Champion what's-his-name, could be defeated. I tip my cap. You were elegantly infuriating so and yet it was utterly glorious. Kudos to you, Ash! As I have come to expect from you.

Ash: Thank you. It was a great practice for me.

Goh: Right! Let's go!

Wallace: Wait, right there! Now, you are able to claim your Rain Badge. [whips it out from his fingers and places it on Ash's vest.]

Ash: [baffled by this since he already earned the Rain Badge from defeating Juan] Oh...

Goh: I'm gone!

Wallace: One more thing! [he takes off his scarf and places it on Ash. The scarf is too long and is covering Pikachu] Please take this as a memento of your battle with me.

Ash: Oh...

[Note: Many fans claim that Ash should continue doing Gym Challenges because it is tradition that Ash always does this quest minus Sun and Moon. Again, Ash is a Champion and is competing in the World Coronation series and Ash's Gym Challenge quest is overused and tiresome at this point. Plus, making Ash continue doing Gym challenges would feel like a permanent downgrade in his skills as a trainer.]

Serena: [noticing Ash is heading on the boat back to Vermillion City] Huh, is that Ash?

Ash: Huh? Serena!

Serena: It is you!

Ash: How have you been?

Serena: Me? I've been doing just fine! You're looking great, Pikachu!

Pikachu: Pikachu. [Thank you, Serena]

Chloe: You know each other?

Ash: She's a good friend from some of my journeys. [Just the boat horn honks signalling it is time to leave]

Radio Lulled the Mischievous Stars!

Big Brother to the Rescue!

Ash's Rotom Phone: A battle has been scheduled. Your entrance battle will be against Raihan, who is ranked 8th of the Masters Eight.

Ash: Raihan, huh?

Goh: What do you mean entrance battle?

Ash's Rotom Phone: If Ash wins, he will exchange ranks with his opponent and be officially confirmed as the 8th ranked member of the Masters Eight who are the strongest trainers in the World Coronation Series. [Be warned, Ash. Once all entrance battles are finished, the final Masters Eight members are decided. This means that other trainers will have to wait until the next season to try their luck in reaching the Masters Eight again.]

Catching the Aura of Fate!

[Note: This episode is to apologize to fans for "Facing the Needs of the Many!" While the reunion is well received, some are still upset that Greninja has not yet rejoined Ash. When all the evil roots are gone for good and Ash's Greninja permanently rejoins Ash like Charizard did in the Black and White series, fans will fully forgive the writers for this serious offence.]

Ash: [about Greninja] When I came to Kalos, Froakie was the first Pokémon I caught. On our journey, we got stronger and stronger. One time, we had a fight because I tried too hard to win a battle...but we made up. Eventually, we took part in the Kalos League and after that, Greninja wanted to protect Kalos, so it stayed behind. [Nice story, but why did the writers ignore the Ash-Greninja form? Also, Zygarde appears to be written out of this series due to irrelevance. Also, no mention of Team Flare?]

Aim for the Eight!

[Ash, Pikachu and Lucario had just arrived at Hammerlocke Gym and Raihan walks behind the group]

Raihan: I was wondering who that was and it happens to be today's challenger.

Ash: Hi Raihan.

Raihan: Why are you here so early?

Ash: You see, I was too excited to stay away any longer. How about you? [Well, at least Ash had arrived to his destination for his match]

Raihan: The truth is, I'm already on my home turf. Of course, I'd be here early. I'd never think you'd really make this far...but this is where your journey ends because I'll win.

Ash: Well, I'm not going to lose. [Just then, there's some rustling in the bushes, where it's revealed that Leon was sleeping outside the Gym.]

Leon: [yawns] Morning Ash, Raihan.

Ash: It's Leon!

Raihan: Just what are you doing sleeping there?!

Leon: Well, you know, I didn't want to be late for the battle between you two. Guess I got excited.

Raihan: Huh, you too?

[With Ash's win against Raihan...]

Raihan: This was mine to lose.

Ash: Thanks, Raihan for an awesome battle.

Raihan: Wait! Gotta sec? [he whips out his Rotom phone] How about a smile? [takes a selfie with Ash] I'm gonna beat both you and Leon someday. In the meantime, don't you dare lose before it happens.

Ash: I won't!

Raihan: Nice! [rubs Ash's head playfully before leaving]

[The Masters Eight have been decided and are locked in place for the rest of the season...]

Announcer: And so, the entrance battles for this season are complete! The contestants for the Masters Eight Tournament have now been decided! First the winner of this match, ranking at number eight is Ash! Ranking number seven, the Unova Champion, Iris! Ranking number six, the winner of the Kalos Lumiose Conference, Alain! Ranking fifth, the Champion of the Kalos Region, Diantha! Ranking fourth, the Champion of both Kanto and Johto, Lance! Ranking number three, the Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone! Ranked second, the Sinnoh region Champion Cynthia! And ranked number one, amassing an unbroken series of victories, the undefeated Galar Champion, Leon! These eight will be competing in the all-star battles of the Masters Eight Tournament which is scheduled to get underway very, very soon! [Note: Since Flint is not seen amongst the Masters Eight, it is revealed that Flint lost too many times off camera is now back in the Ultra Class. Ash must watch out because the other contestants, aside from Iris because Ash defeated her already, are powerful just like him....]

Narrowing the Chaser Chase!

The Homecoming Crown!

[As promised by the writers, the Mohn story that was first established in the Sun and Moon series gets to finally be resolved]

Ash: Are you alright, Lillie? [Pikachu is attacking the Shiny Nihilego]

Lillie: It's Ash!

Gladion: [rushes into the scene after hearing the commotion] What's wrong?! You're here?!

Ash: Gladion?

Gladion: What's going on?

Ash: I was just following Pikachu, when I saw Nihilego about to attack Lillie.

Helping the Hometown Hero!

Chasing to the Finish!

Friends, Rivals, Lend me Your Spirit!

[Note: This episode is to apologize to fans for complete disregard of Ash's reserves between Generation V and now. The writers are now banned from giving the impression that Ash's reserves are borderline non-existent. When the writers finally let Ash use his reserves again and fix up the ones that did not get enough character development (fully evolve the ones that didn't in their debut as well as give them more wins), fans will fully forgive them for this offense.]

Ash's Rotom Phone: You have a call from the professor!

Ash: Uh, hello?

Professor Oak: Greetings, young man!

Ash: Professor Oak!

Professor Oak: You should drop by once in a while. See your other Pokémon...[See, writers, this is the reason why ignoring Ash's reserves at Oak's lab is not worth continuing especially when Professor Oak asked Ash to visit his reserves once in a while.]

Ash: Oh yeah! There's lots of battling spirit there!

[Gengar bounces around, hitting trees like being in a pachinko machine until he gets zapped by lightning. As Gengar regains consciousness, he sees an Electivire.]

Gengar: Gengar? [Huh, you're the one who zapped me?]

Ash: [arrives along with Goh, Grookey and Pikachu] Gengar! No way! Electivire?

[Just then, a shadowy figure appears from behind a tree and stands next to his Electivire. It's Paul, Ash's Sinnoh rival!]

Paul: Is that your Gengar?

Ash: Hey, it's Paul!

Goh: "It's Paul"? Who's that?!

Pikachu: Pikachu! [Long time no see, Electivire!]

Electivire: Electivire. [Hello again, Pikachu.]

[Gengar gets back up but is stumbling. Luckily Ash catches him.]

Ash: Gengar, are you alright? [gets burned] Augh! Hot! [Everyone minus Paul and Electivire are confused]

Goh: How can that be? Gengar is usually that cold. [He touches one of Gengar's fingers.] Yep, it is cold.

[Gengar hugs Ash and sure enough Ash does feel the coldness of Gengar's body.]

Ash: Well, what do you know? Cold.

Paul: You're useless. At the very least, you should know your Pokémon's condition.

Ash: Course I know that!

Goh: Hey Ash? You know that guy?

Ash: Yeah. We go way back. When I travelled through Sinnoh, he was a rival I battled a bunch of times. He's a Trainer who's named Paul.

Paul: Mm. [in agreement]

Ash: Hey, we ran into Paul.

Professor Oak: Well, well. I was hoping he'd surprise you two here. You see, Paul happened to stop by yesterday, out of the blue.

Paul: Professor Oak is a preeminent figure in Pokémon research. If someone wants to know about Pokémon, he's the best to ask. Nothing strange about that.

Charizard: Roar! [Let's go Gengar, you've some work to do.]

Gengar: Gengar! [Right, let's go!]

Ash: Let's all train. [Charizard, Gengar and the rest of Ash's Fire-mons comply, minus Infernape?]

Pikachu: Pikachu! [Let's go!]

Ash: Kay, buddy! [Not so fast, Ash]

Paul: You should leave it to the Pokémon. That's what this place is for.

Professor Oak: I'll keep an eye on them! I think you and Paul have things to talk about.

Ash: Right!

Paul: Infernape, why don't you go and join them?

Infernape: Infernape? Infernape! [Really? Heading off, Ash!]

Ash: Infernape, you take care of Gengar, okay?

Infernape: Infernape! [Right!] [runs off and carries Professor Oak over his shoulders!]

Professor Oak: Whoa! Hey, stop!

Goh: So, Infernape does what Paul does it to do too?

Ash: Yeah, cause Paul was its trainer before I was. [Those of you who do not know about Infernape and how he played a part in Ash and Paul's vicious rivalry towards each other during Diamond and Pearl series, here's a brief recap]

Narrator: Ash met Paul in the Sinnoh Region. Paul put his Chimchar through some extreme training, but when it didn't meet his expectations, he abandoned it. So, Ash welcomed Chimchar into his group. A deep friendship developed which led to Chimchar evolve all the way into Infernape.

Goh: So that's what happened.

Ash: Yeah and Infernape's gotten really strong.

Grookey: Grookey-key-key. [Whoa, look at Electivire's tails!] [Electivire's twin tails are swinging back and forth gently]

Goh: [Grookey jumps off Goh's shoulders] Grookey, hang on!

Pikachu: Pika! [Hey, wait!]

Electivire: Vire. [What is it?]

[Both Pikachu and Grookey are cheering while looking at Electivire's tails. Grookey throws its stick into the air allowing Electivire to catch it with its twin tails]

Electivire: Electivire. [Got it!] [Pikachu and Grookey applaud at Electivire's performance]

Paul: Electivire, go keep them busy.

Electivire: Electivire. [Sure thing.]

[We see Paul's Electivire play with Pikachu and Grookey by letting the two ride on its tails, Ash's Torterra is napping with Scraggy and Palpitoad and Gible are hanging out with Goh.]

Ash: Hey Paul, didn't you want to enter the World Coronation Series?

Paul: I'm not interested in noisy crowds. [Maybe that's why Paul gave up on region league quests as well? Also, no mention of Paul facing off against Pyramid King Brandon?]

Ash: So why don't we face off now? [Paul scoffs as if to say "What are you suggesting?"] Battle with me!

Goh: That's a great idea!

Paul: Three on three and no switching out. [Nice call back to Ash and Paul's first battle, but this time this battle is less hostile. Remember, Paul had to fix his attitude after his loss against Brandon, as well as be more respectful to Ash following Paul's loss in the Sinnoh League]

Ash: Okay!

Paul: One thing. You're only allowed to use Pokémon you're taking to the Masters Eight Tournament.

Ash: Fine! I'll go get them!

Paul: [recalls his defeated Gyarados] Not too shabby.

Paul: Garchomp, standby for battle! [summons his Garchomp. Thanks for reminding fans on how you mishandled Ash's Gible, writers! You're telling the fans that characters like Cynthia and Paul can have a Garchomp yet Ash can't evolve his Gible into a Garchomp?!]

Ash: So Garchomp is up next.

Ash: [recalls his defeated Dragonite] Dragonite, you were so cool. Take a rest. Did you see that, Paul? I call that the Dragonite Meteor!

Paul: [recalls his Garchomp] Lousy name.

Paul: [baffled that Ash and Gengar are struggling in their battle against Paul and his Metagross, similar to the issue Ash had throughout the Diamond and Pearl series] And you're one of the Masters Eight? If I'm giving you a tough time, there's no chance you'll win the tournament! Use Meteor Mash!

Goh: Excuse me? About your three Pokémon? Aren't they the same as some of the Masters Eight? Lance has a Gyarados, Cynthia has a Garchomp and Steven Stone has a Metagross. Is that just a coincidence?

Paul: [simply smiles] Professor, thanks for all your help. I'll say goodbye for now.

Professor Oak: You're always welcome to come back here.

Paul: Thanks. If you'll excuse me. Infernape, until next time.

Infernape: Infernape. [Catch you later.]

Paul: Shall we go, Electivire?

Electivire: Electivire. [Right behind you.]

Ash: Paul, let's battle again! [Paul waves goodbye, knowing full well that Ash is ready for the trials ahead]

Goh: He's acting too cool.

Professor Oak: Paul said he's been officially invited to become a Gym Leader of his own Pokémon Gym.

Ash: A Gym Leader?

Professor Oak: That's why he want to learn more and more about Pokémon.

Curtain up! Fight the Fights!

[As Ash and Goh reach the entrance of Wyndon Stadium, someone calls out to them. This is Hop. Where were you during the Darkest Day arc?]

Hop: There you are! [runs and blocks their way] You're Ash from the Kanto region, aren't you?

Ash: Huh? Yeah, that's me...

Hop: Okay, then I'm challenging you to a battle! Right here and now! [Really, Hop?! You are begging for trouble!]

Wooloo: Woo-loo! [Get ready!]

Hop: It's battle time! [Wooloo agrees with Hop]

Goh: I wonder if he knows you're a member of the Masters Eight.

Hop: I heard that! Of course I know. That's why I'm here! I'm gonna test just how strong you are.

Hop: Now Wooloo, Double Kick! [Wooloo charges forward]

Ash: Iron Tail! [Pikachu uses Iron Tail to knock out Wooloo...in one hit!]

Hop: [horrified] Wooloo!

Goh: So, that's it?

Hop: A one hit win. Naturally. Now I totally see why my brother likes you.

Ash: Your brother, huh?

Hop: Yeah. See, my name is Hop. Leon's my bro.

Ash: That Leon?

Goh: Your brother?

Ash: That means Leon talked to you about me! Whoa, that makes me so psyched!

Hop: But I've gotta tell you...[Ash gets confused]...I'll be the one to end Lee's winning streak! So he's not gonna lose one match before that day! [That's what you think, Hop! Many fans think that Hop should have been Ash's main rival just like in the games. However, this loss was to remind fans that Hop's rivalry with Ash would not look very convincing in the anime, since Ash is a Champion and Hop is a rookie.]

[Both Ash and Pikachu head to the dressing room where the other Masters Eight members. Just then, Iris runs along with Ash]

Iris: Hey, you're cutting it close!

Ash: Oh hey, Iris! So we're both in the Masters Eight, huh?

Iris: Right! I've been looking forward to seeing you!

Ash: Same for me! Since we've come so far...

Both: I've gotta win! [The other members of the Masters Eight as well as the stadium crew stare at the two. Yeah, save the energy for the tournament, you two.]

Announcer: We'll start with the 8th ranked trainer. He shown us the Champion of the first Alola League tournament. Hailing from Pallet Town in the Kanto region, Ash Ketchum! [Finally the anime acknowledges Ash as the Alola Champion in the Pokémon world.]

Ash: Alright! Lookout! [Pikachu cheers and accepts the cheers from the crowd as well]

Leon: Take your best shot! My Pokémon will defeat everyone standing in their way.

Announcer: And now, we're going to reveal the matchups for the first round! [The screen display two square panels for the members. It spins like the ones on a slot machine.] For the first match, it's Leon vs Alain! [So much for Ash having the chance to refight Alain as to make up for the mess in the Kalos League...]

Ash: Alain and Leon, huh?

[The screen spins again revealing the next matchup]

Announcer: And for the second match, it's Lance vs Diantha! [Odd choice of pairing since the two never interacted before and Lance did not appear in the XY series. The screen spins revealing the third pair]

Announcer: In the third match, it's Cynthia vs Iris. [That makes sense since Iris did receive mentorship from Cynthia in the Black and White series]

Iris: Me and Cynthia?

Cynthia: Go easy on me. [The screen spins again revealing the final pair]

Announcer: For the fourth match, it's Steven Stone vs Ash Ketchum. [This is to make up for the lack of interaction between the two throughout the Ruby and Sapphire and the XY series]

Ash: So, I'm battling Steven Stone.

Pikachu: Pi-ka. [He is very tough.]

Steven Stone: So, we finally get to battle each other.

Cynthia: [noticing that Ash is not backstage] Is Ash coming?

Iris: Uh...no. Ash said he was watching the matches with Goh. He wants to experience all the stadium excitement firsthand.

Diantha: That does sound like him.

Cynthia: And you didn't wanna watch from the stands with him?

Iris: Oh, actually...I wanted to ask a favor of both of you. Can we take a selfie? You don't mind, do you? [takes out her Rotom Phone]

Cynthia: I'd be delighted.

Diantha: Of course, dear.

Lance: So Steven, I hear that you know Alain fairly well.

Steven Stone: We met while searching for rare stones. You know, I hope it doesn't overwhelm him to suddenly be matched against Leon.

[Leon's Rillaboom Gigantamaxes! Grookey, being excited, bangs his stick on Goh's head. Now do you understand why Ash can't have a member of the Rillaboom line of his own, fans?!]

Goh: Grookey! I'm not a drum, understand?! Stop it!

Hop: Alright! Let's all rock out to Lee's rhythm!

[Alain's Chesnaught gets defeated by Rillaboom's Acrobatics. Acrobatics is a Flying-type move and Chesnaught is 4x weak to Flying as it is a Grass and Fighting type.]

Steven Stone: So Leon has the advantage?

Lance: Yes. Who knew Rillaboom would use Acrobatics?

[Alain summons his Charizard who now has a new Charizardite X Mega Stone]

Ash: That's so awesome! We had battle after battle with his Charizard. [Yet you did not defeat it because you overused your Kalos team and did not practice your now former Ash-Greninja form enough which cost you the Kalos League. The Mega Evolution specials confirmed that Alain had more practice with his Mega Charizard X]

Hop: You have?

[Alain summons his Charizard again into battle after his Malamar lost. They sure love the Charizard mirror match, don't they?]

Alain: Go Charizard!

Leon: I'll continue battling with my Charizard.

Alain: It's been my dream to battle you two and defeat you! [Yeah, not happening...]

Dan: Alain's Charizard is unable to battle. It's a win for Leon's Charizard, which means the victory goes to Leon! [Alain lost the match easily like Trevor did in the XY series. It should be noted that Alain is a League Conference winner and not a region Champion, unlike the other members of the Masters Eight.]

Pride of a Champion!

Ash: So it is Diantha against Lance. Which shall I cheer for?

Goh: Ash, does that mean you know both of them?

Ash: Uh-huh. I even battled Diantha too. [That's true, although neither battles Ash had with Diantha were finished. But Ash did let Diantha know he had potential during their battles.]

Hop: You're amazing. You're also one of Lee's favorite trainers. That's so cool there's something about you that the Champions find interesting. [Hmmm...seems that Ash is also the other Champion's favorite trainers]

Lance: The time has come! Trainers of the Kanto region! [We see Ritchie from the original series make a cameo watching the show. Wonder what he's been up to all this time?] Trainers of the Johto region! [We see Jackson/Vincent, Marina and Jimmy also watching the game as well.] All of you just watch me battle. And you, Diantha, as a Dragon Master, I ask of you to bring only your best to battle my Dragon brigade.

Diantha: And of course, you're right. The thing that connects us all is our Pokémon and battling itself, I too have a request to all the trainers of the Kalos region. [Shauna, Tierno, Trevor and Sawyer are also watching.] As I stand here, your dreams and ambitions are with me and so, Lance, I very much am looking forward to seeing how you and your Pokémon shine like the stars!

Lance: So, shall we begin?

[Diantha uses a Light Screen and Reflect combo]

Iris: Wow, it's like an aurora!

Steven Stone: Who knew Light Screen and Reflect, two defensive moves could be combined like that?

Alain: However, the effect of each move will still vanish over time. It's not permanent.

Cynthia: I think Diantha is using it as to pressure Lance. I'd say Diantha is clearly the one in control of this battle. [Oh yeah. There's a reason the writers are not letting Lance refight Leon in this match.]

Leon: It's still anyone's guess. If he wavered here, she would have beat Lance.

James: A Gourgeist, eh?

Meowth: Jessie caught one in Kalos back in the day.

Jessie: [yawn and uninterested] So her second is Gourgeist? [Wait a second...] A Gourgeist?! That woman calls herself a movie star gets it! Listen up, Gourgeist is being fought!

Wobbuffet: Wobba, Wobba! [That's what we told you!]

James and Meowth: Yeah, that makes sense...

Diantha: Now comes checkmate! Moonblast! [Mega Gardevoir complies knocking Lance's Dragonite out.]

Ash: Lance!

Lance: Ash, hi there. Looks like my challenge has come to an end. Now, do your best. [Lance leaves heading back home. That's the best interaction between Ash and Lance you can come up with, writers?!]

The Fiery Road to Mastership!

Ash: You know, Iris raised that Excadrill from way back when it was still a Drilbur. Man, time can sure fly.

Pikachu: Pika-pika! [You know it!]

Hop: Huh?! You know her too?!

Goh: Ash knows Iris because they traveled through Unova together. He also knows Cynthia really well.

Hop: What's with you knowing everybody, Ash?! [Maybe you should travel around the world and learn more about the Champions just like Ash did]

Diantha: If Iris is a Dragon-type trainer, then why...

Alain: [as if reading Diantha's mind] ...did she bring out Excadrill? [Diantha nods in agreement]

Steven Stone: I've heard a rumour that she actually trained with Cynthia at one point.

Alain: Which means they each know the cards the other is holding.

Leon: It could very well be changing of the guard. This should be interesting.

Cynthia: Your moves are even sharper than before.

Iris: That's because of everything you've shown me, Cynthia. [cue flashback of Cynthia's training with Iris] I simply did what you taught me to do. [Drayden is watching the event] And now to become part of our strength, lots of connections that made us Champions. [Alder, Georgia, Stephan, Bianca and Trip are also watching. You know Trip is the worst main rival of Ash when all he has is a cameo appearance, compared to Gary and Paul who have at least one episode focus in Journeys.] And so, I, as the Unova region Champion, on this day, I'll defeat you. [We are not having another Ash vs Iris match in the Masters Eight!]

Cynthia: Standing here, you and I are nothing more than individual Pokémon Trainers, as well as challengers aiming for the top. [Volkner and Flint are watching the match outside the Sunyshore Gym with their Electivire and Infernape respectively.] We will not pull any punches as I want to test my own limits, you see. [Paul is shown to have returned home, after prepping Ash for the Masters Eight tournament, to watch the game with Reggie, who just delivered tea for the two to drink.] So I will defeat you and move on! Gastrodon, ACID ARMOR!

James: Frilly girl is not bad. She's not that bad at all.

Meowth: The only reason she got here is because we trained her up.

Jessie: A bouquet of thinking roses would be kind of nice.

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet! [I couldn't agree more!]

Iris: Now, Haxorus, let's do this!

Haxorus: HAAAA! [Make your move!]

Cynthia: [noticing Iris is getting better in battles] I see. If so...[whips out her...lipstick? She applies it on the bottom part of her lips] I'll use all of my strength and I'll defeat you! [One turn of her lipstick reveals her...Keystone?! Uh-oh...]

Iris: [horrified] Isn't that...

Ash: A Keystone?!

Cynthia: [activates the Keystone and applies her lipstick on the upper lips] Garchomp, time for MEGA EVOLUTION!

[the other Masters Eight noticing Cynthia's Mega Garchomp]

Steven Stone: That's interesting. She must be serious.

Alain: True, but Haxorus still has a lot of power right now. This bout is anything but decided.

[Iris checks on her defeated Haxorus. Iris, always have at least one battle mechanic to better your odds of winning.]

Iris: Haxorus, you really went all out. You're the very best and Dragonite too, and Excadrill too. I love you all.

[Ash heads off to the Wyndon Stadium arena, ready to face Steven Stone and to make up for not winning the Hoenn League. As he does, he runs into Iris.]

Ash: Iris, I'm sorry.

Iris: Ash...[starting to tear up] Looks like I lost.

Ash: I know.

Iris: Cynthia is really amazing, isn't she? [continues crying] Incredible...She's amazing! [Continues crying...Goh then shows up checking on her as well. Seconds later, Iris cleans up her tears.] All better now. Thanks. I know, for Ash's next match, how about we cheer for him together?

Battling as Hard as Stone!

Meowth: Now it's twerp time! Rock and roll!

James: Battling someone with panache and power.

Jessie: [uninterested] I'm not so sure the twerp even has half the chance.

Ash: Okay, Steven! I'm the one advancing to the semi-finals!

Pikachu: Pikachu!

Steven Stone: You don't say, huh? Then I expect great things! I look forward to seeing what kind of battle you'll bring.

Leon: Show me what you've got, rookie.

[Dracovish uses Fishious Rend to counter Metagross' Agility]

Ash: Oh yeah! [Just then, Dracovish gets pushed back by Metagross]

Announcer: And Fishious Rend holds off the Psychic attack.

Steven Stone: He predicted that.

Ash: [in his mind] Paul, my battle with you is already paying off. [flashes back to Ash's Gengar's battle with Paul's Metagross] Closing in with Agility then using Psychic. I had a feeling you knew how Steven would battle, then you helped me train for it. [At home, Paul smiles at Ash's performance, as if to say, "He knows what he's doing."]

Steven Stone: Let me tell you. The thing is I am considered the most powerful trainer in the Hoenn region but that's not nearly enough for me. The Pokémon World Coronation Series: it is only when I dominate this event that I can say I am truly the strongest and the best! [We see multiple cameos from the Generation III anime: Professor Birch, Drew, Harley, Katie, Morrison, Tyson (keep in mind that Tyson won the Hoenn League but failed to become Hoenn Champion as Steven is Hoenn Champion), Janet, Vito, Kain, Jimmy, and Kelly]

Diantha: I've never seen Steven this fired up before. [Alain nods in agreement]

Ash: And the same for us!

Pikachu: Pika!

Ash: For all the people who cheered me on up until now. [We see Chloe, Professor Cerise, Ren, Chrysa, and Mimey watch the show] For all of my Pokémon, I will win this for sure! [We see Delia, Professor Oak, Tracey, and Ash's reserves.]

Jessie: Told you the twerp's completely outclassed.

Meowth: Have you lost it?

James: Are you mad?

Jessie: [enraged] I'M TOTALLY NOT MAD!

Wobbuffet: Wobba wobba wob! [Take it easy!]

Meowth: It's Pikachu time!

James: I smell turnaround!

Jessie: Pikachu, don't even think about losing! Do you hear me?!

Wobbuffet: Wobba Wobba! [Come on and win this, Pikachu!]

[Steven's Cradily loses to Pikachu]

Steven Stone: That was just terrific! Each one of your moves leaves me totally surprised, Ash!

Ash: It's all because Gengar set it up for Pikachu.

[Ash had defeated the Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone, and is now in the semi-finals ready to face Cynthia for the first time. You wanted to fight Cynthia, you got it, Ash!]

Cynthia: Ready, Ash? Our match is near...

Ash: Hey, Steven!

Steven Stone: You know, Ash. The feelings you have for your Pokémon and the way they respond to you, they gave their all in battle for that. They came together as one and, as a result, created an even greater power. And that's the reason you were able to grasp your victory today. And a spectacular win it was.

[Outside Wyndon Stadium, Iris, Steven and Alain are heading back to their home regions...]

Steven Stone: Your next opponent is Cynthia. Still, with Pikachu and your other Pokémon, you can win. I believe in you, Ash.

Alain: I'm certain you can do it. [That's the best interaction between Ash and Alain you can do in Journeys, writers?!]

Iris: Can't wait for you to tell me all about it!

Ash: And that's what I am gonna do! [Pikachu exclaims in agreement]

Infinite Possibilities!

[One day, at the Eevee Evolution Lab, some evolved forms of Eevee are chilling out as a Leafeon pops out a bush]

Leafeon: Leaf.

[A Flareon chases after it]

Flareon: Flare, flare.

Narrator: This is the Eevee Evolution Lab, where today, Eevee is having a health check up.

[Inside the lab, Chloe and her Eevee are with Pinery who is checking Eevee's health]

Pinery: [Turns round to Chloe] Perfect health. Eevee's doing just fine.

Chloe: That's wonderful.

Chloe's Eevee: Eevee.

Chloe: So, how have you and Eevee been spending your time lately?

Chloe: It's been great, we took a trip to see Sylveon. [A flashback occurs] And we even performed in a Pokémon Contest Spectacular. Eevee even used Fairy Wind.

Pinery: You really used Fairy Wind? [The camera cuts to Eevee scratching herself] I wish I'd seen you two in action.

Chloe's Eevee: Eevee. Eevee vee vee.

Chloe: After that, we met the Eevee of a friend who lives in Alola. She's Lana.

[A flashback occurs to when Chloe met Lana]

Lana: There's one more. The Eevee path.

Chloe: Hm?

Lana: Eevee can always just stay Eevee, like Ash's Pikachu.

Chloe: Ash's Pikachu. You're right. So then there are nine paths available for Eevee. Of course. [The flashback ends] Lana taught me something back then, about all of Eevee's possibilities.

Pinery: That's true. She's so right. You and Eevee will decide, if it's Eevee... [The evolutions of Eevee appear in a fantasy] ...or Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, Sylveon. Those are all the evolutions you can choose from.

Chloe: Right.

Pinery: Tell me, is Eevee interested in them?

Chloe: Completely. The thing is, it can't choose. I don't know what to do. Eevee loves every evolved form.

Pinery: Really?

Chloe's Eevee: Eevee vee. [Pinery is right, Chloe.]

It's... Champion Time!

[Dragonite glomps Ash sending the two sliding to where Cynthia is with her Garchomp]

Cynthia: Ash, is that you? Dragonite?

Ash: Hey, Cynthia!

Goh: Sorry, we interrupted you!

Cynthia: Don't be. We're just fine. I'd say that enthusiasm means you're making final preparations before our match.

Ash: Yeah, I am! Does that mean you are too?

Cynthia: I am. [to Garchomp] Now, try flying.

Vic: A partner...my choice? I decided Grookey will be my first Pokémon!

Goh: You'd pick Grookey? Good choice!

Grookey: Grookey-key! [Glad to hear!]

Vic: Then I'd evolve it up to Rillaboom like Leon did, and get it to Gigantamax!

Goh: Well first, you have to evolve it into a Thwackey.

Vic: Right! Then we'll use a move that is just as cool as 10 million Volt Thunderbolt!

Vic: Cynthia, what was your first Pokémon?

Ash: You know, I don't even think I know that.

Cynthia: [addressing her Garchomp] This one here. We've been on many adventures since it was a Gible.

Ash: Yeah.

Goh: I thought you could only use Piplup, Chimchar, or Turtwig?

Cynthia: Right. This one came from an egg.

Cynthia: With Pokémon Eggs, you never know what will come from them, right? [The flashback reveals Cynthia as a little girl with her egg that later became her ace] And anticipating what kind of Pokémon will emerge...it's so exciting! I did everything I could to keep it warm. And when the time came, this is who hatched! [Her Gible] I was beyond overjoyed!

Ash: Actually, my Lucario came from an egg too!

Goh: And a very strange egg it was...

Cynthia: Strange?

Vic: What do you mean?

Goh: It wouldn't hatch. No matter who cared for it. It went to lots of regions and still couldn't figure it out. But then the egg called out to Ash.

Vic: Whoa!

Ash: True and then I felt some kind of aura coming from it.

Vic: They call Lucario, the Aura Pokémon, don't they? You're so awesome!

Cynthia: Ash, maybe it was waiting for you.

Ash: You think so?

Cynthia: Actually, I've heard rumors. They were talking about that strange egg. So that was you!

Goh: Ash, over there! Look!

Ash: Whoa! [The scoreboard reveals that Leon only lost Dragapult with Rillaboom being active, while Diantha has Goodra active and lost Gourgeist, Aurorus, Tyrantrum, and Hawlucha. The writers just pulled a "Lost at the League!" on us, didn't they?!]

Hop: [seeing that Leon is now in the finals] Yeah! All right! Leon's the best!

Vic: Ash, I wanna have totally cool battles just like Leon!

Cynthia: You should have lots of adventures first where you catch Pokémon and battle with them.

Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!

[As Cynthia is heading towards the stadium, she runs into Diantha.]

Diantha: I'll cheer for you.

Cynthia: Thanks, Diantha. I promise that I won't let you down.

Diantha: If anyone breaks Leon's unbeaten streak, it's got to be you.

Cynthia: But no pressure, right? I've decided something.

Diantha: What's that?

Cynthia: Once this tournament is over, I'm going to retire from battling. [This hints that a lot of challengers who fought Cynthia stood no chance against her. Little did Cynthia realize, someone might stand a chance and overpower her...]

Diantha: Huh? You're retiring?

[Cynthia summons her Spiritomb]

Diantha: That Cynthia, using a Pokémon no one predicted. She now controls the field.

[Cynthia's Spiritomb drains Dragonite of her strength using Dream Eater multiple times]

Jessie: You know, that's absolutely vicious!

James: Didn't I tell you they're strong?

Meowth: Dragonite's power is slowly drained away.

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet. [So horrifying.]

Ash: Dragonite return! [recalls Dragonite after recklessly leaving it out in the battlefield open for attacks] Sorry. I promise no one else is going to lose that way.

[Cynthia noticing Ash using his Pikachu against her Togekiss.]

Cynthia: [in her mind] I'd say he's trying to change the pace with his number one partner.

[Cynthia summons her Gastrodon into battle]

Hop: This isn't good. Electric type attacks won't work on Gastrodon!

Goh: Cynthia really has Ash figured out. She wants to keep Pikachu from switching out by taking it down right now.

Diantha: When it comes to Ash, good or bad matchups make no difference. His attack rhythm is excellent, too. [Diantha is really becoming a fan of Ash...]

Leon: My kind of match. I love this!

Cynthia: [in her mind] Ash has the skill to turn a tight spot into an opportunity. It's wonderful how Pikachu responds to it.

[Pikachu is spinning around using Thunderbolt. The technique we all love in Diamond and Pearl, the Counter-Shield, is back!]

Goh: Hey, what's going on?

Hop: Pikachu's breakdancing! [Not exactly]

Cynthia: It's a little early for a victory dance. Use Hypnosis! [Should have watched Ash's battle against Fantina, Cynthia. Spiritomb complies using Hypnosis at Pikachu, only for it to get countered]

Announcer: Spiritomb's Hypnosis move has somehow gotten caught in the Thunderbolt attack and it can't reach Pikachu.

Cynthia: But how? [You forgot about that tactic that Ash and Paul used in the Sinnoh League?!]

Ash: Let's finish this! [Pikachu's Thunderbolt injures Spiritomb]

Leon: It's true! Offense is the best Defense!

Ash: Cynthia! While we were in Sinnoh, we came up with the Counter Shield technique.

Cynthia: I remember that one! You demonstrated back in the Sinnoh League! [Oh, never mind then]

Valor: A Strategic Part of Battling!

Hop: A one Pokémon advantage is big and Cynthia's way too tough.

[The Team Rocket gang race to the front row to check on Ash's progress]

Jessie: Hey twerp, what's up? Where did that first round fighting spirit run off to?

Meowth: You're leaving us in the loser's lurch!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet. [Get yourself together.]

Diantha: Neither have them used Dynamax or Mega Evolution.

Leon: They're not ready yet. It's exactly when to use them that will be the key to victory here.

[Ash summons his Dracovish while Cynthia summons her Garchomp]

Ash: Garchomp...is it time for Mega Evoution? [Cynthia doesn't respond. What hidden tricks does she have?] We'll hit it head on! Use Ice Fang!

[Cynthia puts her Roserade back into the area and it's all fine?!]

Ash: Roserade's not burned now?

Hop: That's so weird. It was just hit by Gengar's Will-o-wisp. [Unless...]

Goh: Hold on a second. That must mean Cynthia's Roserade...

Cynthia: Roserade's ability is Natural Cure. By returning to its Poké-ball, it can heal from things like burns or poison.

Ash: So that's why you switched it out. Okay, what's my next move?

Cynthia: [in her mind] Since you understand how your Pokémon feel, you would do that. But it's exactly what will give me the chance to win! [Don't be so sure, Cynthia, until the end of the round...She then exclaims out loud] Spirit of water, Milotic, go! [Summons her Milotic in battle. Oh dear, Cythina, if only you knew how many Milotic Ash loved to beat up]

[Sirfetch'd uses Brutal Swing by throwing his shield like a boomerang, cancelling out Stealth Rock]

Cynthia: How can they do that?!

Announcer: With its extremely high spin rate, Sirfetch'd shield is destroying one Stealth Rock shard after another.

Hop: Is that even possible?

Goh: Hey, it's Ash! Stuff like this is where he's at his best!

Diantha: I thought Garchomp might Mega Evolve, but...

Leon: She has something else in mind. [This makes sense because, besides Iris, Cynthia hung out with Ash more compared to the other members of the Masters Eight, meaning she knows more about how Ash battles.]

Cynthia: Togekiss, return now! [recalls her Togekiss]

Ash: Wait, what?

Announcer: Oh! Another switch out! [Nope. The camera reveals that Cynthia has a...]

Lucario: Raw? [Is that...]

Ash: A Dynamax band?!

Pikachu: Pika! [It is!]

Announcer: Hey, that's no switch out!

Cynthia: Togekiss, soar with white wings! Now Dynamax, let's go! [Seconds later, Togekiss enlarges and pops out of the Dynamax Poké-ball. Cynthia knew that Ash would try and fight Mega Garchomp, hence why she threw him off guard.]

Togekiss: Togekiss. [You're in trouble now.]

Whittle While you Work!

Hop: I thought Cynthia was going to Mega-Evolve her Garchomp this time.

Goh: Ash, what's your next step going to be?

Cinderace: Cinderace! [Don't lose to Togekiss!]

[Noticing that Ash has Mega-Lucario ready for the match]

Diantha: Now, we'll witness the power of the bond between Ash and Lucario.

Leon: Mega-Evolution vs Dynamax. That's what the Masters Eight Tournament is about!

[Togekiss reverts back to normal but is still active]

Diantha: It seems quite possible that Ash is evolving during this battle as well.

Leon: I agree. He's putting on quite a display of Aura power. But facing the Sinnoh Champion, she's not one you beat with power alone. [looking at you, Paul, Flint, Aaron, Lucian and others who tried that stunt and failed...]

Diantha: Of course, Cynthia...[recalls Cynthia mentioning about retiring after the Masters Eight tournament to Diantha]

Cynthia: Hey Garchomp. [Garchomp turns her attention to Cynthia] Looking at Ash brings back memories of all the wonderful times that you and I had together.

Garchomp: Garchomp. [I remember.]

[The flashback shows Cynthia and her then baby Gible having fond memories: running through a field, catching a Feebas that later became her Milotic, seeking shelter in a cave in the middle of a rainstorm, Gible becoming Gabite, Cynthia looking at the Dialga and Palkia legends at Amity Square first seen in "Top Down Training!" in the Diamond and Pearl series, Gabite becoming a Garchomp and helping Cynthia win the Sinnoh League and be crowned Champion]

Cynthia: When everything we saw was brand new. How we were filled with excitement at the great big world and its legends! As challengers, we tested ourselves in all kinds of situations. That was then...

Garchomp: Garchomp. [That's true.]

Cynthia:...but now, we will be the ones to take on Leon! Alright, use Scale Shot!

[Ash's Mega-Lucario gets back up but Cynthia's Garchomp is unconcious from the Reversal hit. You know what that means...]

Dan: Garchomp is unable to battle! So the victory goes to Ash Ketchum! [Yes! You took down the Sinnoh Champion! Now the fans have finally forgiven the writers for Ash's Sinnoh League loss. Wonder how Paul would react to Ash's win against Cynthia?]

Jessie: Finally, he pulls off an upset that I'm happy about!

James: Defeating both the Hoenn and Sinnoh Champions means one thing.

Jessie, James and Meowth: It's not luck!

Wobbuffet: Wobbu! [No it isn't!]

[Just then, the Rocket gang realized something...]

Meowth: We did have a reason for being here, right?

Jessie: To provide commentary for fun and profit and...

James: Steal some super strong Pokémon!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet. [Oh yeah, we forgot about that.]

Cynthia: Ash.

Ash: Hm. [Cynthia extends her hand towards him for a handshake, which he accepts.] Thanks, Cynthia.

Cynthia: I'm the one who should be thanking you. [Ash is confused] Watching you and your Pokémon interacting in so many ways. It made me realize just how many things there are still left for me to learn. Thank you, Ash. Truly.

Grookey: [off camera] Grookey! [Heck yeah!]

Cynthia: Let's battle again someday.

Ash: Sure!

[Cynthia leaves the stadium and runs into Diantha again.]

Diantha: That was a good battle.

Cynthia: Even though I lost...[giggles a bit]...I'm taking back my decision to retire.

Diantha: [relieved] I thought you'd do that. [Did any fans really thought the Sinnoh Champion was going to retire that easy after her loss? Good thing Ash was not aware of Cynthia's retirement plan.]

Cynthia: Something so exciting and fun. I just can't quit. In battle and in research, there's still a lot left to master.

Diantha: That's how it should be!

Just a Scone's Throw From Here!

[Leon summons Eternatus while showing it off to Ash and Goh, much to their shock]

Sonia: Surprised?

Goh: Yeah...[remembers Eternatus in the Darkest Day arc] I mean it was so over the top destructive. That was the reason I had Professor Magnolia take it.

Sonia: We decided for the time being, we'd keep it in a place deep underground below the lab. Things is, staying asleep all the time isn't much of a life.

Professor Magnolia: Right. Eternatus has a deep connection to Galar particles. The energy that flows through the region, this is how Pokémon cannot be separated from the Galarian way of life. We must all learn to co-exist with Eternatus.

[Goh receives a notification on his phone, much to his shock.]

Ash: Goh, what's up?

Goh: Sorry, Ash. Looks like I won't be able to see your battle tomorrow. That was an emergency communication from Project Mew. I've got to pack up and leave ASAP.

Ash: Okay. You better go find Mew right away.

Goh: I will and you better win that match!

Ash: Got it! [If Goh cannot watch Ash's match in person due to Project Mew, then who is going to root for Ash in Goh's place?]

A Flood of Torrential Gains!

Gary: Hey Goh, it's too bad.

Goh: Oh?

Gary: Ash's final Masters Eight tournament match is today, isn't it?

Goh: It sure is. Even so, I trust that he's going to win. See, we promised each other. Next time we meet, we'll both be smiling.

Gary: Yeah, you're right. [Okay, so Gary and Goh cannot see Ash's battle against Leon due to Project Mew commitments...make sense]

[Backstage, Ash places his Z-ring, Dynamax band and Mega Gloves on. He then faces his Journeys team.]

Ash: Hey guys, you ready? Then let's do this! [The rest of the Journeys team declare themselves ready for the match.] We're gonna win, right?! [The team exclaim in agreement. Just then, a Piplup and Eevee run up to Ash and his team. Could it be...?]

Ash: What? [Just then, Dawn and Chloe show up into the backstage area]

Dawn: Hi there, Ash!

Chloe: Sorry to barge in!

Ash: Dawn, Chloe!

Chloe: We'll both cheer for you and since Goh couldn't make it, I'll cheer on his behalf too. [Nice substitutes, but where are the rest of Ash's other companions, not counting Tracey, Goh, and Iris?]

Ash: Awesome, thanks a lot.

Chloe: Besides, I wanted to let Eevee see a live tournament.

Eevee: Eevee! [You know it!]

Dawn: I can understand that. I watched all this time on TV, but I just had to be there for this!

Chloe: Everyone's cheering for you, back at the lab. Give it you're all, okay?

Hop: Lee, what's wrong?

Leon: [in his mind] Feeling nervous but in a good way. I wonder why am I remembering my first Pokémon battle now?[reveals flashback of a young Leon facing a young Sonia. This is a foreshadow of what the results are going to be...]

[Piplup wearing his old cheerleader outfit from the Diamond and Pearl series. He is showing off his cute cheers to Chloe.]

Chloe: You are just so cute in that outfit!

Dawn: Isn't it great? Piplup always cheered like that back in Sinnoh, too.

Announcer: [We see Iris sitting in a tree watching the game on her tablet computer (went home to Unova to resume her Unova Champion duties), Lance is watching the game with Dragonite on his phone, Alain is with Mairin and Professor Sycamore at Sycamore's lab watching the game] And now, let's bring our finalists to the field. Ranked 8 in the Masters Eight, the very first Champion of the Alola region and hailing from Kanto, Ash Ketchum! [crowd cheering]

Dawn: If Ash can't do it, no one can! [Both Piplup and Eevee are cheering on as well]

Chloe: So many people cheering for Ash!

Announcer: Ever since Ash entered the World Coronation series, he has taken on and defeated a long list of powerful opponents. [Steven is watching the game in a meeting room inside Devon Corporation.] Perhaps, the most watched contestant, he even defeated Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone. Ash, then, took on the Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia, and emerged victorious. [Both Diantha and Cynthia are watching the game in person in the VIP box. Those two female Champions must now be big fans of Ash...] He has used Dynamax, Z-Moves and Mega Evolution, combining them with a Pokémon battling style of his own. So what kind of inspired moves will he make today? Now the one facing Ash. Here's the reigning Monarch with worldwide name recognition. He's the role model and battling goal for Pokémon trainers all over the globe. Ranked no. 1 in the Masters Eight, the Champion of the Galar region, Leon!

Dan: The finals consists of a six-on-six full battle. There will be no limits on time or switching out Pokémon. The one who leaves all six of their opponents Pokémon unable to battle wins! Also, a contestant is only permitted to use Dynamax, a Z-move or Mega Evolution once per-

Leon: Hold it!

Dan: Leon?

Leon: Just once is pretty boring. So come at me using them all, okay?

Ash: Really?

Leon: This is the ultimate test of the all out competition! I want to battle with all their power! That's right! And that's why I want all of your Pokémon to hit us with everything we got! Dynamax, Z-moves and Mega Evolution! I want to battle against all of them! I want to challenge them all and beat them all! What about you? Don't you want to see a full power battle?! [The crowd cheers loudly which is cool, but we need approval from the officials first, Leon!]

Hop: Go Lee! Yeah, that's my brother with the awesome ideas!

Chloe: What does that mean?

Dawn: That means it'll be an amazing match!! Alright, you can do it, Ash!!

Dan: [contacting the officials of Leon's proposition] Yes. Mmm-hmmm. I see. [hangs up] The officials in charge of the World Coronation series have agreed to Leon's suggestion! Ash, do you agree?

Ash: You bet! Sounds awesome! [Okay! Now we can start the show with this rule!]

Cynthia: That's something Leon would do.

Diantha: Yes. This might become the kind of battle we'll never see again.

[Leon summons his Cinderace out while Ash summons his Pikachu.]

Ash: I'm counting on you! I want you to be the first on the field.

[Leon summons his Inteleon into battle. Leon has all three Galar starters which he must have obtained prior to becoming Champion! Now do you understand why the tradition of giving Ash, a region Champion, new starters has been banned after the Sun and Moon series, fans?! Ash summon his Gengar into the match.]

Ash: This time, it's Inteleon?! It's like we're battling Goh's Pokémon!

Toying With Your Motions!

[Ash summons his Sirfetch'd into battle against Mr. Rime. Uh...]

Leon: A Fighting type?

Cynthia: Against a Psychic type like Mr. Rime. Sirfetch'd is at a disadvantage.

[Sirfetch'd uses Fury Cutter on the ice terrain, cancelling out Mr. Rime's field advantage.]

Announcer: The energy of Psychic Terrain has been eliminated!!

Mr. Rime: Huh?

Ash: That's the way, Sirfetch'd!

Sirfetch'd: Sirfetch'd. [That's how I do it.]

Leon: So that's the reason.

Diantha: Since it's a Bug-type move, it's capable of destroying a Psychic-type move? [You had to watch the Ash vs. Valerie Gym Battle, Diantha, because that is the same tactic Ash used before.]

Chloe: I guess not all moves are meant to attack Pokémon.

Dawn: Yep! That's the way Ash rolls!

[Leon's Dragapult strikes Dragonite with Dragon Tail switching Dragonite out for Mega Lucario]

Announcer: It happened again with Dragon Tail! This time it forced Mega Lucario onto the field.

Diantha: It must be hard for Ash to work that way.

Cynthia: Ash may have more Pokémon remaining, but Leon's the one controlling the pace.

Ash: [recalls his Lucario] Lucario, return. You gave it all that you had. I already knew Leon's strong! Even if I'm ahead, he catches up!

Sonia: Leon looks like he's not even trying.

Chloe: Oh, Ash.

Dawn: He'll be fine! No need to worry!

James: Dragapult's just too powerful.

Meowth: This could be bad news for the twerp.

Jessie: Get it together! We're up here cheering our little lungs out!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet! [Get your act together!]

Paring Pokémon While Parrying!

Leon: When I bring out my Grass-type, a lot of opponents tend to use Flying-type attacks. This is how we answer that.

Dawn: Offense is the best defense? Seems like Leon is acting a bit like Ash does.

Chloe: Huh?

Dawn: Don't you think that both of them have similar battling styles?

Chloe: Mm.

Jessie: Why, you big Champion jerk!

James: He keeps grabbing the momentum.

Meowth: Nope. Pikachu and Dracovish are still in this thing.

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet! [I'm still worried though!]

Leon: Ash, thanks to you and your Pokémon, my Pokémon and I are truly living up to our greatest potential. But it's kind of really sad. You have two Pokémon. True, this battle has been great, but it's soon about to end.

[With Rillaboom down, both Ash and Leon have two Pokémon left. Now it's anybody's game.]

Announcer: Ash caught up almost immeadiately! [Clemont and Bonnie are shown watching the game from the Lumiose Gym. This makes sense because Clemont and Bonnie have to run their Gym together which is why they could not show up to watch the game in person. They also appear to be aware that Ash should keep his guard up, but at least they are rooting for him]

[With Dracovish out, Pikachu is the only one left!]

Chloe: Do you think they'll be alright?

Dawn: They'll be fine! Those two can handle anything!

Leon: Hey, Ash.

Ash: Huh?

Leon: Charizard was my very first Pokémon. It's gone on all of my adventures. My partner from the very beginning. My very first battle. My very first catch. [a brief flashback shows a young Leon and his Charmander, alongside Sonia.] My very first evolution. Time and time again, it's been there with me.

Ash: I hear you, Leon. I've gone on every adventure with Pikachu. That's why I want Pikachu to beat Charizard.

[Ash is ready to execute Pikachu's special Z-move]

Leon: I've been waiting for this!

Announcer: Here we go! Ash and Pikachu have begun their Z-move!

Ash: Much bigger than a Thunderbolt! 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt! Yeah, this is much, much bigger! At super full power! [Ash's Alola team, Alolan companions (Lillie, Rotom Dex, Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles) and their mons, Gladion, Professors Kukui and Burnet, Lei, and Principal Oak all watch the battle, rooting for their Alolan Champion. The Alolan companions and Gladion are students, the adults are staff members keeping the Alolan Pokémon school running and Kukui and Burnet have to take care of Lei and Ash's Alola team, which is why they did not appear in person at Wyndon Stadium.]

Pikachu: Pika, Pika! [Behold our strength!]

Ash: Pikachu, use 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!

Partners in Time!

[Eternatus flies around Wydon Stadium and it recharges both Ash and Leon's Dynamax bands and its sprinkling Galar particles around.]

Sonia: Eternatus? But why?

Professor Magnolia: The stability of Galar particles is the stability of the Galar region. Eternatus appears to have just protected everyone of us and the region's peace. [Eternatus flies away. Guess Galar does need Eternatus after all.]

Leon: Amazing! Eternatus gave us a bonus round! [showing his Dynamax band glowing.]

Ash: Huh? [checks his Dynamax band and it is also glowing.] Yeah. My Dynamax band.

Pikachu: Pika? [What does that mean?]

Leon: I hope you're watching, Eternatus. Charizard return! [recalls his Charizard]

Leon: Cinderace, return. [recalls Cinderace] You were the best. Great job Gigantamaxing. Alright, Ash! This will decide it! [readies Charizard] It's time to use our aces!

Ash: Yeah! Partner vs partner!

Leon: You did very well drive someone like me this far! You're helping me become stronger than ever! So, until the last move, I'd say we get even more fired up!

Charizard: [roars] [Come and get it!]

Pikachu: Pika! [Alright, I will!]

Ash: Thanks to you, we've gotten a whole lot stronger than before, Leon. This battle is the peak of all adventures Pikachu and I have had up until this point. That's why we're gonna win!

[During this dialogue, we see Professor Oak, Delia, Tracey and Ash's reserves still watching. The scene cuts to Misty at her gym watching the show (Misty had gym duties which is why she didn't show up at Wyndon). We see Brock, Cilan and Alexa watching (Cilan must have introduced Alexa to Brock). On top of that, Brock is working as a doctor, Cilan has connoisseur duties and Alexa is doing journalism which is why they also didn't appear at Wyndon. The scene cuts to Serena, Lisia, along with...May and Max! Keep in mind that May's Japanese voice actor had retired because of vocal problems and Max's Japanese voice actor retired from the business, which is why they don't have any lines. It's great that the two get to appear in a cameo and become friends with Serena. Also, all of them have performance completely scheduled unlike Dawn who performs on her own time.]

Ash: Pikachu!

[Pikachu is getting exhausted. Everyone watching is worried. First Chloe and Dawn. Then Team Rocket. Then Diantha and Cynthia. Next is Misty. Then it goes to Serena holding hands with May who has one hand placed on Max's shoulder. Then Brock and Cilan (where's Alexa?). Next is Iris. Then it cuts to Clemont and Bonnie. Then the Alola cast (minus Sampson Oak?!). Then to Professor Oak, Delia and Tracey. And while Goh did not see the game, he is worried about Ash. Don't give up until it's over, Ash and Pikachu! Think of the times the two inspired their friends, surely they got Ash and Pikachu's back!]

Ash: Pikachu!

[Pikachu starts to suffer a blackout...Inside the black void...]

Ash: It's so cute! It's the best of all! Oh hi, Pikachu! [Pikachu zaps Ash. Then the black void becomes a white void. Just then Bulbasaur and Squirtle pop into the frame, followed by Charizard, Pidgeot and Butterfree.]

Bulbasaur: Bulbasaur! [You're not giving up, are you?]

Squirtle: Squirtle! [You can do it, Pikachu!]

Charizard: [pops into the frame] Roar! [Get back up!]

Pikachu: Pi? [Huh?]

Pidgeot: Pidgeot! [I may not be here, but I know you are not done!]

[The rest of Ash's Generation I reserves appears: Mimey, Kingler, Primeape (fans are still mad at the writers for not returning Primeape to Ash), Snorlax, Muk, Lapras, 30 Tauros]

Mimey: Mime! Mime! [We're all rooting for you!]

Kingler, Muk, Snorlax, Tauros and Lapras: [all cheer] [We got your back! Go, Pikachu, go! Keep up the pace! Don't slow down! Don't collapse on us!]

[Then Ash's Johto members: Noctowl, Bayleef, Quilava, Totodile, Donphan and Heracross...along with the Larvitar Ash travelled with but never caught.]

Noctowl: Hoot! [Go get em, Pikachu!]

Heracross: Hera! [Don't stop, Pikachu!]

The Johto Starters: Quilava! Bay! Totodile! [Get back up! We're rooting for ya! Show me more energy!]

Donphan and Larvitar: Donphan! Larvitar! [Go, Pikachu! You can do it!]

[The next group are Ash's Hoenn/Battle Frontier team of Glalie, Corphish, Sceptile, Torkoal, Ambipom (fans are still mad at the writers for "To Thine own Pokémon be True!" because of Ambipom's release) and Swellow]

All members: [each gave their exclamation as if to say...] [Don't give up! You're still in the running! Don't quit on us! Show your opponent who's boss! I may be not be a member of your team anymore, but I am always with you! Keep going, Pikachu!]

[Next up are the Sinnoh members: Infernape, Gliscor, Torterra, Staraptor, Buizel and Gible]

All Sinnoh members: [all cheering] [Get back up! You are not going down that easy! Keep going, Pikachu! You're not going down! You're not through yet! Come on, Pikachu!]

[Then there's Ash's Unova team: Unfezant, Oshawott, Pignite, Snivy, Scraggy, Leavanny, Boldore, Palpitoad and Krookodile]

Ash's Unova members: [all roaring] [Give it everything you got! Don't fail us now! Do it for us! You still have some strength left in ya! The game's not over yet! Keep on pushing! Keep battling! Don't quit on us! It's not cool to lose right now!]

[Ash's Kalos members are shown next: Greninja, Goodra (fans are still mad at the writers for "Facing the Needs of the Many!" because of these two releases), Talonflame, Hawlucha and Noivern]

Ash's Kalos members: [all exclaming] [Don't give up until it's over! That's what Ash told us! We believe in you! Get back up and fight! Fight with all your might!]

[The Alolan Squad is shown next: Rowlet, Dusk Lycanroc, Incineroar, Naganadel, Melmetal and Nebby the Solgaleo]

Ash's Alola Team: [more exclamation] [Come on! You've helped us won the Alola League! Surely, you can win this tournament as well! I'm always there for you in spirit! Don't let us down! Keep going, Pikachu!]

[Finally, the Journeys team: Dragonite, Lucario, Gengar, Sirfetch'd and Dracovish]

Ash's Journeys team: [cheering for Pikachu as well. Ash also appears too] [Come on! This is your time to shine! Time to show Leon what you're made of! Keep having at them! Everyone's depending on you!]

Ash: You see, Pikachu? Everybody's backing us up!

[Charizard collapses from exhaustion. You know what that means...]

Dan: Charizard is unable to battle! Which means the victory goes to Ash! [Congratulations, Ash! You are now the very best like no one ever was!]

Announcer: It's decided! We now have ourselves a new Champion! From the Kanto region, born in Pallet Town, Ash Ketchum!

Leon: [enters the centre's wing] Look like Pikachu is feeling better. [His Charizard takes a look inside]

Ash: Leon!

Pikachu: Pika! [Hey there!]

Leon: It was a good battle. Lots of fun too.

Ash: I've feel the exact same way.

Leon: It made me think back my very first Pokémon battle. A great time. [The flashback revealed that Leon's Charmander lost to a Rookidee owned by Sonia herself. Leon gets upset about this loss.] Yet frustrated. Of course, that's what a Pokémon battle really is. From now on, I'm just another challenger. I'll have lots of battles and become even stronger.

Ash: Me too! I want to have tons of battles!

Leon: [extends his hand] Let's battle again sometime.

Ash: [accepts Leon's handshake] You got it! [Pikachu delivers a friendly headbutt to Charizard]

Dawn: It's getting to be about time for the award ceremony, Ash!

Chloe: Hey Leon, you're coming too, right?

Diantha: You know. I've suddenly got the urge to have a battle.

Cynthia: Great. Me too. I'm free. [Diantha and Cynthia were right to see a lot of potential in Ash when they met him for the first time.]

The Mew From Here!

[Since Ash vs. Leon was happening at the same time, we get to see Project Mew. The Chasers had just landed on the island. Time to start the search but a little sightseeing full of wild Pokémon living there, first.]

Goh: Oh. Amazing.

Horace: Yeah.

Goh:This place is teeming with Pokémon life.

Horace: It's truly a Pokémon paradise.

Quillon: Let's go. [Time to get back to the mission]

[At the mountain base]

Goh: Does it have to be that tall?

Horace: And it gives off a pristine vibe.

Danika: Ancient fishermen gave it the name of Sharishariima.

Goh: Sharishari?

Quillon: A sound like an evil monster attacking humans.

Gary: One shouldn't even approach a mountain of horrors like that. Wasn't that the message? [Sure, unless there is something important to find in that area.]

Danika: Geologically, this mountain is very important. It hasn't changed its shape in several hundred million years.

Quillon: In ancient times, this might have been the axis or the centre of the world.

In the Palm of our Hands!

Heroes Unite!

This Could be the Starts of Something Big!

The Road Most Traveled!

[Note: Starting in this episode, Ash FINALLY begins to use and rotate his reserves. Unfortunately, this is too little, too late, as the writers should have had Ash used them at the start of the Generation VIII series while building a new team and not make Ash overuse his current team while ignoring the reserves just like he did in Hoenn, Unova, Kalos, Alola and the World Coronation Series. The tradition of Ash overusing his current team, while ignoring the reserves, is now and forever the most hated concept of all time.]

[Both Ash and Pikachu reach a fork in the road. Which route to take?]

Ash: So which one should we take?

Pikachu: Pika. [Let's decide] [Ash finds a nearby stick near one of the tree roots.]

Ash: Right. This'll decide. How about we go where the leaves point? [He tosses the stick in to the air allowing Pikachu to swat it with his tail. The stick spins into the air for a bit before landing and pointing towards the left.] To the left! [The two start, only for Ash to turn around. Are you for real, Ash?] I thought so but I want to go the other way. It just sort of hit me. [Pikachu retaliates by zapping Ash's hat off.]

[Something invisible has crashed into a lake. Ash, Pikachu, Sceptile, Noivern and Donphan all check it out]

Ash: Something's over there. [The figure becomes visible and shows off its redness] Isn't that? [He pulls Latias to the surface] Hang in there, Latias. [Latias is freaking out and tries to flee only to fail because it is too injured.] Stop! Calm down! Please! What's wrong, Latias? I'm sorry I scared you. [Both Ash and Latias head towards the lakeshore, only to sink.] Buizel! [summons his Buizel. Buizel does help push Latias to the shore.] Hey, thanks, that's awesome.

A Fated Face-Off!

Must be our Heroes and the Witch!

Kathy: Thanks for your patience. Here's some sandwiches and a dish of some special Pokémon food.

Ash and Misty: Wow! Time to dig in!

Ash: The yummiest!

Misty: The best!

Ash: But I feel like I've tasted something like this before.

Misty: I was just thinking the exact same thing.

Ash: These are the most delicious things I've had. [At this point, Kathy is carrying a couple drinks on a tray and passing by hearing the two's conversations]

Kathy: Why thank you. Mr. Chef, you're being praised! Come on out!

Brock: Ah ha. Thank you so much. [What on earth are you doing here?! Shouldn't you be working as a doctor?]

Ash and Misty: Hey, it's Brock!

Brock: Ash! Misty! [Pikachu jumps onto Brock's shoulder]

Pikachu: Pikachu! [Hello again, Brock!]

Brock: Nice to see you, Pikachu.

Misty: Brock, so what are you doing here?

Brock: What does it look like? I've taken a job here as the restaurant's head chef, of course. [Oh, you have got to be kidding the fans!]

Misty: But you're a Pokémon doctor!

Brock: I chose this! I'm devoting my life to helping her all she does.

Brock: [upon learning that Kathy has a fiancee] I was on fire, now I'm burned out.

[A voice off-camera recognizes Ash. Could it be...]

Cilan: Huh? Ash? [Both Ash and Misty turn their attention to Ash's former Unova companion]

Ash: Cilan!

Cilan: It really is you! [Ash and Cilan shake hands]

Both Ash and Cilan: Long time!

Misty: You're the one who gave Ash that lure.

Ash: Meet my good friend from a bunch of journeys. You'll love her!

Misty: I am Cerulean Gym Leader, Misty, with beauty known around the world!

Cilan: But of course. A sensational sister of Cerulean City. [Fans think only Daisy deserves the title, not Lily and Violet.]

Misty: They're my three older sisters.

Cilan: Sisters? So Sensational sisters and a side of weak tea...

Misty: WEAK TEA?! ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FIGHT?!

Cilan: Uhhh...that wasn't what I meant.

Cilan: It's Brock!

Misty: You know him?

Cilan: We became friends in the Johto region just a little while back. We watched your final match together. Oh yeah, congrats on the win! [There was an undubbed post Black and White episode where Cilan did meet Brock]

Brock: With this, I've discovered I'm still going to need a lot more experience. So, I'll travel with Ash and crew and train up my heart the right way. [Now, that's what fans are talking about. Don't give up on your doctor job.]

Ash: Wow, another good friend is coming along.

Misty: That means we'll have great food!

Ash: Yeah and meals Brock and Cilan make are totally awesome.

Cilan: As much as I appreciate the compliments, I'm on my own from here.

Ash: Huh? You're not travelling with us?

Cilan: Ingo and Emmett will be holding an event to unveil a brand new train car and I really have to be there! There will be a new lunchbox!

Ash: Really? Then let's meet up again!

Cilan: And best wishes! Take good care!

Ash: Best wishes for a great journey!

Bearing Down Easy!

Ash: Guys, I think that Beartic may be having trouble using its Ice type powers.

Misty: Really? It made some pretty good ice pillars.

Brock: That isn't what Beartic intended to do. It's strange, but it only seems to be freezing things when it's startled or scared.

A Squad Worth of Passion!

Jessie: What a racket! What's the problem?

Meowth: It's the twerp replay.

James: You don't think they came to reassess the Squirtle Squad, do you?

Jessie: Stop, that's not even half a joke!

Misty: [drags Brock away with Croagunk's help. Hey, seems Croagunk and Misty share something in common!] Yeah, yeah, fate's had enough of your world, thank you.

Brock: The double broken heart is twice as painful.

[As the Squirtle Squad leave for another trip on firefighting business, a large crowd is running towards Ash and the gang. Wait a second...]

Girl: Hey, wait for us!

Ash: They're Squirtle's fans! [True, but they're not here for Squirtle...]

Brock: That's popularity.

Random fan: I knew it! It's Ash the Champion! [Hey, Ash is finally acknowledge as a World Champion]

Ash: Oh, you mean me?

Pikachu: Pika. [Yes, you.]

Brock: We sure have a popular one right here.

[The crowd surrounds Ash asking for his autographs. This might take a while...]

Pikachu: Pika! Pika! [Hey, take it easy!]

Ash: Why are they doing this to us?!

The Same Moon, Now and Forever!

Ride, Lapras, Ride!

Getting to the Heart of it All!

Rocket Revengers!

[Delibird throws several Poké-balls into the air.]

Team Rocket: Huh?

[Could it be...? It is! It's Team Rocket's old Pokémon that were left at HQ: Yanmega, Seviper, Woobat, Frillish, Gourgeist, Mime Jr., Yamask, Inkay, Amoonguss and Carnivine! Each of Team Rocket's old Pokémon announce themselves.]

Yanmega: Yan-Yan! [Hello again!]

Seviper: Seviper! [Long time no see!]

Woobat: Woobat-Woobat! [Did you miss us?]

Frillish: Frillish-Frillish! [It's great to be back!]

Gourgeist: Gourgeist-Gour! [What's up?]

Mime Jr.: Mime-Mime-Mime-Mime! [Just like good old days!]

Yamask: Yamask! [Ready to work!]

Inkay: Inkay-Ink! [I'm in for some more fun!]

Amoonguss: Amoonguss! [Love the surprise?]

Carnivine: Carnivine! [It's going to be delightful!]

Morpeko: Mor-Morpeko. [You must be the other mons Jessie and James mentioned.]

[Team Rocket cheered in excitement at seeing their old Pokémon again. Just like the good old days!]

Jessie: Dear Frillish, and Gourgeist and Woobat and Yanmega! Seviper! Dearies! [Her Pokémon are cuddling her quite well.]

James: Inkay, Mime Jr., Amoonguss, Dear Yamask! Chomp down, Carninvine! [James' mons are cuddling him as well with Carnivine biting James' head. The writers shouldn't have created the Rocket Prize Master in the first place at all!]

Meowth: Nothing like a Pokémon party to rock the house!

Wobbuffet: Wobba-Wobbuffet! [I sure miss those guys!]

[Delibird also summons a golden statue of Giovanni as well. The eyes on the statue turn blue to indicate that Giovanni is contacting them through the statue]

Giovanni: Jessie, James, Meowth.

Jessie, James, Meowth: Giovanni, sir!

Giovanni: I want you to take responsibility for the Pokémon you have caught up to this point. [Wish you done that earlier, instead of having them use the Rocket Prize Master, Giovanni?]

Jessie, James, Meowth: Yes, sir!

Giovanni: That is all. [The statue explodes]

Jessie: It brings back memories and this face and that face and of all our assignments. [a fantasy version of Weezing, Arbok (both released in Hoenn to protect the wild Koffing and Ekans), Victreebel (traded away for another Weepinbell by the Magikarp salesman before they both got released in Johto), Dustox (released in Sinnoh to mate with a Shiny Dustox), Lickitung (Jessie accidentally traded her Lickitung for Benny's Wobbuffet in Johto), Chimecho (James left it behind in one of his summer cottages after Chimecho was too ill to continue), Cacnea (given away to Gardenia in Sinnoh to master Drain Punch), Mareanie and Mimikyu (both left behind in Alola) all appear. So when are the Rocket Gang going to reunite with them again, not counting Mareanie and Mimikyu?]

Meowth: I hope they are feeling all the love.

Jessie: For the sake of those who did their love and best...

James: And for the sake of giving the boss a tiny bit of peace...

Both Jessie and James: We'll get our hands on Pikachu, that's what we'll do!

Ash and Latios!

The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!

[Note: This is the last episode where Ash is the main protagonist. However, it is confirmed that Ash will be back as a guest character in the future. The writers still have to fix Ash's reserves as they owe him a Meganium, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Crawdaunt, Floatzel, Garchomp, Samurott, Serperior, Emboar, Scrafty, Gigalith and Seismitoad, as well as give Ash new mons that were missed opportunities (Best examples are: Beartic, Houndoom, Grumpig, Flygon, Rapidash, Tyranitar, Hippowdon, Weavile, Sableye, Abomasnow, Fearow, Magnezone, Bastiodon, Scolipede, Whimsicott, Volcarona, Archeops, Hatterene, Vivillon, Dragapult, Dragalge, Mantine, Beedrill, Honchkrow, Pyroar, Trevenant, Golisopod, Passimian)]

Tracey: Ash! Pikachu!

Ash: Good morning, Tracey! [Took you writers long enough for Ash to meet Tracey again.]

Pikachu: Pikachu. [Morning, Marill.]

Marill: Ma-marill [Hi, Pikachu.]

Ash: Where are you going?

Tracey: I got to run an errand for the Professor, so I'll be out for a while. Take over while I'm gone.

Ash: Sure. Leave it to me. Have Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur arrived? The Professor said I could see them before they go to new trainers.

Tracey: They've arrived a while ago. The Professor will be giving them checkups.

Ash: Gotta see that! Pikachu, let's go! [Both Ash and Pikachu head to the lab]

Tracey: Well, Marill. Let's be on our way too.

Gary: Hey thanks for finding Charmander. I'm the one who grabbed these three guys to the lab.

Ash: Oh really, that was you? Lucky you, huh? You got to go explore!

Ash: Heading out already?

Gary: I may not look it, but I'm pretty busy. Oh hey, Ash. I still haven't mentioned it yet. Congratulations on being champ.

Ash: Uhhh...thanks a lot, Gary.

Gary: So, now that you're the Champion, just how close are you to becoming a Pokémon Master? [Ash is confused, but Gary has faith that Ash will figure it out.] Later. [leaves the lab with his Umbreon.]

Ash: [noticing his Pidgeot that he released at the end of the Indigo League run. Took you long enough, writers.] Pidgeot! You saved us!

Jessie: What's going on?

Meowth: I think the twerp's Pidgeotto evolved. [The Rocket gang freak out by this revelation]

Ash: You saved us, Pidgeot! Thanks a lot!

Pikachu: Pika-pika! [Glad you're back!]

Pidgeot: Pidgeot! [Anytime!]

[Just then, Pidgeot's flock of wild Pidgey and Pidgeotto arrive]

Pikachu: Pika! [Look at that flock!]

Ash: Is it me, or is everybody bigger than last time?

Pidgeot: Geot! [Oh, they've grown up and gotten stronger!]

Pidgeotto: Geottot-Pidgeotto! [Go be with your trainer again. We're old enough to take care of ourselves!]

Pidgeot: Pidgeot! [Take care then!]

Pikachu: Pika? [Do you...?]

Ash: Wanna come travel with me again?

Pidgeot: Pidgeot! [Yes! I am long overdue for one!]

[The flock bid farewell to Pidgeot assuring that they can run the forest quite well on their own. Pidgeot bids farewell to his former group as well before returning to Ash, finally fulfilling the promise that Ash would come back for Pidgeot.]

Ash: Pidgeot, it's so awesome to have you back!

Ash: Pikachu.

Pikachu: Pi? [Yes?]

Ash: Remember what we saw Gary the other day?

Pikachu: Pikachu? [What about it?]

Ash: He asked me... he asked me how close I got into becoming a Pokémon Master. Being Champion isn't my goal. The thing is I still think of myself as a challenger. I wanna go on a lot more adventures, meet lots more Pokémon, and take everything I learned every day and put it to good use. That includes meeting Latios.

Pikachu: Pika. [I see.]

Ash: The thing is... I wanna be friends with all of the Pokémon in the world. That's what it means to be a Pokémon Master.

[Last lines]

Ash: Hmm. Which way do you wanna go?

Pikachu: Pika. [spots a twig] Pi?

Ash: Huh?

Pikachu: Pika!

[Pikachu picks up a twig and gives it to Ash. Then Ash tosses it into the air to decide which way his journey will take him and Pikachu next. Farewell, Ash, until we meet you again...]

[Note: Journeys should not have used an episodic formula, filler episodes, disregard Ash's reserves, as well as over glorifying Kanto. If there's a world travelling premise, focus on the other regions as well. The next season, Horizons, is starting fresh and rectifying all the mistakes Journeys made...]