Story Event: Two Champions 1

I'm Lance, dragon master and Champion of the Indigo League! I never refuse a challenge!

I'm Cynthia, Champion of the Sinnoh region. It sounds like I have some interesting battles to look forward to!

Not long ago, news began to spread that the famed Indigo League Champion Lance had made his way to Pasio.

As one might expect, the arrival of yet another Champion instantly became the hottest topic on the island.

Lance's arrival was being heatedly discussed by excited passersby as Scottie and [EN:Gen Ref="255" M="his" F="her" ] friends were walking through town.

When it comes to dragon masters, Lance is number one. It's simply indisputable! He's the most powerful Trainer on the Indigo Plateau!

No one can block his Dragonite's Hyper Beam! It's a proven fact!

Nuh-uh! It's Cynthia who's number one! She's not limited to Dragon types like Lance. She can triumph with Pokémon of ANY type!

Her Garchomp is a Dragon type, sure, but it's also an ultrapowerful Ground-type Pokémon!

That's preposterous! Come, child, just accept the fact that Lance is the greatest!

No way! Cynthia is the best! Nothing you say is gonna convince me otherwise, OK?!

It's crazy how many people are obsessing over Lance and Cynthia right now... Champions sure know how to create a buzz!

Seems like everyone on Pasio is talking about them. You heard about Lance's arrival, too, didn't you, Scottie?

Lance and Cynthia...two Champions...both with Dragon-type Pokémon as their partners.

You have to admit, they make a pretty exciting matchup. I mean, who wouldn't be curious to see who'd win in a battle between them?

What's your stance, Scottie? Which Champion do you think is stronger?

Lance, huh? Interesting... He's definitely made a name for himself as a dragon master, and he's good at what he does.

But Cynthia's no pushover! She's a master when it comes to unleashing the full strength of her Pokémon, regardless of type!

Cynthia, huh? They say she's a master when it comes to unleashing the full strength of her Pokémon, regardless of type.

But Lance is no pushover! He's made a name for himself as a dragon master. I hear he and his Dragonite do superintensive training!

I'm so curious... Which one of them is actually the strongest?

Ah, so that's what all the ruckus is about.

Cynthia!

I've been feeling eyes on me wherever I go recently... At first I thought there must be some kind of hideous rumor going around about me.

But I suppose Lance's arrival solves that mystery. I'll admit, I'd be interested in meeting him, if the opportunity presents itself.

Really?! Well then, why don't we...

*gasp* Oh my gosh! It's C-Cynthia!

E-excuse me! Cynthia! Hi! Oh my gosh, I'm your biggest fan!

I'll believe in you no matter what! I'm totally, absolutely, positively sure that you're stronger than Lance!

Lies! Utter nonsense! It is Lance who is the strongest, mightiest dragon master!

I can prove it to you right now! I may look like just another scientist, but I have faced the great Lance in battle before!

All right, then. Why don't you team up with your friends over there? Scottie...

you and Rosa can fight with me. Let's do our best to get in sync with one another. It's our first time teaming up like this, after all.

You got it! We'll give it our best shot!

H-how is it possible that you're this strong?! Champions must be on an entirely different level...

See? I told you Cynthia is the greatest dragon master ever!

B-but I...

No! Not enough evidence! Please stand by... I must research this matter further!

There they go... It seems like everyone on Pasio is laser focused on you and Lance right now, Cynthia.

It certainly seems that way. As long as this whole debate leads to a fun battle between us, that's good enough for me.

Doesn't all of this make you curious, though? About who's really the greatest?

Well...I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious. I've just never placed much importance on earning titles like "the greatest."

Seriously?! But people call you the greatest all the time, Cynthia!

I know. I do hear that a lot. But as far as I'm concerned, the goal in all this isn't to compare myself to others.

Working hard with Garchomp to grow stronger each day, to excel beyond our limits... That personal growth is more important to me.

And that's why, to be honest, I don't really care how the rest of the world perceives me.

Mhmm... Wow, it must be nice not to care what people think. I wish I could be that cool!

*chuckle* Did that come off a bit too high and mighty? Let's just forget I said anything, all right?

Well, I should get going. Places to go, people to see...

I love how cool and nonchalant Cynthia is about her fame and power. I wonder...

Hey, Scottie! Wanna go talk to Lance? I think I know where he's training right now!

I wonder what Lance thinks about all of this... I'm so curious!

The greatest dragon master, huh?

Sounds like something right up my alley! Now I'm curious, too!

I've seen him training in this area before. He should be around here somewhere...

Dragonite, Hyper Beam!

Bingo! Sounds like he's just over there!

Y-you just got to Pasio, and you're already able to give me a run for my money?

I guess I shouldn't be surprised! You are my cousin, after all!

I doubt it has anything to do with us being cousins, Clair. But thank you for helping me get accustomed to the battle style of this place.

Lance!

Well, well, who do we have here? Training with Scottie again today, Rosa?

Yep! Actually, we have something we want to ask you about...

Yes! We finally found you! Oh my gosh, can you believe THE Lance is standing right in front of us?! *squeal*

Lance! We're your biggest fans!

Will you pleeease have a battle with us, Lance? I want to hold this memory in my heart forever!

Sorry, Rosa. Can it wait until after this battle? I can't let my fans down.

Come on, Clair. Let's do this.

N-no way! Did you forget about that Hyper Beam you just pummeled Kingdra with? We're in no shape to fight right now.

Ah, that's right. I guess that leaves you two. Rosa, Scottie, let's team up.

I suppose this is as good a chance as any to see exactly what you're capable of. Give these fans everything you've got!

Ahhh, I can die a happy woman! Never in a million years did I think I'd get the chance to face Lance in battle...

Wow, I'll never forget the way I felt when I saw Dragonite's Hyper Beam in real life!

I think I'm starting to like the battle style here on Pasio. It lends itself to different strategies than I'm used to elsewhere.

Now then, you mentioned you had something you wanted to ask me before?

Oh, right. Well, we were wondering...

I see... Who's the greatest dragon master, me or Cynthia? Interesting question.

And you say the whole island's been talking about this? I had no idea.

Hmph. Sounds like a pointless debate, if you ask me. The answer is obvious.

What?! How do you know?!

It's simple. I know who the strongest dragon master is...

because it's me, Clair!

... ... ...

Ohhh, of course! You're a dragon master, too! I hadn't even thought about that.

It's true that you're strong, Clair. And it's good to have confidence in your own abilities...

but there's a limit to what's good and what's not. Too much pride can make you overconfident, and overconfidence can make you vulnerable.

...

To get back to your question, Rosa, I think I share Cynthia's feelings about the title of who's "the greatest."

I know the vanity that title holds.

Vanity? What do you mean?

A long time ago, when I was a member of the Elite Four but not Champion, I was defeated by a Trainer.

He claimed to be the greatest of all, and he had the strength and skill to back it up.

But eventually, a stronger Trainer came along, and even he was defeated... It was then that I realized something.

That title, "the greatest", can inflate your ego, but it doesn't really mean anything. It's an illusion, there one minute and gone the next...

The way I see it, seeking to grow and improve yourself is far more worthwhile than chasing a fleeting illusion of greatness.

Mhmm... Wow, that's so deep. You Champions really are on a whole different level. I should be taking notes!

*chuckle* Glad I could bring a bit of perspective.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I've been meaning to take a stroll around the city sometime today.

Oh! If that's where you're headed, I can give you a tour! I know the city like the back of my hand!

Thanks. I'd appreciate that.

Hmph! Why is everyone so stuck on Cynthia and Lance, anyway? I don't get it!

I'll show them... Get ready, Pasio, because I'm about to prove that I, Clair, and my Kingdra are the greatest of all!

This part of the city is where it gets the busiest! If you like shopping, like I do, you'll find plenty of spots to check out here!

Interesting. I wonder if they have any good capes for sale around here...

Hm?

What is it? Is something wrong?

*gasp*

We seem to keep running into each other today, Rosa, Scottie.

And...I see you've brought a new friend with you this time. Nice to see you, Lance.

And you, Cynthia. You seem to be keeping yourself busy here on Pasio.

Whoa...it actually happened! The world's two greatest dragon masters, the hottest topic on Pasio, just bumped into each other right here!

We seem to have become one of the island's biggest attractions.

Receiving so much attention is certainly an honor and a privilege.

However...

... ... ...

... ... ...

Hey, are you two OK? If this is some kind of staring contest, then...

There's been so much gossip about us Champions and our dragon Pokémon... About who is really the greatest of all...

I thought I could simply ignore it and move on...

but now that you're right here in front of me, I can't help but feel that itch.

Wait! Do you mean...

Heh, you took the words right out of my mouth.

We may be Champions in title, but we're still Pokémon Trainers first and foremost, just like anyone else.

When our eyes meet...

Naturally, we have to...

I challenge you to a battle!

Who decided that Lance and Cynthia are the only ones in the running for greatest dragon master of all time, huh? Sure wasn't me!

My team and I fight with dragon Pokémon, too! And we're seriously strong!

Uhh, this is not where I thought this was going!

It's fine by me. I never refuse a challenge.

No matter who the challenger may be.

Thank you. My thoughts exactly.

Yoo-hoo, over here... Last I checked, we're the ones who challenged you to a battle, so...

Well, Scottie? Will you lend us your strength? Our challengers are a team of three, so it would only be fair.

Shall we begin?

H-how...? We were no match for you at all! I thought I'd be crushed if you beat us...

but now that we've battled each other, I'm just curious! Who really IS the greatest dragon master?! I have to know!

What about the stadium just up the road? Trainers are allowed to use it whenever we want! You two could battle it out there!

Yeah! You'd have way more space to unleash your attacks at the stadium. Come on! Please? I've gotta have front-row seats for this!

Umm, s-so I feel like this situation just keeps escalating, and I don't know what's going on...

I mean, how'd we end up in a place like this, with an audience like this?

Yes! The time has come at last! Who is the greatest dragon master of all?! Is it Cynthia? Or is it Lance?

It's Cynthia, duh!

No, it's not! It's most definitely Lance, I assure you!

Nuh-uh! Cynthia's the best!

No, Lance is the best!

Sounds like the crowd's getting pretty antsy... In a few minutes, they'll finally get an answer to their big debate!

So...who do you think it's gonna be, Scottie?

Well, I can't let you down now, can I?

I'll give this battle everything I've got, and I promise you, I will win!

Well...shall we get started, Lance?

I'd like to see with my own two eyes what you and Dragonite are truly capable of!

Hold it right there!

Thank you, Scottie. I'm glad you have confidence in me.

Watch, I will win this battle! I stake my title of Lance, master of dragons, on my victory!

Well...shall we begin, Cynthia?

Time for you and Garchomp to show me the full extent of your power!

Hold it right there!

Yay! We made it just in time, Clair!

E-exactly as I planned it! The star of the show must have a dramatic entrance!

Lance! Cynthia! Iris and I have come to challenge you to a battle!

If you want to claim the title of greatest dragon master as your own, you'll have to defeat us first!

Clair... You never give up, do you?

Quite the enthusiastic cousin you have there, Lance.

No objection from me. I've actually been curious about them for a while now, both Clair and the young Champion from Unova.

You mean me? Woo-hoo! I've been wanting to battle against you and your cute Garchomp for so long!

If we're all in agreement here, can we hurry up and get this battle started already?

Yeah! Let's do our best, Clair!

Fine...but if this is going to be a team battle, let's play by the rules.

Scottie, will you lend me your strength one more time?

If you get [EN:Gen Ref="255" M="him" F="her" ], then we get Rosa! Come on over! We're gonna be the greatest dragon masters ever!

M-me? Are you serious?! If you're sure...I promise to do my best and help you two however I can!

It sounds like everything is in order...

Well? Are you ready to battle against Cynthia, Champion of the Sinnoh League...

and Lance, Champion of the Indigo League?

Here we come!

Aww, they beat us! I thought we'd have a chance since I'm a Champion, too.

Oh well! At least we had fun, right? I hope we can all battle again someday!

I...I can't believe this... This shouldn't have happened...

Kingdra...I-I'm sorry I let you down...

I wanted to prove that I'm the greatest dragon master...that I'm worthy of being your Trainer.

I guess, as it turns out, I'm nowhere near that level... I need to get stronger...

You were brilliant, though, Kingdra. You fought hard, and your moves were all fantastic.

You have a kind heart, Clair.

What?

You staked your pride on this battle to prove yourself to the Pokémon you love, and despite being defeated, you refuse to give up.

You still strive to grow and improve yourself, and that is admirable. As a fellow Trainer, I really respect that!

Cynthia...

You can be a little impulsive sometimes, Clair...

but that earnest, straightforward attitude of yours is one of your greatest strengths as well. If you can learn to hone that, the sky is the limit!

Come and find me whenever you want to battle! I'll accept your challenge anytime, anywhere!

Lance...

Hmph! Of course I will! I'm not going to let one tiny loss stop me from becoming the greatest dragon master of all time!

Come on, Iris! Let's let Kingdra and the others rest for a bit, but then it's right back to training!

You got it! See you later, everyone!

Lance, Cynthia...

thank you.

Can you believe you just beat Clair and Iris? What an awesome battle!

But now it's time for the grand finale! Which one of you is gonna come out of this battle as the greatest dragon master of all?

About that...

Sorry to disappoint you all, but I think I'm going to need a rain check. Cynthia and I will have to battle another time!

WHAT?! But why?

We've faced some tough opponents today... Garchomp and Dragonite have really had to push themselves in these last few battles.

Our Pokémon are our partners, and we care a lot about them, which means it's our duty to make sure their needs are taken care of.

Right. That's just basic Pokémon training protocol. You have to make sure your Pokémon are all right before jumping into a battle situation with them...

even if it means having others tease you or accuse you of running away from a challenge.

O-of course. You're right. I'm sorry... I guess I just got a little carried away.

No, it's all right. I'm sorry to have to let you all down today.

But as long as we're on Pasio, there will be endless opportunities for us to battle!

Now you've got something to look forward to! Right, everyone?

I'm glad all of our fans were so understanding.

Everyone here loves Pokémon as much as we do. I knew they would understand.

Besides...

I can think of a much better place for our ultimate battle together.

The PML finals seem like a perfectly appropriate platform to me...

So in other words...we should save the fun for later?

All right, then. I can't say I care much about the title of greatest dragon master, but if it means I get to battle against you, I'm definitely in!

I look forward to the day we can finally unleash our full power on the battlefield.

That sounds like a promise. I'll climb through the ranks and make sure it's me standing across from you on that battlefield at the finals!

Someday soon, we will have our ultimate showdown!