Cheren's Invitation

You seem more engrossed in your research than ever.

Cheren!

Your Pokémon...

Is this Virizion? Wow! That's a Legendary Pokémon!

Yeah. I caught it before coming to Pasio.

It still hasn't opened up to me, though...

We haven't even battled together because it hasn't accepted me as its Trainer.

I wonder why it went willingly into a Poké Ball in the first place...

Say, Bianca...

If that's what you're worried about, why don't you take part in the Neo Champion Stadium?

Whaaa, ?! The Neo Champion Stadium?!

N-no way! I'm not strong like you and Hilbert!

Really? That's not what I think.

We both know you love Pokémon battles, Bianca.

The day we got our first Pokémon, you were the first one who wanted to battle.

And afterward, we all set out on our separate journeys, with the goal of becoming stronger. Don't you remember?

I know since then, we've all gone through a lot of different experiences in Unova and on Pasio.

Perhaps our goal is no longer simply to "become stronger."

You're right... We've changed.

In a good way, of course!

Yeah... Strength can mean so many different things.

The title of Neo Champion is awarded to Trainers on Pasio who serve as role models and examples for others to follow.

So being strong in Pokémon battles isn't the only thing that's taken into consideration.

If you and I can teach others our definition of strength...

I think we can advance even further.

That's the main reason I invited you to take part in the competition.

And if you can show Virizion what strength means to you, I think it might accept you.

What strength means to me...

I want to take a new step forward...

Who better to take it with than you, the person who set out with me on her own journey that day!

Let's all take our first step on Route 1 together!

OK, here we go!

One, two!

Perhaps my selfishness is why I'm hoping you'll take part in the competition.

But if you're even the slightest bit interested, I hope you'll give it some serious thought.

Well, I do encourage everyone on Pasio to take that first step forward...

Gosh! I'm always saying that, aren't I?

OK! I'll do it, Virizion!

I'll show you how strong I am so you'll accept me!

A few days later...

I am hereby informing you all of the next Neo Champion Stadium!

I, Iris, Champion of Unova, will be the head judge.

But this time, I'll be assisted by the former Champion of Unova!

Thank you, Alder!

Right!

I will now announce the judging criteria for this competition.

We are asking challengers...

to show us what strength means to them!

"What is strength?" I've both been asked and asked myself this question countless times.

When I look back on all the Neo Champions we've had so far, I remember the various criteria they've been judged on...

But I believe this particular criteria is the most important for Pasio's Neo Champions.

We're asking each participant to inform the judges beforehand what their definition of strength is...

and then prove to us that they embody that strength!

How you prove this is up to you! It could be through battle, or a performance of some kind!

Show us the strength you've gained during your travels.

Iris and I can't wait to see what you've got in store for us!

Thanks, Alder, for that great explanation of the competition's judging criteria!

We look forward to seeing you all take on this challenge!

A few days later...

I see you're still as disciplined as ever, Cheren.

Hello, Marshal.

Training at night for the competition after a long day of teaching, eh?

Although, it seems like you've softened around the edges a bit since you became a teacher.

Have I now?

Now that I think about it...

I haven't had many chances to have a proper chat with you like this.

Back then...I remember Master Alder had really taken an interest in you.

He said you reminded him of me, so, of course, I was interested too.

So...you came here to observe me, then?

"Take the opportunity of a battle to look at your opponent, look at the Pokémon involved, and look at yourself..."

You remember me saying that?

Yeah. Quite clearly.

Have you turned in your definition of strength to the competition judges?

Yes.

What strength means to me...is clear to me now.

Back when I was too set in my ways, Alder helped me open my eyes. I'd like to show him proof of the strength I've found since then.

During my journey through Unova...

and even on Pasio, I've experienced so many different things.

Those experiences helped widen my perspective.

I think the fact that I became partners with Tornadus is proof of that.

Now I can answer Alder's question with my head held high.

I look forward to hearing your answer.

While I'm here, would you like to train with me for a bit?

Of course!

Meanwhile, Bianca...

OK, Bianca! I've received your definition of what strength means to you!

Great! Thanks, Iris!

Hmm... I'm curious to know how you define strength, Bianca.

I don't suppose you could tell me now?

Umm... To me, strength means...

helping others.

For example, even though I'm weak at Pokémon battling, I can still help people with my Pokémon research...

So I'm going to do my best to show what I'm capable of!

And also...

A friend once described strength that way to me, and I've never forgotten it...because that's how I feel too.

So you're just parroting what your friend said?

Huh?! Oh, uh... Was I not supposed to do that?!

No, I think you gave a good answer.

You and your friend are both very admirable.

Heh heh...

We can't wait for the day of the competition!

Me too! That's when things will really get started!

Let's do our best, Virizion!

The day of the Neo Champion Stadium...

T-today's the day!

Oh no... Where'd you go?

(She sounds worried...)

What's wrong? Are you looking for something?

Uh-huh... My Pokémon went off somewhere...

... ... ...

(This brings back memories.)

(Not long after we'd started our journey...there was a girl whose Pokémon had been stolen by Team Plasma.)

(So Cheren and Hilbert chased after Team Plasma and got her Pokémon back.)

(And when Team Plasma went after my Munna...)

(I was surrounded by strong Trainers I could rely on.)

(So, this time...!)

Don't worry!

I'll help you search! So don't cry, OK?

R-really?

Virizion will help us search, too!

Oh, um... Wait just a second, OK?

Hello. Am I speaking to one of the competition staff members? I'm sorry to call so last minute...

I'm withdrawing from the competition.

The Neo Champion Stadium began...

(Bianca... Did something happen?)

Challenger Cheren.

Let me pose this question to you once again: what does strength mean to you?

... ... ...

Strength is...

You made the right call requesting help from the International Police!

Leave the rest to me! I'll make sure these two get home safely!

Thank you, miss! Thank you so, SO much!

Of course! Be careful, now!

Stay together from now on so you don't get separated again!

I'm glad she was able to reunite with her precious Pokémon...

But...what I came here to do must be finished already.

...Sorry, Cheren.

Stop, Bianca.

I've been looking for you. I heard you suddenly withdrew.

Oh... I'm sorry I worried you.

I didn't get to watch your match...

So, what were the results of the Neo Champion Stadium?

They haven't been announced yet.

Huh? They're really taking their time, then...

Oh, I get it. You were looking for me while you were waiting for the results.

Not exactly. I haven't been judged yet.

I asked Alder and the others to wait, so that they could judge us both.

Whaaa, ?! Wh-why?!

I told you, remember?

I want to take a new step forward, with you.

Cheren...

...Is this your selfishness again?

Maybe!

In fact, I might never be this selfish again.

Come on, let's hurry. We're keeping Alder and the others waiting.

Right!

Welcome, challengers!

We've been waiting for you!

Bianca.

Looker told us why you withdrew from the competition.

You were searching for a lost Pokémon!

You should thank Cheren, he insisted that there had to be a good reason for your absence.

And!

You should ALSO thank the other judges and the audience for waiting for you!

At first, Iris and I decided that only we would wait, on the condition that Cheren's assessment would also be delayed.

But everyone else chose to remain here, so that they, too, could witness your strength.

We normally would never approve of such special treatment...

but we couldn't disappoint everyone who believed in you!

Now then, let me ask you again!

Challenger Cheren! What does strength mean to you?!

Strength is...

helping others.

You gave the same response, didn't you, Bianca?

Yes!

No matter how powerful you may be, you can't call yourself strong if you fail to use that power correctly.

It's the willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, no matter who they are, that makes your strength truly shine...

Working on Pasio as a teacher has allowed me to observe Champions from other regions, and they have only solidified my belief.

The fact that Tornadus, who's powerful enough to drastically change the weather, has become my partner...

That's all thanks to this belief I hold, or at least, that's what I think.

I see. Very good!

What does one do with strength after they've obtained it?

You have found your answer, Cheren, which means I alone may not be enough to face you!

I believe I'll let the current Champion of Unova handle this and merely assist her!

All right!

Then let's begin, Bianca and Cheren!

I, Champion Iris, will test the two of you!

Let's do this, Bianca!

R-right!

(For Cheren's sake... For everyone who waited for us...I want to show them all my very best!)

(But Virizion still...)

Virizion?!

It looks like you've both accepted each other! Congratulations!

Heh heh... Thanks!

I look forward to all the things we'll do together, Virizion!

Well, Bianca, are you truly ready this time?

This pair of childhood friends is about to prove our strength to everyone!

A few days later...

I present the new Neo Champions!

Congratulations, you two!

Those Neo Champion outfits suit you to a T!

You...you really think so?

Of course! Have a little more confidence in yourself, Bianca.

We can't let them leave us in the dust, you know.

You're right! We've gotta keep charging forward!

Don't go charging forward TOO seriously, Hilda, or no one will be able to catch up to you...

True...

Oh, come on! What are you talking about?!

Well, in that case...

Why don't we all take a new step forward together right here?

Great idea! Here's hoping our new journeys are each a success!

OK, here we go!

One, two!