More Precious than Victory

Our team has worked really hard to make it this far in the tournament. We finally qualified for the second half, for the finals!

But now what? Lear has challenged us to a battle we can't refuse. If we lose, he's gonna kick us out of the competition.

Founder or not, I can't believe he threatened to revoke our right to compete! That's just cruel!

You're right... I'm not happy about the fact that we're being forced into a rematch when we're so close to the finals.

But it might be a good opportunity for Scottie to show off [EN:Gen Ref="255" M="his" F="her" ] skills. Better be in top shape, though!

Rematch? You've battled against Lear before?

Yeah, it was before you joined the team, Iris. It didn't go very well for us, though...

Lear totally crushed us.

I see... Lear's pretty powerful, huh? I learned that the hard way when I battled against him, too.

I think we're gonna be all right, though! Scottie's a lot stronger now!

Yeah! This time we'll win for sure! I believe in you, Scottie!

That's the spirit! We'll be right there with you, supporting you all the way!

Yeah. It's important to the team that we win this battle, but it's more important that we...

What's wrong? I thought you'd be super excited about beating Lear once and for all.

I think Scottie realizes that even though winning is important for the team, it's even more important that we...

That we have fun! Right, team?

Skyla!

Every battle has a winner and a loser, but that shouldn't be the only thing you focus on!

Having fun is what's most important when it comes to Pokémon battling, don't you think?

Having fun...

Yeah! I think Skyla's right! Winning or losing doesn't matter if you're not having fun battling!

True! We should all keep that in the back of our minds...including a certain prince!

Yep! I know all of us understand how important it is to have fun...

but I don't think Lear really understands that yet.

I hope he learns soon... Some things are more valuable than victory.

Prince Lear...

Something tells me he's going to be a tough nut to crack.

But he's still a Pokémon Trainer, just like us. Part of me wants to believe that deep down he feels the same way we do.

I think you're the one who's going to have to help him realize that, Scottie. He's stuck on you, for whatever reason.

It's not going to be easy, but one way or another, we have to get through to Lear during our battle.

We've got to show him that there's more to Pokémon battling than victory alone!

It's almost time. Lear should be arriving soon.

There he is.

Well, well! Look who decided to show up. I thought you'd get cold feet, but apparently you have some guts after all.

What?! We'd never run away from a challenge! You seriously underestimate us, Lear!

Take it easy, Rosa. He's just trying to rile us up.

Lear, battling is one thing, but threatening to disqualify us because of your personal feelings is wrong. Is that the kind of PML you want to run?

Stop! I won't hear it! You're the ones who tried my patience in the first place!

This is the end of the PML for you! My...uh...Staraptor and I will make you wish you'd never signed up to compete!

Uh-oh! Better watch out. Lear's Staraptor is waaay stronger than the Krookodile you fought with Haxorus.

And what a sad Krookodile it was! To let that battle end in a draw... I have no need for a Pokémon too weak to follow my commands!

The only Pokémon suitable for me is one that can follow my commands without question and WIN!

What?! How can you just throw away your Pokémon like that... All because of a tie?!

Sync pairs are supposed to be partners! Helping each other get through difficult defeats is part of what makes us grow stronger!

Silence! How dare you judge my decisions! You have no right to lecture me. Now prepare to fight!

Young master... May I say something?

Huh? What is it?

Scottie and [EN:Gen Ref="255" M="his" F="her" ] team may not be perfect, but they were strong enough to qualify for the finals, so be careful.

We'll toootally support you in this battle, Master Lear. You can count on me 'n' Sawyer...

Just who do you think you're talking to right now?

Y-young master?

I never asked for your advice or your support! I shall stomp these weaklings all by myself!

Is that understood?! Don't let me hear you try to advise me on this subject again!

Master Lear...

Understood.

Now, it's time we start this. Or end this, rather...

Scottie... This isn't the end of the PML for us. There's no way we're giving up now.

Sometimes battling is the only way to get people to see eye to eye with you.

Yeah! Let's show Lear how strong our team's bond has become!

Yeah! Let's show Lear how strong our team's bond has become!

Ugh! Bonds... Teamwork... You still have the nerve to speak about that nonsense in front of me?!

Fine! I'll show you once and for all how ridiculous all of it really is!