A Less-Than-Perfect Reunion

What?! The young master went to face Team Break all by himself?!

Like, what were you thinking?! Why'd you let him dooo that?

I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him.

But we don't have time to waste! We need to go after him! Stoutland should be able to track his scent.

I-I guess you're right.

Honchkrow! Help look for the young master from the skies!

You help, too, Umbreon! We're toootally counting on you!

All right! It's up to us to save Lear!

Not so fast!

Aren't you all part of Lear's group? I thought he promised to go in alone!

You all can play with us for a while out here!

Whaaat? Seriouslyyy? Do we have to do this, like, right now?

Get out of our way! We don't have time to waste on the likes of you!

Hang in there, Lear!

I'm going to be king. Everything I've done is for that purpose.

If I could just become king, I could have everything that I desire!

Status! Prestige! Power! Loyal Pokémon! Retainers! Whatever I want!

There's no need for ME to change!

Yes...that's right. I just need to become king. Then all will be mine.

Even what "truly matters," like that kid was blabbering about...

Ugh! What am I saying?! I've gone and let that brat get into my head.

All I have to do is become king. That will solve all my problems.

If I could only become king!

Hah! I see you came alone just like I asked!

Ah, there you are. The rude peasant with no respect for royalty who called me out here.

Let's battle and get this over with already so I can take back my Hoopa.

Always Mr. High-and-Mighty, aren't ya? But for how long, I wonder.

Fine! I'm up for a battle! Along with all of my friends here!

Tsk! I should have known this was nothing more than a trap!

Of course it's a trap! What made you think I'd play fair and battle you one-on-one?

Get ready! These're all superstrong Pokémon that we brought here with a little help from our pal Hoopa!

There's no way you can beat all of us here alone without your precious retainers!

I don't need them!

I can just command three Pokémon at once!

What are you waiting for? Bring it on!

I'll show you that you pip-squeaks are no match for me, no matter how many of you there are!

Still playin' the tough guy, huh? I guess we'll just have to knock you down a notch or two!

Get him!

Impossible!

How's it feel to lose to us "pip-squeaks"? Not so high-and-mighty now, are ya?

No! This isn't right...

Heh heh heh! All right, Mr. Loser. You're coming with us!

Get him!

Oof!

I...lost again? To these fools?

I'm supposed to become...the strongest king of all...

OK! Let's take him back to the hideout before someone comes looking for him!

Several years earlier...

*sniffle*

I don't wanna do this anymore! All of this hard training and studying every day is too much!

I don't even wanna be king if this is what it takes. Why are you making me do this, Father?

*sniffle*

Where is everybody?

Rachel...Sawyer...

Mother...

Wh-what?! Who's there?

I don't see anyone... Was it my imagination?

Ahhh!

Wh-who are you?! What do you want with me?!

I'm royalty, you know! A prince! If you do anything bad to me, my family will hear of it!

They'll come running...

to save me...

... ... ...

Ahhh!

Wh-what are you doing?! Silly tricks like that aren't enough to scare me! I'm...

Ahhhhhh!

That's enough! I won't be scared by your tricks anymore, OK?!

Wow...

What a beautiful stone.

What? You want to give it to me?

I guess you aren't a bad Pokémon after all.

Hey...

Would you be my...

Ugh...

I was...dreaming? Why would I dream of my past at a time like this? I'm not a weakling anymore.

Wait... Where am I?

Good morning, Lear!

I know that voice... You're the one who set up this ridiculous kidnapping!

Heh heh heh. Starting today, that room is your very own castle. Hope you enjoy it!

I'll come pay you a visit once I'm done with all of my preparations here. Ta-ta for now!

Tsk! Does he think he can get away with this?!

I can't believe I lost to those fools...

I'm supposed to become the strongest king of all!

... ... ...

Who's there?! Show yourself!

What?! That's...

Hoopa!