Semifinal Showdown: Part 1

I've got zero doubts that your team is gonna win this, Master Lear!

We'll be rooting for you, too, Rachel and Sawyer! Show those kids who's boss!

Oh, for suuure. They won't know what hit 'em!

You got us to the semifinals, now it's our turn to bring home the victory.

Indeed! Don't miss our triumphant poses when we seize the win!

Oh, I'm not even gonna blink! Good luck!

Right. Let's get going...

Master Lear! This guy says he wants to speak with you!

What is it, Cheren? Come to spy on the enemy just before battle?

Nah. I'm not here to spy on anyone.

And besides, we're more like battle comrades than enemies at this point, don't you think?

C...comrades?!

Wuh-woh! Did he strike a nerve, Master Lear?

We've learned that it's good to have friends, haven't we, young master.

Tsk! Shut it, you two! He's still on the other team! You know, the one we're about to go battle against!

Of course! A battle is a battle. I wish both of our teams the best of luck.

But before we get to that, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. The reason I decided to follow you.

Huh? I thought Sawyer asked you to do that.

That was part of it, sure. But there was something else as well...

You reminded me of myself, of how I used to be.

Did I? And why is that?

Well, for starters, I used to think that strength was the only thing that mattered.

I thought that growing stronger and winning battles was the only way to prove my worth to others.

But eventually, I learned that I had it all wrong.

I owe my success to the friends, Gym Leaders, and Elite Four members I met along the way, and to a certain champion who liked to show up uninvited.

And, of course, to the Pokémon who shared the journey with me.

... ... ...

I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for the lessons they all taught me.

So when I see someone treading down a similar path, I can't help but want to steer them in the right direction.

I guess it's my way of paying forward the kindness, you know?

Hmph. So that's what all of this has been about... You steering me on the right path.

And I'm supposed to feel grateful, am I? So that you can give yourself a pat on the back for "saving" me? Hah! I don't need your pity!

Wha, ? Master Lear!

Whatever his reasons may have been, Cheren did all of this for you, young master...

Ugh! Stop it! I don't want to hear another word!

Cheren, I've had enough of your meddling!

I choose my own path! ME! So stay away and mind your own business!

Come on, you two! We're leaving!

C-coming, young master!

This isn't over, Cheren. I'm going to utterly annihilate you and Scottie in the semifinals.

You used me to feel better about yourself...

And now it's my turn to pay it forward.

Lear...

Lear! Did you ever figure it out? What truly matters to you?

A foolish question...

I merely realized the existence of something I had all along.

And I'm going to make you regret having played any part in that realization!

Hahahahaha!

*chuckle* You really are a tough nut to crack, aren't you, Lear.

Even so, I'm sure you're going to be a great leader someday...and a great king.

Wook! It's Master Wear!

Good luck, Lear! We'll be rooting for you!

You made us wait a whole day for this, so you better not lose!

Wh-what? I mean...yes, of course.

Hear that? Everyone's cheerin' for Master Lear!

That's, like, never happened before! Right, Sawyer?!

*sniffle*

I...I'm not crying! Someone must be cooking onions or something...

S-stop this nonsense, both of you! We're in public!

Heh! You're one to talk, Master Lear! You're, like, totally blushing right now!

N-no, I am not! Would you stop teasing me?!

A-as for the rest of you all, don't miss a moment of the action today! I promise to show you a battle you'll never forget!

It's been a while since I've been approached like that on the street.

Kinda nice, though, right? Havin' all those people supportin' you like that.

Your big speech yesterday must've made an impression on them. They can see how much you've grown.

Come on! Let's go win this thing and give the crowd what they're hoping for!

Of course! That's exactly what I plan to do.

Hm?

Somethin' the matter, Master Lear?

That Trainer... Didn't he appear in the tournament at some point?

He did. I think his name's Paulo, if I remember correctly.

He lost to Scottie's team in round two. Is something going on with him?

He just...had a weird look in his eye.

Hmm... How weird are we talkin'?

I don't know. Something just feels...off about him.

Come on. Let's go.