Ash Ketchum quotes from Pokémon

Iris

Hey, you're cutting it close!

Oh hey, Iris! So we're both in the Masters Eight, huh?

Iris

Right! I've been looking forward to seeing you!

Same for me! Since we've come so far...

I've gotta win! [The other members of the Masters Eight as well as the stadium crew stare at the two. Yeah, save the energy for the tournament, you two.]

We'll start with the 8th ranked trainer. He shown us the Champion of the first Alola League tournament. Hailing from Pallet Town in the Kanto region, Ash Ketchum! [Finally the anime acknowledges Ash as the Alola Champion in the Pokémon world.]

Alright! Lookout! [Pikachu cheers and accepts the cheers from the crowd as well]

Take your best shot! My Pokémon will defeat everyone standing in their way.

And now, we're going to reveal the matchups for the first round! [The screen display two square panels for the members. It spins like the ones on a slot machine.] For the first match, it's Leon vs Alain! [So much for Ash having the chance to refight Alain as to make up for the mess in the Kalos League...]

Alain and Leon, huh?

And for the second match, it's Lance vs Diantha! [Odd choice of pairing since the two never interacted before and Lance did not appear in the XY series. The screen spins revealing the third pair]

In the third match, it's Cynthia vs Iris. [That makes sense since Iris did receive mentorship from Cynthia in the Black and White series]

Iris

Me and Cynthia?

Go easy on me. [The screen spins again revealing the final pair]

For the fourth match, it's Steven Stone vs Ash Ketchum. [This is to make up for the lack of interaction between the two throughout the Ruby and Sapphire and the XY series]

So, I'm battling Steven Stone.

Pikachu

Pi-ka. [He is very tough.]

So, we finally get to battle each other.

That's so awesome! We had battle after battle with his Charizard. [Yet you did not defeat it because you overused your Kalos team and did not practice your now former Ash-Greninja form enough which cost you the Kalos League. The Mega Evolution specials confirmed that Alain had more practice with his Mega Charizard X]

You have?

So it is Diantha against Lance. Which shall I cheer for?

Ash, does that mean you know both of them?

Uh-huh. I even battled Diantha too. [That's true, although neither battles Ash had with Diantha were finished. But Ash did let Diantha know he had potential during their battles.]

You're amazing. You're also one of Lee's favorite trainers. That's so cool there's something about you that the Champions find interesting. [Hmmm...seems that Ash is also the other Champion's favorite trainers]

Lance!

Ash, hi there. Looks like my challenge has come to an end. Now, do your best. [Lance leaves heading back home. That's the best interaction between Ash and Lance you can come up with, writers?!]

You know, Iris raised that Excadrill from way back when it was still a Drilbur. Man, time can sure fly.

Pikachu

Pika-pika! [You know it!]

Huh?! You know her too?!

Ash knows Iris because they traveled through Unova together. He also knows Cynthia really well.

What's with you knowing everybody, Ash?! [Maybe you should travel around the world and learn more about the Champions just like Ash did]

Iris

Now, Haxorus, let's do this!

HAAAA! [Make your move!]

[noticing Iris is getting better in battles] I see. If so...[whips out her...lipstick? She applies it on the bottom part of her lips] I'll use all of my strength and I'll defeat you! [One turn of her lipstick reveals her...Keystone?! Uh-oh...]

Iris

[horrified] Isn't that...

A Keystone?!

[activates the Keystone and applies her lipstick on the upper lips] Garchomp, time for MEGA EVOLUTION!

Iris, I'm sorry.

Iris

Ash...[starting to tear up] Looks like I lost.

I know.

Iris

Cynthia is really amazing, isn't she? [continues crying] Incredible...She's amazing! [Continues crying...Goh then shows up checking on her as well. Seconds later, Iris cleans up her tears.] All better now. Thanks. I know, for Ash's next match, how about we cheer for him together?

Okay, Steven! I'm the one advancing to the semi-finals!

Pikachu

Pikachu!

You don't say, huh? Then I expect great things! I look forward to seeing what kind of battle you'll bring.

Oh yeah! [Just then, Dracovish gets pushed back by Metagross]

And Fishious Rend holds off the Psychic attack.

He predicted that.

Let me tell you. The thing is I am considered the most powerful trainer in the Hoenn region but that's not nearly enough for me. The Pokémon World Coronation Series: it is only when I dominate this event that I can say I am truly the strongest and the best! [We see multiple cameos from the Generation III anime: Professor Birch, Drew, Harley, Katie, Morrison, Tyson (keep in mind that Tyson won the Hoenn League but failed to become Hoenn Champion as Steven is Hoenn Champion), Janet, Vito, Kain, Jimmy, and Kelly]

I've never seen Steven this fired up before. [Alain nods in agreement]

And the same for us!

Pikachu

Pika!

For all the people who cheered me on up until now. [We see Chloe, Professor Cerise, Ren, Chrysa, and Mimey watch the show] For all of my Pokémon, I will win this for sure! [We see Delia, Professor Oak, Tracey, and Ash's reserves.]

That was just terrific! Each one of your moves leaves me totally surprised, Ash!

It's all because Gengar set it up for Pikachu.

Hey, Steven!

You know, Ash. The feelings you have for your Pokémon and the way they respond to you, they gave their all in battle for that. They came together as one and, as a result, created an even greater power. And that's the reason you were able to grasp your victory today. And a spectacular win it was.

Your next opponent is Cynthia. Still, with Pikachu and your other Pokémon, you can win. I believe in you, Ash.

Alain

I'm certain you can do it. [That's the best interaction between Ash and Alain you can do in Journeys, writers?!]

Iris

Can't wait for you to tell me all about it!

And that's what I am gonna do! [Pikachu exclaims in agreement]