Iris quotes from Pokémon

Iris, is that Haxorus the fully evolved form of Axew I met?

Iris

That's right! And now it's my strongest partner! [Note: The reason Iris' Axew had to become Haxorus is because fans did not approve of the writer's decision of having Axew being kept in his base state throughout the Black and White series and making Axew get lost in the Unova League]

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.]

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.

[noticing that Ash is not backstage] Is Ash coming?

Iris

Uh...no. Ash said he was watching the matches with Goh. He wants to experience all the stadium excitement firsthand.

That does sound like him.

And you didn't wanna watch from the stands with him?

Iris

Oh, actually...I wanted to ask a favor of both of you. Can we take a selfie? You don't mind, do you? [takes out her Rotom Phone]

I'd be delighted.

Of course, dear.

So Steven, I hear that you know Alain fairly well.

We met while searching for rare stones. You know, I hope it doesn't overwhelm him to suddenly be matched against Leon.

Iris

Wow, it's like an aurora!

Who knew Light Screen and Reflect, two defensive moves could be combined like that?

Alain

However, the effect of each move will still vanish over time. It's not permanent.

I think Diantha is using it as to pressure Lance. I'd say Diantha is clearly the one in control of this battle. [Oh yeah. There's a reason the writers are not letting Lance refight Leon in this match.]

It's still anyone's guess. If he wavered here, she would have beat Lance.

Your moves are even sharper than before.

Iris

That's because of everything you've shown me, Cynthia. [cue flashback of Cynthia's training with Iris] I simply did what you taught me to do. [Drayden is watching the event] And now to become part of our strength, lots of connections that made us Champions. [Alder, Georgia, Stephan, Bianca and Trip are also watching. You know Trip is the worst main rival of Ash when all he has is a cameo appearance, compared to Gary and Paul who have at least one episode focus in Journeys.] And so, I, as the Unova region Champion, on this day, I'll defeat you. [We are not having another Ash vs Iris match in the Masters Eight!]

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?

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]