Cynthia quotes from Pokémon

[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!

Ash, is that you? Dragonite?

Hey, Cynthia!

Sorry, we interrupted you!

Don't be. We're just fine. I'd say that enthusiasm means you're making final preparations before our match.

Yeah, I am! Does that mean you are too?

I am. [to Garchomp] Now, try flying.

Cynthia, what was your first Pokémon?

You know, I don't even think I know that.

[addressing her Garchomp] This one here. We've been on many adventures since it was a Gible.

Yeah.

I thought you could only use Piplup, Chimchar, or Turtwig?

Right. This one came from an egg.

Actually, my Lucario came from an egg too!

And a very strange egg it was...

Strange?

What do you mean?

It wouldn't hatch. No matter who cared for it. It went to lots of regions and still couldn't figure it out. But then the egg called out to Ash.

Whoa!

True and then I felt some kind of aura coming from it.

They call Lucario, the Aura Pokémon, don't they? You're so awesome!

Ash, maybe it was waiting for you.

You think so?

Actually, I've heard rumors. They were talking about that strange egg. So that was you!

Ash, I wanna have totally cool battles just like Leon!

You should have lots of adventures first where you catch Pokémon and battle with them.

I'll cheer for you.

Thanks, Diantha. I promise that I won't let you down.

If anyone breaks Leon's unbeaten streak, it's got to be you.

But no pressure, right? I've decided something.

What's that?

Once this tournament is over, I'm going to retire from battling. [This hints that a lot of challengers who fought Cynthia stood no chance against her. Little did Cynthia realize, someone might stand a chance and overpower her...]

Huh? You're retiring?

Hey, what's going on?

Pikachu's breakdancing! [Not exactly]

It's a little early for a victory dance. Use Hypnosis! [Should have watched Ash's battle against Fantina, Cynthia. Spiritomb complies using Hypnosis at Pikachu, only for it to get countered]

Spiritomb's Hypnosis move has somehow gotten caught in the Thunderbolt attack and it can't reach Pikachu.

But how? [You forgot about that tactic that Ash and Paul used in the Sinnoh League?!]

Let's finish this! [Pikachu's Thunderbolt injures Spiritomb]

It's true! Offense is the best Defense!

Cynthia! While we were in Sinnoh, we came up with the Counter Shield technique.

I remember that one! You demonstrated back in the Sinnoh League! [Oh, never mind then]

Roserade's not burned now?

That's so weird. It was just hit by Gengar's Will-o-wisp. [Unless...]

Hold on a second. That must mean Cynthia's Roserade...

Roserade's ability is Natural Cure. By returning to its Poké-ball, it can heal from things like burns or poison.

So that's why you switched it out. Okay, what's my next move?

How can they do that?!

With its extremely high spin rate, Sirfetch'd shield is destroying one Stealth Rock shard after another.

Is that even possible?

Hey, it's Ash! Stuff like this is where he's at his best!

Togekiss, return now! [recalls her Togekiss]

Wait, what?

Oh! Another switch out! [Nope. The camera reveals that Cynthia has a...]

Raw? [Is that...]

A Dynamax band?!

Pikachu

Pika! [It is!]

Hey, that's no switch out!

Togekiss, soar with white wings! Now Dynamax, let's go! [Seconds later, Togekiss enlarges and pops out of the Dynamax Poké-ball. Cynthia knew that Ash would try and fight Mega Garchomp, hence why she threw him off guard.]

Togekiss. [You're in trouble now.]

Hey Garchomp. [Garchomp turns her attention to Cynthia] Looking at Ash brings back memories of all the wonderful times that you and I had together.

Garchomp. [I remember.]

When everything we saw was brand new. How we were filled with excitement at the great big world and its legends! As challengers, we tested ourselves in all kinds of situations. That was then...

Garchomp. [That's true.]

...but now, we will be the ones to take on Leon! Alright, use Scale Shot!

Ash.

Hm. [Cynthia extends her hand towards him for a handshake, which he accepts.] Thanks, Cynthia.

I'm the one who should be thanking you. [Ash is confused] Watching you and your Pokémon interacting in so many ways. It made me realize just how many things there are still left for me to learn. Thank you, Ash. Truly.

[off camera] Grookey! [Heck yeah!]

Let's battle again someday.

Sure!