Steven Stone quotes from Pokémon

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.

So Leon has the advantage?

Yes. Who knew Rillaboom would use Acrobatics?

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.

If Iris is a Dragon-type trainer, then why...

Alain

[as if reading Diantha's mind] ...did she bring out Excadrill? [Diantha nods in agreement]

I've heard a rumour that she actually trained with Cynthia at one point.

Alain

Which means they each know the cards the other is holding.

It could very well be changing of the guard. This should be interesting.

That's interesting. She must be serious.

Alain

True, but Haxorus still has a lot of power right now. This bout is anything but decided.

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]