Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 36

When we are waiting for Drayden, Dawn decides to ask, "So Iris, how did you become a Champion in the first place?"

Iris says, "It's a long story."

(Flashback)

In the gym, Iris jumped in joy and said, "Yay! I did it! Hydreigon, thank you! I won because of you!"

She was having a battle with Drayden and he said, "Well done, Iris."

"What did you want to talk to me about, Grandpa?" Iris noticed him in deep thought.

"Ah yes... I was thinking about the past. I traveled all over the world looking for a successor. I even went to remote places such as the Village of Dragons. That's where I met you, Iris." Drayden said.

Yep! I was the strongest!" "Yes. I was surprised. You were one with your Pokémon and battling with so much joy. Just watching you made me smile. Your opponents felt disappointed by their defeat, but at the same time, they enjoyed the battle. It was completely natural for me to decide I wanted to make you my successor."

"I'm so glad I came to Unova! There are many different people and so many different Pokémon! And you know what... In the Village of Dragons, people take living alongside Pokémon for granted. I was surprised some people in Unova didn't think that way!" Iris said.

"I found your reactions to be a breath of fresh air. And as a condition to leave the Village of Dragons, you wanted to broaden your experiences and become the Champion... So as I promised, I've been training you as a Trainer and as a Gym Leader. An order directly from Alder came as I was training you."

Alder was smiling, though." Iris said.

"He lost to N and retained himself. He asked me to help him with his special training, but it was ghastly. He wanted to become an immense obstacle for you, the new Champion... For that alone, he pushed himself incredibly hard." Drayden said.

"Alder was really, really, strong! And even when I felt a bit weak, he encouraged us! He said that even when their backs are against the wall, my Pokémon have an intense look in their eyes. So, that's why I won, but I feel like I still have a lot to learn."

"Don't forget that feeling. And now, if I may change the subject... When you came to Opelucid City, I gave you those clothes, right? You're the Champion, now. It's all right to dress up a little."

Iris stared at the box of new clothes from Drayden. "Are these new clothes? OK. I'll change into them right now!"

After changing her clothes, she gasped, "Wooow! It's such a flowing dress!"

"What is important is your mental preparation as the Champion, Iris. When I was little, Poké Balls didn't exist yet. Sometimes Pokémon would run away from awful Trainers who didn't try to understand them."

"But you were fine, right? I can tell! Your Haxorus loves you very much! I've already decided! I know what kind of Champion I will be! There's a myth in Sinnoh that says the reason why Pokémon jump out is because they want to thank people. I'm sure that we and Pokémon have helped each other and enriched the world since ancient times. These memories have been engraved in each Pokémon's heart! So, I want Pokémon and people to get closer and closer! As the Champion, I want to tell that to everybody!"

"Good! If anyone can do it, you can."

"That sounds amazing. That sure is a wonderful belief." Luke says.