Drayden (anime)

Drayden is a character appearing in Pokémon the Series, who is the Gym Leader of Opelucid City in the Unova region.
==Appearance==
==Personality==
Drayden is a calm, yet a wise man in the battle. He cares much for education and for the Opelucid Academy, though, sometimes, he senses that certain people would be better off learning in adventuring, rather than in an institution.
==Etymology==
==Biography==
Drayden appeared in Iris' flashback; as Iris managed to befriend her Excadrill, they both won many battles. The final challenger was Drayden, who sent Haxorus. Iris counted on Excadrill, who battled Haxorus, but upon getting hit by Rock Smash, Excadrill sealed himself.BW035: Iris and Excadrill Against the Dragon Buster! After some time, Iris, per elder's recommendation, went into Opelucid Academy, where Drayden was one of the teachers. Iris couldn't keep up with her studies, feeling like a stranger in the city. Iris eventually used a Fraxure to battle a student, but lost the battle. Drayden pointed out Iris had to sense what her Pokémon were feeling, rather than just order Pokémon around. Iris was saddened and wanted to go back to the village. Unknown to her, Drayden approved that Iris would return to the Dragon Village and start a journey to learn more about life and Pokémon, in a more effective manner than she'd learn at the Academy. The elder saw the wisdom in Drayden's words, feeling Iris could even become a Gym Leader one day.BW103: Drayden Versus Iris: Past, Present, and Future!
===Pokémon the Series: Black & White===
Drayden snuck into the Dragon Village and was noticed by the elder. The elder told Drayden Iris still felt she was running away from Drayden, but Drayden wanted to see how she grew up. Eventually, Drayden, upon seeing Iris calming down Shannon's Hydreigon, appeared in person. Iris was not pleased Drayden was here, but was told Drayden had heard Iris grew up on her journey. Drayden wanted to see what Iris learned and asked her to come to Opelucid City Gym and face him in battle. Iris decided to do so, promising to show what she has gained.BW102: A Village Homecoming!
After the heroes arrived to Opelucid Academy, Drayden suggested they have some lunch, as he had to take care of some business. Eventually, Iris gained courage and faced Drayden in the Gym, sending her Excadrill to face Drayden's Haxorus. In the heat of the battle, Excadrill used Drill Run and Haxorus Giga Impact, which hit and knocked out both Pokémon. Both Iris and Drayden called their Pokémon back, so Drayden sent his Druddigon and Iris her Dragonite. Drayden sensed Dragonite had an interesting life, then had Druddigon attack Dragonite. Iris felt while Dragonite would be more effective by launching the attacks from the air, Dragonite wanted to fight on the ground. After the battle, Dragonite lost after getting hit by Dragon Tail. Drayden was pleased, however, since Iris learned much and gained new friends on her journey.
===Pokémon Journeys: The Series===
Drayden reappeared when Ash went to challenge Iris. He was revealed to now own an Axew as well as allowing Iris to use his Gym, the Opelucid City Gym, as Iris and Ash's battlefield for their World Coronation Series battle. He watched the battle alongside Goh. Before the events of the battle, he was revealed to have helped Iris in becoming a -type Pokémon master.PJ065: Thrash of the Titans!
He and his Axew watched Iris' match against Cynthia in the Masters 8.PJ117: The Fiery Road to Mastership!
==Pokémon==
===On hand===
==Trivia==
*Drayden did not battle Ash as the eighth and final Gym Leader of Unova in the anime, as his gym was closed.
==Gallery==
Unova Gym Leaders.png
==References==