Three Champions

Three Champions (Japanese: ３人のチャンピオン Three Champions) is the first chapter of the Arceus Arc in . It focuses on , , and as they forge strong bonds with their partner Pokémon and become the first sync pairs to receive arc suits.
It was released all at once on August 28, 2024.
==Plot==
;Cynthia's Conviction
At night in the ruins, and her train with and to learn more about Hisui's battling style. Reminded of 's method of fighting, Cynthia asks Rei to explain more about him. Rei hesitantly describes Volo as "elusive," but tells her that his love of Pokémon and mythology is very real. He asks her if she is training to surpass Volo's skill, and she partly agrees, saying she would primarily like for her and Garchomp to meet their full potential.
Suddenly, there is a cry for help nearby. Cynthia and Rei turn to see a space-time distortion deeper in the ruins. They find two Trainers surrounded by groups of Pokémon on both sides, then split up to defeat each of them. Despite the overwhelming number of opponents, Cynthia is able to stay entirely calm with Garchomp at her side. She thinks of the trust they share with each other, and its ability to empower them both.
A bright light then shines from the sky, accompanied by an odd sound. Shortly after, the distortion disappears. Both Trainers thank Cynthia for her help, aspiring to have the same relationship with their Pokémon that she does with her Garchomp. Once they leave, Cynthia realizes that she can find the growth she is seeking if she stays true to her own style of battling. Impressed by Cynthia's bond with Garchomp, Rei encourages her to show Volo their full potential.
;Steven's Adventures
At the mountain, and come across Brandon. Brandon notes that the two seem as though they have come directly from an adventure, which Steven confirms is true. He explains that he deposited all of his Pokémon except for Metagross and traveled all over Pasio, overcoming many obstacles, including malevolent Trainers.
Steven reflects on his life as Champion and heir to the Devon Corporation, coming to the conclusion that neither of those roles helped him figure out who he really is. He suspects that Metagross shares this feeling, prompting Brandon to note that the two are on a journey of self-discovery. When Steven mentions that he is striving for greatness, Brandon is pleased. Noting that people with positions tend to avoid taking risks, he points out that Steven and Metagross have successfully rediscovered their sense of adventure.
Brandon then challenges Steven to a battle, sending out , , and . Steven gladly accepts, smiling as he thinks of Metagross and himself taking on the world together. A heavenly light then shines from above.
;Lance's Hardships
As stands by, battles at the glacier, with his facing off against her , , and . Dragonite is getting notably worn out, and Clair is surprised that Lance would still choose to battle her. This prompts Lance to bring up 's harsh training on Mt. Silver. Inspired by Red and , Lance claims he needs to approach his training like a challenger would, rather than a Champion. Dragonite appears to agree.
Clair hesitates, but sends her Pokémon at Dragonite. Dragonite sustains the attack, then launches one of his own, proceeding to defeat all of Clair's Pokémon at once. She praises Lance and suggests that he has trained enough, but he disagrees. He then calls on Alder to bring out his own Pokémon. Clair tries to reason with him, but Alder pauses, regarding the looks on Lance and Dragonite's faces. Alder then sends out and commands it to use , prompting Lance to command Dragonite to do the same. As he does so, a bright light shines over him.
A few days later, Lear announces the start of the Arceus Cup at the stadium.
;The Arceus Cup Begins!
Lear reminds the audience of how Arceus's voice was heard at the stadium some time after sync stones ultimate began to shine. Volo, who is standing aside Benga and , smirks at the mention of this. Lear then explains that the purpose of the tournament is to provide contestants with the chance to respond to Arceus by showcasing the bonds they share with their Pokémon. He tells the audience that contestants are allowed to choose their opponents, but winning is not the goal—instead, being "deemed worthy by Arceus."
The competitors step forward, with Volo and the other challengers facing off against Cynthia, Steven, and Wallace. When Benga sees Lance, he commends him for putting himself and his Dragonite through enough. As Steven and Wallace exchange greetings, Wallace reminds Steven that he will be taking the title of Champion of Hoenn if Steven is defeated. Volo, meanwhile, notices a change in Cynthia, and sends out his Garchomp to face hers.
Lear commences the battle.
;Outfits Blessed by Arceus
The battle begins, yet unlike most three-on-three battles held on Pasio, each Trainer fights an opponent individually. When Benga's Volcarona clashes with Lance's Dragonite, Benga enthuses about Lance's growth. Wallace notes Steven's increase in strength as well, prompting Steven to explain that his adventures have led him to strive to form the most powerful sync pair on Pasio. 
As Volo and Cynthia face off, she is surprised how he remains so calm throughout their battle. Volo reveals that he has been training too, and while Cynthia admits he is a formidable opponent, she announces that she and Garchomp will never back away from a challenge. After she says this, a bright light shines down, and Cynthia is then shown wearing new, white clothes. When Lance and Steven also announce their desire to keep getting stronger with their partner Pokémon, light shines on them, and they become clothed in white as well.
Benga and Wallace are both impressed by their opponents' transformations, but Volo is only interested in the potential of the clothes. While initially shocked, Lear offers his congratulations to the Champions for showing the powerful bonds they share with their Pokémon. 
Cynthia, Steven, and Lance proceed to defeat their opponents, causing Lear to announce both the end of the battle, and that these Trainers have succeeded in bringing out the power of the sync stones ultimate. He names their new outfits "arc suits," after Arceus. Benga, Wallace, and Volo offer their congratulations to the Champions, and the stadium erupts into applause. 
Later that night, Cynthia and Rei meet to discuss the tournament. Cynthia notes that, despite their transformations, nothing happened to her and Garchomp, nor did they hear Arceus's voice. They begin to wonder what Arceus wanted from them, and Rei thinks to himself about what Volo's next steps will be.
Meanwhile, Volo walks through the town alone. With a nefarious smile on his face, he considers the potential of arc suits.
==Area info==
Area name 	Unlock condition 	Completion rewards
Cynthia's Conviction 	Available from start 	Gems ×10Steven's Adventures
Steven's Adventures 	Complete Cynthia's Conviction 	Gems ×10Lance's Hardships
Lance's Hardships 	Complete Steven's Adventures 	Gems ×10The Arceus Cup Begins!
The Arceus Cup Begins! 	Complete Lance's Hardships 	Gems ×10Outfits Blessed by Arceus
Outfits Blessed by Arceus	Complete The Arceus Cup Begins!	Gems ×10
==Gallery==
Artwork of Chapter 1
==Music==
Situation 	Song key 	Song name 	Arrangement
In menu 	No. 00004 	Adventure Awaits! 	Unknown
Cynthia's ConvictionWhen Rei and Cynthia begin fighting 	No. 04001 	Battle! (Cynthia)(Pokémon Masters EX Version) 	Haruki Yamada (ATTIC INC.)
Cynthia's ConvictionAfter Rei and Cynthia's battleSteven's AdventuresFrom start 	No. 00010 	Wild Wanderings 	Unknown
Cynthia's ConvictionWhen a space-time distortion appears 	No. 00005 	Danger! 	Unknown
Cynthia's ConvictionWhile the space-time distortion is active 	— 	Space-Time Distortion 	Unknown
Cynthia's ConvictionAfter the space-time distortion disappears 	No. 00011 	The Way Ahead 	Unknown
Steven's AdventuresWhile Steven talks about discovering himself 	No. 00013 	A Somber Moment 	Unknown
Steven's AdventuresWhen Steven and Brandon talk about adventure 	No. 00050 	Emotions Welling Up 	Unknown
Steven's AdventuresWhen Steven accepts Brandon's challenge to battle 	No. 03001 	Battle! (Steven)(Pokémon Masters EX Version) 	Haruki Yamada (ATTIC INC.)
Lance's HardshipsFrom start 	No. 02001 	Battle! (Johto Gym Leader)(Pokémon Masters EX Version) 	Haruki Yamada (ATTIC INC.)
Lance's HardshipsWhen Lance challenges Alder 	No. 01004 	Battle! (Lance)(Pokémon Masters EX Version) 	Haruki Yamada (ATTIC INC.)
Lance's HardshipsAt the stadiumThe Arceus Cup Begins!From start 	No. 00002 	Pokémon Masters EX Main Theme 	Unknown
Outfits Blessed by ArceusFrom start 	— 	Battle! Arena Trainer 	Unknown
Outfits Blessed by ArceusAfter Lance responds to Benga during their battle 	No. 00029 	Battle! (Lance, Steven, and Cynthia)(Pokémon Masters EX Version) 	Haruki Yamada (ATTIC INC.)
Outfits Blessed by ArceusWhen Cynthia expresses her determination to succeed 	No. 04026 	Glorious Battle! (Cynthia)(Pokémon Masters EX Version) 	Unknown
Outfits Blessed by ArceusAfter the battle, when Lear names the arc suits 	No. 00012 	Let Your Spirit Soar! 	Unknown
Outfits Blessed by ArceusWhile Rei and Cynthia are in the forest 	No. 00008 	Out for a Stroll 	Unknown
Song names without a song key listed are unofficial, as they have not been added to the Jukebox.	Song names without a song key listed are unofficial, as they have not been added to the Jukebox.	Song names without a song key listed are unofficial, as they have not been added to the Jukebox.	Song names without a song key listed are unofficial, as they have not been added to the Jukebox.
==Script==
* Cynthia's Conviction
Name 	Text
(Ruins; Cynthia and Rei battle each other with Garchomp and Decidueye, respectively. Afterward, they have a conversation) 	(Ruins; Cynthia and Rei battle each other with Garchomp and Decidueye, respectively. Afterward, they have a conversation)
Cynthia 	Thanks, Rei.You've given me valuable insight into Hisui's unique style of battling.
Rei 	It was developed as a way to deal with Pokémon that were ruthlessly attacking people.
Cynthia 	One could say it was born from the need to survive in harsh environments...I know one person who'd describe it that way, at least.''
(Cynthia envisions Volo) 	(Cynthia envisions Volo)
Cynthia 	Say, Rei...You know Volo, don't you?Can you tell me more about him?
Rei 	Hmm, well...I'd say he's an elusive person.He shows up out of nowhere to help or battle, then vanishes in a flash.But there's one thing I can say for sure...
Cynthia 	What's that?
Rei 	He genuinely loves Pokémon, mythology, ruins, and legends.He always seemed genuinely excited whenever we explored ruins in Hisui...and he was looking forward to the completion of my Pokédex.A lot's happened between us, but I don't think he was lying about those things.
Cynthia 	I see...Thanks for sharing.I guess I'll try to find out more about him the next time we battle.
Rei 	So the reason you're training so much is so you can beat Volo?
Cynthia 	In part, yes.But I also want Garchomp and I to outshine our past selves.As Sinnoh Champions, and as a sync pair here on Pasio...I want us to overcome anything that might be holding us back!That way, we can see how bright our lights can shine!
Rei 	Always aiming higher, even from the top, huh?
Cynthia 	Well, I couldn't call myself a Champion if I didn't.
??? 	H-help me!
??? 	What's going on?!
Rei 	That's a space-time distortion!
Cynthia 	People are in danger! We've got to go help them!
Rei 	Agreed!
(Cynthia and Rei run deeper into the ruins) 	(Cynthia and Rei run deeper into the ruins)
(A brief moment later, Cynthia and Rei are both surrounded by opposing Pokémon as they guard a Rising Star and Sightseer. Garchomp and Decidueye exchange blows with their numerous opponents)	(A brief moment later, Cynthia and Rei are both surrounded by opposing Pokémon as they guard a Rising Star and Sightseer. Garchomp and Decidueye exchange blows with their numerous opponents)
Cynthia 	(This isn't good—if I let my guard down, we could be taken out...)(And yet, I don't feel panicked.)(Knowing Garchomp is by my side puts my mind at ease.)(If there's one thing I'm certain of...)(it's that we know we can rely on one another in battle.)(And that trust we share is what empowers us both!)
(A bright light shines from above. The distortion vanishes) 	(A bright light shines from above. The distortion vanishes)
Cynthia 	We're safe now! Is anyone hurt?
Rising Star 	No, we're fine! Thank you!U-um... I just wanted to say, you were so cool!
Sightseer 	I hope my partner and I can share a bond as strong as yours and Garchomp's someday!
Cynthia 	Thanks! I'm sure you will!
(The Rising Star and Sightseer wave goodbye, then exit) 	(The Rising Star and Sightseer wave goodbye, then exit)
Cynthia 	(I'm certain now.)(The strength I seek can be found if I stay true to my own style!)
Rei 	Cynthia...I could see the power of your bond come out in the way you and Garchomp battled together, and it was amazing!Let Volo see how you two shine!
Cynthia 	I will.
* Steven's Adventures
Name 	Text
(Mountain; Steven and Metagross approach Brandon) 	(Mountain; Steven and Metagross approach Brandon)
Brandon 	Hello there, young explorer...You look as though you've just returned from quite the adventure!
Steven 	Indeed we have—an adventure that tested our limits and deepened our potential.I deposited all my Pokémon except for Metagross.We traveled around Pasio—just the two of us—and trained very hard.
Brandon 	Daring...but dangerous. If Metagross had fainted, your adventure could've ended then and there.
Steven 	Precisely.We were ambushed some by ill-intentioned Trainers who heard about our circumstances...but Metagross and I were able to handle it.
Brandon 	That's great! You've done well!
Steven 	Come to think of it, we haven't been that reckless in quite some time.As a Champion and an heir to a corporation, I've had many roles in my lifetime......but none had given me the answer to who I truly was...who the real "me" was.I believe Metagross shares that curiosity.Metagross has the intelligence of a supercomputer...But even with its intelligence, I doubt it fully understands who it truly is.
Brandon 	I see... So you've been on a journey of self-discovery.
Steven 	I cast aside my labels and thought..."In this vast world, Metagross and I crossed paths and became a sync pair."Together with Metagross, the ultimate Steel-type Pokémon...all I want is for us to become the greatest there ever was.When I realized how deeply our feelings aligned, that was all the clarity I needed.
Brandon 	Hahahah! Remarkable!Yes, that's grand, indeed!When you're out on an adventure, it doesn't matter who you are—a Champion, an heir to a corporation, a humble Trainer...One should always be ready and willing to take risks!Those with a position to maintain tend to shy away from risk.In doing so, they forget to shine—to embrace the spirit of adventure!But look at the two of you now! Even if it means sacrificing everything you've achieved, Steven...you're determined to become the strongest, together with Metagross!That's what courage and adventure is all about! How remarkable!
Steven 	No matter your age or what role you have, it's important to be adventurous.
Brandon 	Exactly!Now then, Steven! Bring your courage to our battle!
(Brandon sends out Regice, Registeel, and Regirock)	(Brandon sends out Regice, Registeel, and Regirock)
Brandon 	Everything you have! I'm braced for it all!
Steven 	Let's do this, Metagross!(As long as I'm with you, I'll continue to shine.)(Let's walk this world on our own feet...see it with our own eyes, and feel it in our hearts.)
(A bright light shines from above) 	(A bright light shines from above)
* Lance's Hardships
Name 	Text
(Glaciers; Lance and Dragonite battle Clair's Kingdra, Dragonair, and Gyarados)	(Glaciers; Lance and Dragonite battle Clair's Kingdra, Dragonair, and Gyarados)
Lance 	We're not done yet! Bring it on!
Clair 	You can't be serious.Both you and Dragonite are completely worn out!
Lance 	Let me tell you something about Red.
Clair 	Huh?
Lance 	He apparently put himself through some harsh training atop Mt. Silver.
(Lance envisions Blue and Red) 	(Lance envisions Blue and Red)
Lance 	I still remember how frustrating it was to lose to Red and Blue back in Kanto.Both Dragonite and I need to approach this like challengers, not Champions...and go through A LOT more!
Alder 	... ... ...
Clair 	Fine, if you insist!Everyone! Attack Dragonite!
Lance 	Dragonite!
(Lance defeats Clair) 	(Lance defeats Clair)
Clair 	I can't believe he actually withstood that...Well done, Lance! I think you've had enough.
Lance 	No, I'm not done yet.Then, Alder! Please step in and push us even harder!
Clair 	Lance, be reasonable!
(Alder ponders Lance's request) 	(Alder ponders Lance's request)
Alder 	Understood.
Clair 	Alder!...Fine. Do what you want!
Alder 	Here I come—Lance! Dragonite! Surpass your limits!
Lance 	OK!
Alder 	Volcarona, Hyper Beam!
Lance 	Dragonite, Hyper Beam!
(A bright light shines from above) 	(A bright light shines from above)
Clair 	Wh-what's that light?!
Alder 	You did it!
A few days later... 	A few days later...
(Stadium; Lear addresses the crowd) 	(Stadium; Lear addresses the crowd)
Lear 	To all the sync pairs here today, thank you for your patience!The Arceus Cup—a tournament to showcase the bonds between people and Pokémon for a deity—is finally here!And with that, we're ready to begin!
(The crowd cheers) 	(The crowd cheers)
* The Arceus Cup Begins!
Name 	Text
(Stadium; Lear addresses the crowd) 	(Stadium; Lear addresses the crowd)
Lear 	I believe everyone heard the voice saying "show me thy bond" a while ago.It is highly likely that that was the voice of Arceus, the deified Pokémon.The voice was heard the moment the sync stones ultimate began to shine, but no one has been able to draw out their true power.I believe that Arceus's will is linked to the sync stones ultimate!Therefore, contestants will be asked to use them to show their bond with their Pokémon!The objective of this tournament is to respond to Arceus's voice!At the Arceus Cup, participants can choose their opponents!This tournament isn't about winning battles—it's about demonstrating the bond between you and your partner.To be considered a winner in this tournament, you must be deemed worthy by Arceus!Let's show the deified Pokémon just how strong the bonds of sync pairs can be!
(The crowd cheers) 	(The crowd cheers)
Lear 	Six Trainers will be competing in today's tournament in response to Arceus's voice.All competitors are here of their own volition and desire.
(The competitors get into postition)	(The competitors get into postition)
Benga 	Hey!I can tell just by looking at you...you and your Dragonite have been through a lot!
Lance 	Yeah, it's all thanks to you.
Benga 	We promised, remember?We're gonna compete with each other...And see who's stronger!
(Benga sends out Volcarona) 	(Benga sends out Volcarona)
Lance 	Yeah!We'll show you what a difference all that training has made when we face off in battle!
(Lance sends out Dragonite) 	(Lance sends out Dragonite)
Steven 	Hey, Wallace.I suppose it's time to show you firsthand the strength we found on our adventures.
Wallace 	You've become stronger and more confident, Steven.But remember, if you're not strong enough, I'll be taking your seat as the Champion of Hoenn.
(Wallace sends out Milotic) 	(Wallace sends out Milotic)
Steven 	I know the stakes. Bring it on!
(Steven sends out Metagross) 	(Steven sends out Metagross)
Volo 	Now, Cynthia...This time, we'll be battling in front of a crowd. Given your title as Champion, you can't afford to lose, can you?
Cynthia 	You're right. But don't worry...we won't lose.
(Cynthia sends out Garchomp) 	(Cynthia sends out Garchomp)
Volo 	Oh?(It seems there's something more to her now...)
(Volo sends out Garchomp) 	(Volo sends out Garchomp)
Lear 	All right, everyone. Are you ready?Let the battle begin!
(The crowd cheers) 	(The crowd cheers)
* Outfits Blessed by Arceus
Name 	Text
(Stadium; the competitors begin to battle) 	(Stadium; the competitors begin to battle)
The battle has finally begun, but it's starting with a bit of a shake-up!Rather than work together as a team of three...each Trainer has decided to take on another one-on-one!	The battle has finally begun, but it's starting with a bit of a shake-up!Rather than work together as a team of three...each Trainer has decided to take on another one-on-one!
(Benga and Lance battle with their Volcarona and Dragonite, respectively) 	(Benga and Lance battle with their Volcarona and Dragonite, respectively)
Benga 	Hey!Hey!Hey!You've gotten a lot stronger!
Lance 	You too! I can see you've gone through a lot!But there's no need for words now.This battle will determine who is the stronger of the two of us!
(Wallace and Steven battle with their Milotic and Metagross, respectively) 	(Wallace and Steven battle with their Milotic and Metagross, respectively)
Wallace 	I'm surprised, Steven.You and Metagross seem to have honed your skills even further!What happened with you two?
Steven 	Our harsh adventures taught us something'.'We just need one goal...And that is to become the world's strongest sync pair—nothing else!''
Wallace 	It seems the greatest achievement of your adventures isn't your newfound strength...but your pure will to win.Allow me to respond to your determination!I'll show you plenty of the water illusions performed by me and my Pokémon!
(Volo and Cynthia battle with their Garchomps) 	(Volo and Cynthia battle with their Garchomps)
Volo 	Well well! You're strong!Nothing like the last time we battled!
Cynthia 	And yet you seem so calm.You think you're unbeatable, don't you?
Volo 	I wouldn't say that. It's just that I'm not particularly fond of losing...So, yes. I plan to win'.'Besides, you're not the only one who's gotten stronger.We haven't been sitting around doing nothing, you know!''
(The competitors continue battling) 	(The competitors continue battling)
Cynthia 	As I expected, you're not someone who I can easily win against.But even so, both Garchomp and I are always aiming for the top!We'll continue to battle on even bigger stages and see how bright our lights can shine!
(A bright light shines from above. Cynthia dons her arc suit) 	(A bright light shines from above. Cynthia dons her arc suit)
Lance 	Dragons are sacred and legendary creatures.I'm proud to be partners with and battle beside one like you, Dragonite.As the strongest Trainer, I, Lance—the dragon master—accept your challenge!
(A bright light shines from above. Lance dons his arc suit) 	(A bright light shines from above. Lance dons his arc suit)
Steven 	Battling with Metagross fills me with inexplicable excitement.Our shared experiences allow us to polish our potential as a sync pair to a beautiful shine.And we'll shine as brilliantly as any precious stone!
(A bright light shines from above. Steven dons his arc suit) 	(A bright light shines from above. Steven dons his arc suit)
Benga 	What?What?WHAT?!
Wallace 	What a glorious shine...It's breathtakingly beautiful.
Volo 	(I sense a strong power coming from that light...)(Just as I thought!)
Lear 	I-is this the true power of sync stones ultimate?!Heh, impressive.Congratulations, Champions, for mastering the power of the sync stones ultimate and establishing such strong bonds with your Pokémon!
Cynthia 	Let's do this, Garchomp!
Lance 	Now, Dragonite!
Steven 	Let's go, partner!
(Cynthia, Lance, and Steven command their Pokémon to attack. A bright light shines from above. Their opponents' Pokémon faint) 	(Cynthia, Lance, and Steven command their Pokémon to attack. A bright light shines from above. Their opponents' Pokémon faint)
Lear 	That's it! The battle is over!A beautiful, powerful, captivating battle at that!What's more, the Champions have drawn out the true power of the sync stones ultimate by deepening their bonds with their Pokémon!Those outfits have been blessed by Arceus...Let's call them...arc suits!
(The crowd cheers) 	(The crowd cheers)
Wallace 	I must admit—all three of you put on a beautiful display of power!We all had a genuine desire to win.However, if the power of your bonds was the deciding factor in who won and who lost, then I gracefully admit my defeat!
Benga 	Yeah! That was an awesome battle!
Volo 	I agree!There's no doubt that your powers were truly incredible!...Incredible, indeed.
Cynthia 	Thank you.
Lance 	The bonds you and your Pokémon showed us were also impressive!
Steven 	I hope we continue to inspire each other...to keep shining as brightly as we possibly can as sync pairs!
Let's give another round of applause to these three sync pairs who clinched a victory with their sync stones ultimate! 	Let's give another round of applause to these three sync pairs who clinched a victory with their sync stones ultimate!
(The crowd cheers) 	(The crowd cheers)
(Transition to Rei and Cynthia in the forest) 	(Transition to Rei and Cynthia in the forest)
Rei 	The excitement in the arena when you revealed your arc suits was incredible!
Cynthia 	Yes, it was. But I couldn't help but notice something...Other than us transforming into our arc suits, nothing particularly happened.We didn't hear Arceus's voice this time, nor did it appear. Were our bonds still not strong enough?
Rei 	Or maybe it was expecting a different outcome?Either way, it's not exactly clear what kind of "bond" Arceus wants to see...(Arceus's will, huh...)(I bet Volo's already up to something. He probably even expects something will happen.)(I wonder what he plans to do next to make Arceus his own...)
(Transition to city; Volo looks off at the stadium) 	(Transition to city; Volo looks off at the stadium)
Volo 	Outfits blessed by Arceus...
(Fade to black) 	(Fade to black)
Volo 	Arc suits, huh...
==In other languages==
;Chapter 1
;Three Champions
zh:３位冠軍