Clay/Quotes

These are Clay's quotes in the Pokémon games.

In the core series games

Pokémon Black and White

Driftveil City

"Hrmph! So yer the Trainer Elesa was talkin' about, huh. I'm Clay. I'm the Gym Leader 'round these parts. Don't be expectin' no welcome, now. 'Cause when we lowered that bridge, the Team Plasma guys we'd caught done escaped in all the ruckus!"
"Ya can say whatever ya want. But what's important is y'all showed up, and then Team Plasma escaped. Maybe it's a little heavy-handed, but you oughtta start lookin' for Team Plasma, too. Yer both talented Trainers, aren't ya? Tell ya what... If ya find Team Plasma, I'll let ya challenge my Gym! Life's all about give and take!"

Cold Storage

"Well, I'll be! Hidin' in a chilly old place like this... You guys take these Pokémon robbers!"
"You guys ain't so bad! Yup, a promise is a promise. Come on an' challenge my Gym!"

Driftveil City

"I don't need no thanks, now. Yer buddies were tryin' to steal some folks' Pokémon."
"Well, that sounds real nice, if it's true. I may not talk purty, but at least I'm an honest man. You talk real nice, but what yer sayin' kinda sounds like lyin'. So tell me plain, what are ya tryin' to say?"
"...Well, I can't tell if yer lyin' or not, but I reckon you've won this without a fight. Hrrmph. Fine. Take 'em and git!"
"Sorry to let Team Plasma go after you tracked 'em down, fellas. Say, why don't we cheer ourselves up with a Pokémon battle? Don't keep me waitin'!"

Driftveil Gym

  • Before battle
"Well.. Think it's about time to see fer myself what it is about yer skills that makes a Gym Leader like Elesa take such a shine to ya."
  • During battle (the first non-KO HP loss)
"Well I'll be! Sure didn't see that coming."
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"Givin' up's the easy way out! If I wanted, I could have given up any old time!"
  • Being defeated
"Well, I've had enough... and just so you know, I didn't go easy on you."
  • After being defeated
"Mrrrmph. I see. But I sure don't like it! Fer such a young 'un, ya have an imposin' battle style. I know ya got people who can dig up yer potential. Mrmph. Here! Take this!"
"So this is yer fifth Badge, huh? If that's so, Pokémon up to Lv. 60 will obey ya. Also, I'll give ya this TM. ...Well, that was the plan, but I just remembered there's somethin' I want. Wait in front of the cave at the end of Route 6, wouldja?"
"What's the problem? Go wait in front of the cave at the end of Route 6!"
"I don't know how much potential ya got, but if ya think ya can go, go wherever, and if ya think ya can do somethin', keep doin' it. Do things how ya want! Decide yer own limits."
  • Post game:
"Mrrrmph! You, huh? Remember what I done told ya? If ya think ya can go, go wherever, and if ya think ya can do somethin', keep doin' it. Do things how ya want! Decide yer own limits."

Chargestone Cave

"Thanks fer waitin'. Looks like th' nest of an Electric-type Pokémon called Galvantula. Don't know why there's a nest here, but if there are folks havin' problems, th' Gym Leader's th' one ta fix it. Krokorok! Take it out! And this here TM's yours. It's my favorite TM, so ya can teach it ta all of yer Pokémon! It's called Bulldoze. This move does damage and lowers the Speed of any Pokémon it hits. Some Ground-type Pokémon move a little slower than ya'd like. If ya use Bulldoze right, ya can cover that weakness! I don't know how good you really are, but if ya think ya can go, go wherever, and if ya think ya can do somethin', keep doin' it. Do things how ya want! Decide yer own limits."

Twist Mountain

"What a surprise. Seein' ya here while I was inspectin' Twist Mountain. Th' two of ya seem a bit more rugged than the last time I saw ya. A li'l bit, anyway..."
"By th'by... You folks seen that Team Plasma crowd lately? After all the trouble, we Gym Leaders met up and had a chat. But we've got no clue where they are. It's like they're hidin' under a rock. Well, not much to do but wait for 'em to move. Anyhow, this's none o' yer concern. Squirts like the two of ya should just enjoy travelin' with yer Pokémon. Twist Mountain's a fine place to explore! You'll have some fun if you just leave this here path... Weeell... Better ya just see it yerself, 'stead o' listenin' to me yammer. Be seein' ya, sprouts! Feel free to train yerselves on my mountain fer as long's ya like."

N's Castle

"Can ya manage that?"
"Still standin', are ya, <player>?"
"Hrrmph! Ain't just me!"
"Things aren't gonna go th' way ya fellas think they are! I'm sure o' that!"

Badge Case

Ya always want to live honestly fer yerself and yer Pokémon

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Driftveil Gym

  • Before battle
"Harrumph! Kept me waitin', didn't ya, kid? All right, time to see what ya can do!"
  • During battle (the first non-KO HP loss)
"Impressive! That's some strength you've got!"
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"No hard feelings, but I'm extremely stubborn!"
  • Being defeated
"Man oh man… It feels good to go all out and still be defeated!"
  • After being defeated
"Phew… You're really somethin'! Li'l whippersnapper Trainers who pack a real punch keep showin' up one after another. Mrmph. Here! Take this!"
"So this is yer fifth Badge, huh? If that's so, Pokémon up to Lv. 60 will obey ya. Here! Take this, too!"
"Well, I suppose… Come thisaway!"
  • In the Gym's hall
"Good dancers are crucial fer puttin' on a good show!"
"Mrrmph! You, huh? Remember what I done told ya? If ya think ya can go, go wherever, and if ya think ya can do somethin', keep doin' it. Do things how ya want! Decide yer own limits."

In front of the Gym

"Oh, so you two squirts know each other, huh? Ya both ain't bad, so I wanna show ya somethin'."
"There's always room for folks to grow and change, ain't there? And, if ya only go after what ya think is right, ya might end up rejectin' all thoughts and opinions other than yer own. That's mighty dangerous."
"Ya ever heard of the Pokémon World Tournament? Trainers from all over the world gather on up to see who's toughest!"
"Well then, I'll be waitin' for you at the south end of town!"

Pokémon World Tournament

  • Introducing the Tournament
"Here we are! Whaddya think? Great buildin', huh? Here's where the Pokémon World Tournament takes place! Ain't she purty? Follow me, tads!"
"This time, I'm gonna have ya participate in the Driftveil Tournament. Anything goes in this here tournament! Eight people will be participatin', and if ya win three times, yer the champion!"
"Ya know somethin', Cheren. The one who's gotta show everyone what Pokémon battlin' means--is you. And yer pal ain't here, either! I'm countin' on the power of youth, 'cause everyone likes up-and-comin' stars! OK! Whenever yer ready, get on over to reception!"
  • After the Driftveil Tournament
"An outstandin' battle, runts! Now everybody's gonna want to join in on this here tournament an' show their stuff!"
"See what I mean? People are pourin' in already! If the strongest Trainers from all over join in, it'll raise up everybody's level of skill! An' then, li'l ol' Driftveil City will grow even more and make a heap of money! So keep on bustin' those battles and rilin' everybody up! See ya!"
  • Before battle (first round)
"Yer tougher than ya were when I gave ya that Gym Badge, right? Well, how 'bout we have ourselves a look and see what ya can do now."
  • Before battle (second round)
"How much stronger ya get comes from how much you want to win! Always be loyal to that desire, ya hear?"
  • Before battle (final battle)
"If ya want ta win, don't make excuses! Got it? If yer gonna bellyache, just forget 'bout fightin'! Well, I might be fussin' 'bout nothing when it comes to you."
  • Being defeated
"Well, I've had enough... And just so you know, I didn't go easy on you."
  • If the player is defeated
"It's simple, hear! I wanted to win more than ya did!"
  • After being defeated
"Fer such a young 'un, ya have an imposin' battle style. I wonder what kind a journey ya had that made ya so strong. But, I still don't like losin'!"
  • After winning
"What's important is how ya react to losin'. That's why folks who use losin' as fuel to get better are tough."
  • In the lobby, after the tournament
"Am I all right with a Trainer like ya winning the Tournament, ya say? Ya think there're stronger Trainers out there yet? Talented Trainers who think like that are just who I want to come here to Driftveil City!"

Memory Link - Different Bones and Dreams

"Hey there! What's everyone all gathered up for?"
(to Burgh) "Found a Fossil in Twist Mountain. I came here to have Lenora look at it and see if ya wanted to keep it here or somethin'."
"Hmm? Well now... No matter who ya are or when ya die, bones are all that'll be left of ya. When ya think about it, it's amazin'. Even if ya die, ya can make money! Some Fossils are worth a lot, ya know!"
(to Lenora) "Here ya go! Whaddaya think? It's gotta be worth a mint as a specimen or as a collectible! Which is it?"
"That so? Guess my Twist Mountain still has unlimited potential! All right! I'll keep on diggin' my Clay Tunnel! Here, Burgh! That plain ol' Fossil's yours! Have a look at it and think about what bones mean to ya."

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Masters EX

Main article: Clay (Masters)
Menu interface (voice clips)
  • After being recruited
"The name's Clay. I'm the Gym Leader o' Driftveil City Gym! Time to get to work!"
  • Sync pair viewer
"Life's all about give and take!"
"I got more grit than anyone. That's why they call me the Underground Boss."
  • Selection screen (forming team)
"Got some work to be done? Sure thing! But I'm expectin' a bonus for this."
  • Selection screen (disbanding team)
"I'll be seein' y'all!"
  • Upon learning a new lucky skill
"This oughta do the trick."
  • Upon leveling up
"I don't think I'll be slowin' down anytime soon!"
  • Upon reaching max level
"Nothin' quite like that taste of success!"
  • Upon unlocking a new level cap
"Hmm! Now this is what I'm talkin' 'bout."
  • Upon evolving Pokémon
"Yer lookin' like you can handle yerself."
  • During conversation
"Hey!"
"You there!"
"Whaddaya want?"
"Hmhm!"
"Gehahahah."
"Heehahahahahah!"
"Hm."
"Huhuh."
"Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout."
"Impressive. You pack a real punch!"
"Well done. Well done indeed!"
"Y'all got more to give!"
"What's this?"
"Whaddaya think yer doin'?!"
"Stop."
"Ngggh."
"Gyuwah..."
"Aw, shoot."
"Huaaaah."
"What?"
"Are ya kiddin' me?"
"Whoa now!"
"Gyawh."
"Oh, course."
"Hmmmm."
"Right!"
"Well, now, that's mighty kind o' ya!"
"Sorry 'bout that."
"You got it!"
"Not a chance."
"Duoh!"
"Countin' on ya, pardner!"
"Guess that makes sense."
"Now ain't that somethin'!"
"Dyeeheh..."
"I'll be seein' y'all!"
"Let's kick up some dust!"
"Awright!"
  • During special log-in conversation (morning)
"It's still mornin', kid. Let's figure out how ta put this day to good use!"
"Lemme tell ya, wakin' up early does a world o' good. Makes the whole day longer!"
  • During special log-in conversation (afternoon)
"Hope you ate a hearty lunch, kid. We still got a whole day ahead of us!"
"Don't get me wrong. I got nothin' against a good nap now and again. It's all about gettin' that shut-eye!"
  • During special log-in conversation (evening)
"Ah! Night. Now, let's see who can stay awake longer..."
"I know nighttime's for sleepin', but ya know... it's tough to lose so much time."
  • During special gift conversation
"Here's a little somethin' from me!"
Battle interface (voice clips)
  • Co-op match screen
"Right!"
  • VS screen
"Alright then, let's get to work!"
  • Sending out Pokémon
"Get movin'!"
  • Using Pokémon move
"Go get 'em, pardner!"
"Show me some grit!"
  • Using item
"This is my job!"
  • Using Trainer move
"Now's my chance!"
  • Using sync move
"Show me some grit!"
  • Unity attack / theme skill
"C'mon!"
"Work!"
"Git!"
  • Switching in
"Time to work!"
  • Recalling fainted Pokémon
"Ah, get some rest."
  • "Nice" emote
"Good work, that!"
  • "Watch out" emote
"Don't slack off now!"
  • "Let's do this" emote
"Show me some grit!"
  • "Thanks" emote
"Well, now, that's mighty kind o' ya!"
  • Defeat
"Guess we didn't have enough grit."
  • Victory
"Right."
"Now that's what I call a job well done!"
Story Event - Pasio Eggsplorers
  • A Toge-pickle
  • If spoken to
"Y'see, we found ourselves an egg here lookin' all nice for the takin'..."
Story Event - All Aboard the Victory Train
  • Excavation Negotiations
  • Off-screen, as "???"
"Oh-ho! Well, look what we got here!"
  • After appearing, as Clay
"So y'all came to Pasio, too, huh?"
"Is that right? Sounds mighty interestin', if ya ask me."
"But I can't say yes just yet."
"Our group got permission first, and though I wouldn't mind lettin' you boys take over..."
"There's a proper procedure to gettin' things done, and I'm set on finishin' this job before I pass this site off to anyone else."
"Oho! Now there's an idea!"
"Heh. Well, that's a mighty fine Excadrill ya got there."
"If y'all insist on helpin', I certainly don't mind...but let's ask the others."
"Hey! Could y'all come out here?"
"These fellers are the ones who're actually leadin' this project. I'm just helpin' 'em out."
"This island's an artificial construct, see. Land's made up of dirt, sand, and rocks from all sorts of places."
"To them, it's a pile of treasure just waitin' to be dug up!"
"Steven, Roark... I got a proposition for ya."
"Well, if the leaders are on board, there's nothin' stoppin' you from startin' yer project! Don't worry about us! Go ahead and start excavatin'!"
Neo Champions - A Pure and Touching Heart
  • Ability to Sense Feelings
"What do ya think you're doin' here?"
"I see that."
"But shouldn't you be preppin' for the Neo Champion Stadium?"
"If ya keep stoppin' to help everyone on the way, ya might forget whatcha gotta do, y'know?"
"Cheeky kid!"
"I saw that, yeah."
"But I don't think I'd call that mind-readin'."
"I think he's just good at pickin' up on what others are feelin' and basin' what he's gonna say or do on that."
"I see why there's folks out there who've recognized his talent."
Special Event - Electricity Disruptors
  • If spoken to
"Hrmph! Ya can't get into the tunnel-diggin' business if yer scared by this!"
"You know what? I'm lookin' FORWARD to whatever it is that'll come jumpin' out!"
Sync Pair Story - A Day with Clay
"Well, hot diggity! There ya are, Palpitoad!"
"And...is that you, <player>? What in tarnation are you doin' here, kid?"
I heard a weird sound./What are YOU doing here?: "Well, we were just doin' some diggin' in this here cave."
"That rumblin' ya heard was probably ol' Palpitoad here levelin' the ground for me."
"But I reckon he got so excited, he couldn't hold it in no more—stumbled off down the path. I chased him all the way back here."
"But never mind all that hooey! The point is, we need more muscle!"
"You 'preciate the aesthetics o' my diggin', don'tcha, kiddo? If ya do, maybe ol' Clay'll put YOU to work!"
"Answer me this... Ya got artificial tunnels 'n' ya got natural rock tunnels, right? Which kind do you reckon is easier to use, kid?"
Artificial tunnels.: "Well, bless your heart! That's correct!"
Natural rock tunnels.: "Are you jus' yankin' my chain, kid? Or do ya really like rough 'n' tumble adventurin' that much?"
"I guarantee ya, caves 'n' tunnels made by people are far more convenient and well maintained."
"Anyhoo, next question! 'Tween artificial tunnels 'n' natural rock tunnels, which do you reckon are prettier?"
Artificial tunnels.: "Well, toot my horn! I feel the very same!"
Natural rock tunnels.: "Well, good ol' nature does have a kind o' beauty ya can't replicate artificially."
"But what if ya try lookin' at it from a different perspective?"
"I mean, folks say beauty's in the eye o' the beholder, don't they?"
"I, myself, think artificial caves 'n' tunnels are the most beautiful of all!"
"Why? 'Cause they help to improve the economy in a lotta ways! Money's important, kid."
"We sacrifice our precious time to work hard 'n' improve our craft, then we get compensation—money—in return for that labor."
"In my case, I'm providin' convenience to my consumers—the folks who use my tunnels—in exchange for receivin' that money."
"Folks use my tunnels like roads—for transportin' goods, travelin' to visit friends... All sorts o' things!"
"Convenience makes the consumers happy, 'n' gettin' paid makes me happy. It's a win-win situation for everybody!"
"And in case you were wonderin', diggin' tunnels is a joint effort between me 'n' my Palpitoad here."
"He's got Bubble Beam 'n' Bulldoze, 'n' I got my pickax."
"Those tunnels are a product o' the bond between a Trainer and a Pokémon, see? And havin' that bond makes both of us happy."
"Ain't nothin' in the world more beautiful than that combination, if ya ask me!"
I know what you mean./I don't really get it.: "That mighta been a li'l advanced for a whippersnapper like yerself. But listen... The PML's gonna be tough as boulders."
"You can try to drill right through it, but sooner or later, yer gonna hit some hard bedrock. All you got is you 'n' yer Pokémon."
"Y'all gotta work together to get through that tough bedrock before you can build yer pretty tunnel beyond!"
"I hope I get to witness y'all do it. I really do mean that."
"Well, anyhoo! I reckon you'll do a fine job o' helpin' me dig in this here cave!"
"It's gonna take a lotta strength to triumph at the PML, right? Well, yer hard labor here'll be like special trainin'! It's a win-win situation!"
Sync Pair Story - Palpitoad's Evolution
  • Before battle
"Oh-ho! That's one powerful sniffer ya got there, missy! Palpitoad here just loves playin' in the dirt. Y'all would be best buds!"
"Why not? Let's see what y'all can do!"
"Hah! Y'all think ya can power through Palpitoad's mud?! I'd like to see ya try!"
  • After defeating Hapu
"You and your Pokémon used some mighty earth-shatterin' moves yerselves there, missy!"
"Palpitoad?! Hold up—are you evolvin', buddy?!"
"Well, I'll be! That battle with you must've woke somethin' up inside of him!"
Pokémon Center
  • Random conversation*
"Say, have y'ever seen a vibratin' Palpitoad before? They're a sight to see, I tell ya! A real treat!"
"They're pretty famous back in Driftveil City in the Unova region—where I'm from."
"That's not why I brought a Palpitoad here with me, though."
"It's really on account o' the way they show their true grit whenever they battle!"
  • If spoken to again
"If yer interested in seein' some o' that Palpitoad grit in action, you should come visit me in Unova!"
"You'll prolly hear their cries all over the place there!"
  • Random conversation
"Back in Unova, my Excadrill is a must-have business partner when it comes to minin' work!"
"At one point in my life, I reckon I had truly hit rock bottom. Lower than low."
"But with Excadrill by my side, I was slowly able to drill my way back up the tunnel."
"Inch by inch, we rose right back on up to the surface!"
"To this day, I still dream about all the hard work we did."
  • If spoken to again
"No matter how tough things get, it'll be all right in the end if you've got yer Pokémon there beside ya!"
"So keep yer chin up, ya hear? 'Specially when the goin' gets tough."
  • Random conversation
"Gettin' plenty o' rest is part o' yer job! Spread yerself too thin, 'n' you'll surely burn out."
"As for me, I find that takin' little strolls around town here on Pasio's been a nice breath o' fresh air."
"This sure is a mighty-fine place. I could learn a thing or two here... Improve my city back home."
  • If spoken to again
"Lookin' out at all them city streets is one o' the finest parts o' my job, I tell ya!"
"When I look up at them buildings, shaped like nothin' I ever seen before, heh, even this ol' boss gets excited."
  • Random conversation
"Lookin' out at the ocean reminds me o' Driftveil City."
"I wonder how all the workers back home are holdin' up."
"I'm hankerin' to get back 'n' see how much all of 'em have grown since I've been gone!"
  • If spoken to again
"Them Driftveil City workers sure have got some guts, lemme tell ya."
"It'll be nice to see everybody again. Maybe I'll buy 'em all some souvenirs while I'm here!"
  • Random conversation
"<player>! Yer finally showin' some true grit, ain't ya."
"But I reckon you've still got some room to grow in those britches o' yers. Aim for the sky, I always say!"
"If y'all can face yer opponent head on 'n' win—no cheap tricks—I reckon y'all have got some real skill!"
  • If spoken to again
"Mayhaps I said a li'l too much just then, for an ol' miner like me, anyway."
"I do commend ya on yer youth and passion and grit—but that don't mean I gotta like ya!"
"It ain't often somebody gets a compliment outta ol' Clay!"
  • Random conversation
"You wanna talk about work? If yer lookin' for idle chat, take yer yapper elsewhere."
"You shouldn't get too overly familiar with work people, see? That's just business fundamentals right there."
"Hah, the workers back in Driftveil City are a different story, though!"
  • If spoken to again
"You got a sharp eye, kid. And you ain't lackin' much in the cool, calm, and collected department, neither!"
"That critical judgment o' yers'll come in handy for ya someday—you'll see. Jus' stay sharp, kid!"
"When ya boil 'em down, Pokémon battles 'n' doin' business ain't so different."
  • Random conversation
"So, ya fancy yerself a bona fide Trainer now, do ya? You're learnin' the ropes pretty well—I'll give ya that!"
"Just don't go gettin' all content and complacent yet, ya hear?"
"If yer expectin' a bonus, ya better be willin' to do whatever it takes! No givin' up halfway, got it?"
  • If spoken to again
"Work 'n' business are all about trust. Seems yer startin' to understand that pretty well!"
"I ain't never thought about havin' business partners before."
"But you've got some good prospects, kid. If—and that's a BIG if..."
"If ya won't take no for an answer, come 'n' see me in Driftveil City!"
"I'll hire ya on at my company!"
  • Special log-in conversation (generic)
"Well, I'll be! If it ain't <player>! So yer back, huh? Yer gutsy, kid. I like that!"
"Y'all better show me yer tough side today!"
  • Special log-in conversation (morning)
"It's still mornin', kid. Let's figure out how ta put this day to good use!"
  • Special log-in conversation (morning)
"Lemme tell ya, wakin' up early does a world o' good. Makes the whole day longer!"
  • Special log-in conversation (afternoon)
"Hope you ate a hearty lunch, kid. We still got a whole day ahead of us!"
  • Special log-in conversation (afternoon)
"Don't get me wrong. I got nothin' against a good nap now and again. It's all about gettin' that shut-eye!"
  • Special log-in conversation (evening)
"Ah! Night. Now, let's see who can stay awake longer..."
  • Special log-in conversation (evening)
"I know nighttime's for sleepin', but ya know... it's tough to lose so much time."
  • Special gift conversation
"Hey there, kid! Fancy meetin' ya here!"
"I was just fixin' to give ya this! Go on—use it how ya like!"
  • After giving out item
"It's just a trifle, kid. But I expect ya to return the favor someday!"
"Hrmmph! No need to get all worked up now! That's jus' my way o' sayin' thanks."
  • Challenge Unova special event conversation with Burgh and Brycen
"Yep, I found me someone like that, too!"
"I like where your head's at, sonny, but that's not right."
"The one I'm talkin' about is Roark."
"All that passion he puts into his diggin'. Why, the boy reminds me of a younger me!"
"And...it got me thinkin'..."
"Roark..."
"If I could get that boy to work for me, we'd be unstoppable!"
"Think of all the treasures we'd be able to dig up from Twist Mountain!"
  • Special Type Team-Up Daily Type Rotation event conversation with Hapu and Cynthia
"Yessiree, I'd like to ask 'er to do a job or two for me, too!"