Drayden/Quotes

These are Drayden's quotes in the Pokémon games.

In the core series

Pokémon Black and White

Opelucid City
"The cooperation of people and Pokémon is how Unova came to exist to begin with. If a Pokémon really didn't want anything to do with humans, it would simply leave... Capturing a Pokémon in a Poké Ball doesn't mean you've captured its heart."
"What's wrong? What does the wandering Champion who left the Pokémon League need from us?"
"Moments ago, a troublemaker known as Ghetsis was here. He said a Trainer named N has reawakened ZekromB/ReshiramW..."
"Let me check that I have this straight. This N, or what have you, presumes to set the two Dragon-type Pokémon against each other in battle to test his convictions?"
"Don't worry, Iris. He is the strongest Trainer in all of Unova."
"Well, <player>, is it? Come to my home. As Alder asked, I'll tell you everything I can about the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon. Iris, child, please show the way."
  • In his house
"I'll explain. What you are holding is the Light StoneB/Dark StoneW. ReshiramB/ZekromW, who will likely awaken from the Light StoneB/Dark StoneW, and ZekromB/ReshiramW, who is already awake, were once the same Pokémon."
"One day, however... The twin heroes, the older brother who sought the truth, and the younger brother who sought ideals, began to argue about how to decide which one of them was right... The single Dragon-type Pokémon that had been with them all that time split its body into two. One sided with the older brother, and the other with the younger brother."
"Because the two of them were once the same entity, their battle raged endlessly and neither one could be declared the winner. They simply exhausted themselves. The twin heroes proclaimed that there was no one side that was right and ceased the conflict."
"True. Pokémon cannot speak. People may hurt Pokémon even more by imposing their selfish thoughts on them. But, no matter what, Pokémon and people believe in each other, need each other, and will continue to live together..."
"Sorry. We got a little off topic at the end. That is everything we know. Unfortunately, we don't know how to wake up the legendary Pokémon..."
"I made a promise to Alder. You must win the Gym Badge from the Opelucid Pokémon Gym."
"<player>, I'll be waiting for your challenge at the Pokémon Gym!"B
"Iris, you go and be <player>'s opponent at the Pokémon Gym."W
"What will it accomplish to separate the worlds of people and Pokémon? The way we live now, with different beings understanding and forgiving each other, is much richer. That's my belief."W
  • In his house after player receives the Legend BadgeW
"If you wish, I can teach your Pokémon the strongest Dragon-type move. Would you like your Pokémon to learn that move?"
  • Yes; if player has Pokémon in the party that can learn the move
"Which Pokémon should learn this move?"
  • If a Pokémon that can't learn Draco Meteor is selected
"I'm very sorry, but... This Pokémon cannot learn this move."
  • If a Pokémon that knows Draco Meteor is selected
"Hmm... It looks like this Pokémon already knows Draco Meteor."
  • After one of the player's Pokémon learns Draco Meteor
"Draco Meteor's power is exceptional, but using it lowers the user's Sp. Atk stat."
  • Yes; if no Dragon-type Pokémon in the player's party can learn the move
"Hmm... This Pokémon can learn this move, but your bond of friendship is not yet strong enough. That means I cannot teach it this move."
  • Yes; if player has no Dragon-type Pokémon in the party
"I see... But there are no Pokémon with you right now that can learn this move."
  • No
"Understood. Come again if you change your mind."
Opelucid GymB
  • Before battle
"Welcome. Thank you for coming. I am Opelucid Pokémon Gym's Leader, Drayden. As the mayor, I've given everything to developing the city. As a Trainer, I've simply been pursuing greater strength. But what I'm searching for now is a young Trainer who can show me a bright future. Perhaps you can show me that future, the way Iris has?"
  • After the first move
"I didn't see that coming. You are a very difficult opponent."
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"Now is the moment of truth! This really gets my blood pumping!"
  • Being defeated
"This intense feeling that floods me after a defeat... I don't know how to describe it."
  • After being defeated
"Wonderful. I'm grateful we had a chance to meet and battle."
"Well, now, You've obtained all of the Gym Badges in Unova. Now, all Pokémon will obediently follow your commands. I also want you to have this. It's a TM I'm particularly fond of. It's called Dragon Tail."
"Dragon Tail is a move that returns the damaged Pokémon to its Poké Ball. In other words, it switches your opponent's Pokémon. Now, I have something to ask of you. Head for the Pokémon League and go after Alder. The Pokémon League is past Route 10, which runs from Opelucid City to Victory Road. I know Alder's strength, but I don't know the depths of N's power..."
  • Post game:
"Pokémon and people do not age because of the passage of time. They get old when the energy flowing in their hearts dries up. This energy in our hearts is powered by truth, ideals, or maybe dreams... That probably changes with what you most hope for in your life."
N's Castle
"Holder of the Light StoneB/Dark StoneW, please proceed!"
"I can empathize with some of what you say, but I can't forgive the way you reject everything else!"
Badge CaseB
Sincere Trainer, keep growing stronger!

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Opelucid Gym

  • Before battle
"Welcome. Thank you for coming. I am the Opelucid Pokémon Gym Leader, Drayden. As the mayor, I've given everything to developing the city. As a Trainer, I've simply been pursuing greater strength. But what I'm searching for now is a young Trainer who can show me a bright future. Perhaps you can show me that future, the way Iris has/<linked player> and Iris have?"
  • During battle (the first non-KO HP loss)
"Whatever move you chose, it fills me with the heat of battle!"
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"My blood burns with even more fire at this age! I've still got some fight in me!"
  • Being defeated
"This bitterness that floods me after a defeat… The heart that does not succumb to such a feeling is filled with energy and life!"
  • After being defeated
"Wonderful. I'm grateful that we had a chance to meet and battle. It reminded me that Pokémon battles are about working with others to meet our challenges together."
"Well, now. You've obtained seven of the Gym Badges in Unova. That means Pokémon up to Lv. 80, including those received in trades, will follow your commands obediently. I also want you to have this. It's a TM I'm particularly fond of. It's called Dragon Tail."
"Dragon Tail is a move that returns the damaged Pokémon to its Poké Ball. In other words, it switches your opponent's Pokémon. Professor Juniper asked me to tell you about the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon that created Unova. Please wait outside."
  • Post battle
It is not the passage of time that causes Pokémon and people to age. When the energy that flows in their heart dries up, that's when they get old. The heart's energy is powered by truth, ideals or maybe dreams... No doubt it changes depending on what you most hope for in life.

Opelucid City

  • In front of the Gym
"I'll show you the way. Follow me."
  • In the streets
"This way."
"We're here. OK! Come inside."
  • In his house
"Let me tell you the story. It's a long story, but listen closely. It was two years ago when the two dragon Pokémon were awakened. The black dragon Pokémon, Zekrom, pursued what is ideal,B2/ The white dragon Pokémon, Reshiram, sought what is true,W2 with the desire to usher in a new world of hopeB2/goodnessW2. And the white dragon Pokémon, Reshiram, sought what is true,B2/And the black dragon Pokémon, Zekrom, pursued what is ideal,W2 with the desire to usher in a new world of goodnessB2/hopeW2. ZekromB2/ReshiramW2 and ReshiramB2/ZekromW2 were once a single Pokémon."
"You may wonder why it split in two. The single dragon Pokémon had helped the twin heroes bring a new region into being. But the twin heroes--the olderB2/youngerW2 brother who sought the truthB2/idealsW2 and the youngerB2/olderW2 brother who sought idealsB2/the truthW2--sundered the region in two as they fought to see which of them was right. In that desperate hour, the single dragon Pokémon split its body into a blackB2/whiteW2 Pokémon and a whiteB2/blackW2 Pokémon, even though ideals and truth don't need to be in opposition!"
"As the story goes, a third dragon Pokémon, Kyurem, also came into existence in that era. And there may be proof of this to be found in a treasure passed down in my family for generations: the DNA Splicers. Professor Juniper's research determined that the materials in the splicers date back to the same era as the materials used in building the Dragonspiral Tower."
"Oh, the DNA Splicers are stored very safely. I guard them because I don't know what kind of power might lie within them. But here's what's been bothering me… Could there be one more dragon Pokémon? Even if Kyurem really exists, we don't know what kind of Pokémon it is. For starters, the two Pokémon the ancient Pokémon split into are both overwhelmingly powerful. So if Kyurem exists, could it be just a husk--a shell that was left over?"
"Hm? What was that sound?"
  • In the streets (after Team Plasma's attack)
"What was that?"
"This world of ice… Haxorus! Use Dragon Tail!"
"That's enough, Haxorus!"
"Not only did the ice stay unbroken, there's not even a scratch on it! What's going on?"
"I remember you from N's Castle."
"Do you think someone who knows what you did two years ago will just hand them over quietly?"
"Those foul villains! <Player>! I want you to help me! We're going to drive Team Plasma out of Opelucid City!"
  • If spoken to before beating all three of the Team Plasma Grunts
"They're getting tougher! <player>! Take care of the others!"
  • If spoken to after beating all three of the Team Plasma Grunts and before defeating Zinzolin
"The only one left is Zinzolin of the Seven Sages! Where could he be? Oh! What's going on at the Pokémon Gym?!"
  • In front of the Gym (after Team Plasma's attack)
"You're even better than I hoped. Thanks to you, we drove them off. I'm grateful to your Pokémon, also. After all that, the least I can do is heal them with this medicine."
"Wait here a moment. I'll be right back."
"Harrumph… That's a new record for making it there and back. Look, <player>. These are the DNA Splicers!"
"This is what they were after! We're really fortunate Team Plasma didn't get their hands on them! I don't know what their goal is, but I'm sure they're planning something wicked."
"It's beyond my imagination to think you'd use one of the Seven Sages to find out where the splicers were!"
"If they've been stolen from us, we'll just have to take them back!"
"They don't seem to be in this area. However, they can hide their presence, so be on guard as you look!"
  • In the streets (after battling Shadow Triad member)
"Oh no! Ah! No! No, no, it's not your fault, <player>. You were impressive! It's me who's let everybody down."
"Augh! If there were only two of me! Then I could protect the town and chase after them, too!
"Hello, Cheren. You have certainly grown. I hear you filled in for Lenora by becoming the Gym Leader in Aspertia City."
"Very well. I'll do my part--and thanks. The chase I'll leave to you! But…don't do anything reckless."
"Humilau City, huh… Is there anything to the north of Undella Town? <Player>, protect Pokémon from Team Plasma! All people should think for themselves about the nature of the relationship between people and Pokémon. It's not something Team Plasma gets to decide for everyone!"
  • In front of his house, after beating Team Plasma on Route 21
"Little by little, the ice is starting to melt. It's all thanks to you. As a fellow Trainer, I heartily thank you!"
  • In his house, offering to teach Draco Meteor
"If you wish, I can teach your Pokémon the strongest Dragon-type move. Would you like your Pokémon to learn that move?"
  • Yes; if player has Pokémon in the party that can learn the move
"Which Pokémon should learn this move?"
  • If a Pokémon that can't learn Draco Meteor is selected
"I'm very sorry, but... This Pokémon cannot learn this move."
  • If a Pokémon that knows Draco Meteor is selected
"Hmm... It looks like this Pokémon already knows Draco Meteor."
  • After one of the player's Pokémon learns Draco Meteor
"Draco Meteor's power is exceptional, but using it lowers the user's Sp. Atk stat."
  • Yes; if no Dragon-type Pokémon in the player's party can learn the move
"Hmm... This Pokémon can learn this move, but your bond of friendship is not yet strong enough. That means I cannot teach it this move."
  • Yes; if player has no Dragon-type Pokémon in the party
"I see... But there are no Pokémon with you right now that can learn this move."
  • No
"Understood. Come again if you change your mind."

Memory Link - A New Light

  • Opelucid City - Present
(to player) "I was just reminded of Iris. Yes, the Champion. That Iris..."
  • Flashback - Drayden and Iris's house
"Well done, Iris."
"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."
"Yes. I was surprised. You were one with your Pokémon and battling with such 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 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."
"He lost to N and retrained himself. He asked me to help 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."
"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."
"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."
"Good! If anyone can do it, you can."
  • End of flashback
(to player) "I wonder what kind of Champion she'll become."

Pokémon World Tournament

  • Before battle (first round)
"What I want to find is a young Trainer who can show me a bright future."
  • Before battle (second round)
"Thinking about aging is thinking about the time you have left. Now, since there are fewer things I can do, what I want to find is a young Trainer who can show me a bright future."
  • Before battle (final round)
"What I want to find is a young Trainer who can show me a bright future. Let's battle with everything we have: your skill, my experience, and the love we've raised our Pokémon with!"
  • Being defeated
"This intense feeling that floods me after a defeat... I don't know how to describe it."
  • If the player is defeated
"Harrumph! I know your ability is greater than that!"
  • After being defeated
"Wonderful. I'm grateful we had a chance to meet and battle. Make a bright future--not just for yourself, but for others as well."
  • After winning
"How unsatisfying! Promise that we'll see each other here once again!"
  • In the lobby, after the tournament
"I may be old, but I desire victory! This desire is the energy for life! It's the power to surpass who I was the previous day! I complement you on your victory, but next time, victory will be mine!"