The setting moves to Hoenn, where Alain encounters the Champion Steven Stone . Their battle is interrupted by the appearance of the legendary Mega Rayquaza .

These specials are essential viewing for fans of the Pokémon XY era because they provide the necessary backstory for Alain, who becomes Ash’s primary rival in the . It transforms him from a standard "cool rival" into a tragic figure caught between his ambition and his morals.

(Mega Evolution Special I–IV) is a four-part side story that aired alongside the Pokémon the Series: XY anime. It shifts the focus from Ash Ketchum to Alain , a former research assistant to Professor Sycamore, who is on a quest to master Mega Evolution and defeat every Mega-Evolved Pokémon alongside his partner, Charizard. Plot Overview

The leader of Team Flare. He acts as a mentor to Alain, though his true intentions are far more sinister.