Characters & Story
The Borrius region's story centers on The Shadows — a sub-branch of Cube Corp dedicated to reviving the dead. Led by former CEO Zeph, they seek to unleash a dark force using the legendary birds and Hoopa.
Story Summary
Centuries ago, Borrius fought a brutal war with Kalos. The Borrian ruler summoned a dark force through portals, but Kalos used the legendary birds and Arceus to seal it away, winning the war. The ruler was overthrown.
Now, The Shadows — secretly a branch of Cube Corp — seek to release that dark force using Hoopa's portal-opening powers. You escape their base, choose your starter, and begin a journey to collect badges while stopping their plans.
Key moments: Hoopa summons Groudon to save you at Cinder Volcano. Aklove forces Hoopa to summon Zapdos on Route 12. At the Ruins of Void, Hoopa is transformed into its Unbound form and summons Ho-Oh and Lugia. The climax at Crystal Peak pits you against Hoopa Unbound and Mega Rayquaza before Hoopa joins your side.
Post-game: Hoopa's scattered portals bring dangerous Pokémon to Borrius. Professor Log tasks you with sealing them (Portal Purge). Defeat Aklove at the Ruins of Void to unlock New Game+.
Allies & Friends
Professor Log
Pokémon ProfessorThe regional professor of Borrius. Runs a lab in Frozen Heights studying Pokémon stats and capture rates. Gives the player their Pokédex and starter mission. His assistant holds the Stat Scanner.
Ace / Rival
RivalThe player's rival who moved to Borrius from Hoenn. Lives behind Prof. Log's lab with his twin sister Melony. Becomes the Champion you must defeat. His team adapts based on your starter choice.
Melony
NPC / Rival's SisterAce's twin sister and the only permanent resident of his house in Frozen Heights during the main story. More prominent in the post-game.
Jax
Ally / RangerA key ally who fights alongside the player during Shadow encounters. Battles as your partner in several double battles against The Shadows. Uses strong Pokémon with solid AI.
Villains (The Shadows)
Zeph
Shadows LeaderFormer CEO of Cube Corp who stepped down to lead The Shadows full-time. His goal is to revive the dead by combining Pokémon and human remains into Shadow Warriors. Father figure to Aklove.
Aklove
Main AntagonistThe true main villain who steals the Prison Bottle to control Hoopa Unbound. Attempts to fire the Ultimate Weapon at Crystal Peak. Must be defeated in the Ruins of Void during post-game to unlock NG+.
Marlon
Shadow AdminOne of the two main Shadow admins. Encountered early at Thundercap Mt. in a double battle (with Jax as ally). Fights using strong Pokémon like Shiftry and Swoobat.
Ivory
Shadow AdminThe second Shadow admin. Sets up barriers and traps. Encountered on Route 9 and various story locations.
Battle Leaders
Vega
Gym Leader #2 / NPCDark-type Gym Leader of Crater Town. In post-game, visit him in Magnolia Town on Thursday night then at his Gym to obtain the Red and Blue Orbs for Groudon/Kyogre.
Moleman
Elite Four #1Ground/Rock specialist. Battles in permanent Vicious Sandstorm as a double battle. His sandstorm does extra damage and boosts Ground Sp.Def.
Elias
Elite Four #2Ghost specialist. Uses Shadowy Veil gimmick where Ghosts take half damage at full HP and are immune to hazards.
Arabella
Elite Four #3Fairy specialist. Permanent Misty Terrain boosts Fairy defensive stats on entry.
Penny
Elite Four #4Dragon specialist. Rainbow Aura doubles secondary effect chances for Dragon types. Fights as double battle.
Other Key NPCs
Fey
Cube Corp PresidentCurrent president of Cube Corp after Zeph stepped down. The Science Society has taken a more active role under her leadership. Connected to Aklove's exclusive deals.
Successor Maxima
Story BossA powerful trainer in Tarmigan Mansion whose defeat unlocks Mega Evolution for the player. Also gives the Altarianite Mega Stone and lets you choose your Mega Keystone design.
Zygardia
Mission NPCA female scientist in Dresco Town who tasks you with collecting 100 Zygarde Cells. Can construct Zygarde forms at 10, 50, and 100 cells.
Hoopa
Mythical Pokémon / CharacterA mischievous legendary that plays a key role in the story. Summoned Groudon to save the player, was forced to summon Zapdos for Aklove, and at Crystal Peak fights alongside Mega Rayquaza before joining you.