Rival Anthony

"You'd better join him, or you're next!"

- Eclipse Admin Anthony, Demon's Tomb

Rival Anthony is an in-game neighbour and childhood friend of the player. He has lived in Mitis Town, diagonally opposite to the player's house. Once the player starts his or her journey, Anthony becomes a friendly rival, challenging the player to battles occasionally throughout their adventure through Roria. However, he was beaten and captured by Team Eclipse later on, which ultimately led to his betrayal.

Beginning
Anthony has grown up along with the player at Mitis Town. According to Anthony's parents, when he and the player were still children, they used to stay up late to discuss how their adventures in Roria would unfold when they became eligible to acquire their Starter Pokémon. When the player prepares to head for the Pokémon Lab to get his or her Starter Pokémon, Anthony informs them that his or her parents are waiting for them at the Archaeology Site. Later on, Anthony is present when the player chooses his or her Starter Pokémon, and challenges the player shortly afterwards, revealing his Starter Pokémon to be an Eevee.

Shortly before the player reaches Cheshma Town, Anthony witnesses the player's parents being kidnapped by Team Eclipse and urgently calls the player back home. Anthony then helps the player corner Eclipse Member Linda — the so-called friend of Professor Cypress, when she robs the Bronze Brick necklace from the player and runs into Gale Forest. After defeating Linda and retrieving the Bronze Brick, Anthony concludes that he and the player are on their own to rescue the player's parents. He then recommends the player to take on Silvent Gym.

Coward
The next time Anthony makes an appearance is after the player acquires the Arc Badge and leaves Silvent Gym. Having gone home in order to pick up the RTD, he hands one to the player and rushes in for a Gym Battle. Eventually, he catches up with the player at the end of Route 5 and demands another battle. Afterward, he heads into Brimber City only to come face-to-face with Leader Sebastian and find out that Brimber Gym has been raided by Team Eclipse. He claims he will accompany the player once he heals his party, but is nowhere to be found when the player defeats Eclipse Admin Harry in Mt. Igneus.

When the player bumps into Anthony on Route 8, he reveals himself to be a coward, admitting that he was too scared to face Team Eclipse and hid in Brimber Gym until Sebastian returned. He then teams up with the player to defeat the trainers on that route, revealing that his Eevee has evolved into Vaporeon in the process. Discovering that Team Eclipse has attacked Rosecove City as well, he distracts an Eclipse Grunt on Rosecove Beach in order to let the player proceed to the lighthouse and defeat the rest. He arrives at the lighthouse only to see that Eclipse Admin Gabe has already been blasted off. He and the player meet Rival Teresa here, and for some reason, Anthony is unable to introduce himself to her. He also drops his Gym challenge when Teresa is allowed to come along.

Hostage
After the player clears Rosecove Gym and heads to Route 9, Teresa suggests that Anthony and the player should battle and that she will then fight the victor. Anthony is hesitant at first, afraid to be exposed as weak after talking up his role in foiling Team Eclipse's plans, but ultimately accepts the challenge. He is no match for the player, and later thanks the player personally for "not blowing his cover". Shortly afterwards, he and Teresa arrive on Route 10 during the player's encounter with Absol — this causes Absol to be scared off. He heads into Cragonos Mines with Teresa, waiting for the player on Cragonos Peak.

Arriving in Anthian City, he is led by Teresa to the Poké Ball Emporium in the Shopping District, where she asks Uncle Gerald for information on Team Eclipse. Anthony waits inside the Poké Ball Emporium along with Teresa while the player proceeds to Anthian Gym. Immediately after the player acquires Soaring Badge, Team Eclipse raids Anthian City again. Anthony rushes out to Anthian Park alone to stop them, not waiting for the player to return, only to be caught and held captive by the Eclipse Admins...

Traitor
When the player bumps into Teresa in Route 14 near the entrance of Frostveil City, some Eclipse Members are seen trying to recruit her, but she refuses. The player interferes and beats the two Grunts in consecutive battles. The masked Eclipse Admin has kept silent until after the matches when he suddenly talks about reuniting with Teresa and the player. Teresa is surprised that he knew their names, and the Admin reveals himself — much to Teresa and the player's astonishment, to be Rival Anthony ... now Eclipse Admin Anthony!

As the player watches Teresa sailing off with a fisherman towards Crescent Island, Anthony appears for a brief moment on Decca Beach, spying behind his old friends from a distance, before walking away.

Sacrifice
Eventually player reaches Crescent Town and infiltrates the Eclipse Base, where the player will encounter Anthony once again with the Eclipse Boss, Eclipse Admins Gabe and Harry, along with Rival Teresa and player's parents as hostages. The Boss orders Anthony to stay back and finish the player off as the Boss lead everyone else to the airship, flying to the Demon's Tomb. Despite Anthony finally forming a full party, the player ultimately emerges victorious. Anthony says that he knew the player was going to win and leaves the Eclipse Base, heading for Demon's Tomb. After passing through Aborille Outpost and entering the Demon's Tomb, Anthony is seen once again with Cypress, the two Eclipse Admins, Teresa and the player's parents. After Cypress successfully summons Hoopa and opens the portal, but loses to the player, Anthony suddenly lifts Cypress with superhuman strength and throws Cypress into the portal. He then further reveals that he was faking his intentions as an Eclipse Admin. As Teresa talks to Anthony about working together, a crate from nearby gets pulled towards Teresa, but Anthony pushes her out of the way and is knocked off his feet into the portal......

Personality
As his parents state, he is initially very excited and greatly looking forward to his adventure. Later in the storyline, he is shown to be a coward when he stays behind in Brimber Gym, leaving the player to face Team Eclipse alone in Mt. Igneus.

His personality takes a drastic turn soon afterwards when he encounters Rival Teresa. He pretends to be strong by claiming he had an important role in expelling Team Eclipse back in Mt. Igneus, but when he is forced to battle the player for the third time, he is seen trying hard to hide that he is weak. This eventually gets him into trouble in Anthian City, where he rushes in alone trying to confront Team Eclipse, only to be surrounded and captured.

Dialogue
Click to view all dialogues of Rival Anthony.

Mitis Town
"Hey [Player], it's me, Anthony!"

"I can't believe we're getting our first Pokémon today! This is the day we've dreamt of since we were kids! I'm on my way to the lab to get mine right now! Oh yeah, your parents wanted to see you before you went to the lab. I saw them pass my house earlier, heading towards the digging site. Hurry and go talk to them. I'll be waiting for you at the lab!"


 * If talked to in the Pokémon Lab before meeting player's parents at the Archaeology Site: "The professor isn't here yet. Go ahead and go find your parents. They should be around the digging site somewhere."

"Oh that's cool, I never knew that before!"

"I hope our Pokémon become best friends like we are!"


 * If talked to after getting Starter Pokémon: "I'm so excited for the adventures that await us!"

"Hey [Player], wait up!"

"We have Pokémon now! LET'S BATTLE!"


 * After defeating Anthony: "Amazing!"

"Nice fighting! Here, let me heal your Pokémon."

"Wow, that was really cool of your parents. Oh, by the way, I have something for you. They're for catching wild Pokémon!" (Gives 5 Poké Balls to the player) "It works best if you weaken the Pokémon before throwing a Poké Ball at it. Well, I need to gather a few things before I set off on my adventure. You should go start training your Pokémon on Route 1! Past Route 1 is Cheshma Town. That'll be a good place for us to meet up. Alright, I'll see you later!"

Route 1
"[PLAYER]!!!"

"I got here as fast as I could! Something terrible has happened. I need you to come back to town with me. I don't have time to explain. Let's go!"

Cheshma Town
"Hey, there you are [Player]. Who was that person that just took off running out of here? Wait, what? She took the necklace that your parents gave you!? That was the last thing your parents gave you before they disappeared! We have to go after her and get that back! I saw her running into the woods just outside of town. Quick, follow me and I'll lead you there."

Gale Forest

 * If talked to before confronting Eclipse Member Linda: "She's in here somewhere. I'll wait right here so she doesn't get away. You go look for her and get your necklace back."

"Good job getting your necklace back. I wonder why she wanted your necklace so badly. So that was the woman the professor wanted you to stay with while they searched for your parents? I wonder if the professor knows what kind of person his friend was. Anyways, it's clear that you can't really trust anyone to find your parents for you right now. If Team Eclipse really did take them, you will need a strong team of Pokémon to beat them. A great way to strengthen your Pokémon is to challenge the gym leaders in Roria. There are 8 gym leaders in Roria. And who knows, maybe while travelling you will learn more information on what might have happened to your parents. Anyways, there's a gym in the next town over. I suggest we start there. Don't worry [Player], we'll get your parents back. Now let's go!"

Silvent City
"Oh hey [Player]!"

"Wow, you have the Arc Badge now. I'm on my way to challenge the gym right now. I really hope my Pokémon are as strong as yours. Maybe we can have another battle soon. Anyways, check this out. This is the reason I was late getting here. It's called an RTD. I want you to have this one." (Gives the RTD to player) "RTD stands for Recreational Teleportation Device. It allows you to teleport to some really neat places just for trainers like you and I. For example, the Trade Resort or the Battle Colosseum. The Trade Resort is where trainers can go to trade their Pokémon with other trainers. The Battle Colosseum is also a place for trainers where they can battle other trainers' Pokémon. It's really convenient having specific places to go when you're in the mood for trading or battling others. Anyways, time to get me that badge! See ya later, [Player]." (Rushes into Silvent Gym)

Route 5
"Wait up!"

"I finally caught up to you! When did you get so fast? Anyways, let's have another battle! After getting the Arc Badge, I feel like my Pokémon are a lot tougher this time!"


 * After defeating Anthony: "You're still a better trainer!"

"Brimber City should be just through this gate. They have a Pokémon Gym there too. We should also ask around and see if anyone knows anything about Team Eclipse while we're here. I'm gonna head over to the Pokémon Centre and heal my Pokémon! See you later!"

Brimber City
"[Player], quick, over here!"

"This is the Gym Leader of the Brimber Gym. I just ran into him as I walked into town." (Turns to Leader Sebastian) "Would it be OK if we stopped by the gym later today for a challenge?"

"What exactly did they steal?"

"[Player], if Team Eclipse is nearby, maybe they'll have your parents. We have to go look for them!"

"Which way did they go?"

"Before I do anything, I'm going to get my Pokémon healed. (Turns to the player) ''"[Player], you go ahead and try to find Team Eclipse. I'll try to meet up with you later."'' (Heads into the Pokémon Centre)

Route 8
"Oh hey, [Player]! Looks like you've finally caught up with me. You took on Team Eclipse all by yourself. That was pretty brave of you. I've got to be honest, that whole time I was just waiting at the gym for Sebastian to get back so I could be the first person to get the Brimstone Badge. I was honestly too scared to go challenge Team Eclipse. But you've proven to me that we really are capable of doing great things with the help of our Pokémon. I really admire your strength and determination. The way you're training your Pokémon... You should have your parents back in no time! I just know you will. I know! You can show me how you train your Pokémon! Let's tackle the trainers on this route together! You take the lead. I've got tons of Potions and stuff, if your Pokémon get hurt in battle, I'll heal them afterwards."


 * If the player retreats to Lagoona Lake: "Oh okay, I'll just wait for you here."
 * After winning trainer battles: "Excellent battling! Here, allow me to heal your Pokémon."

"Hey [Player], that was really fun. I learnt a lot from how you battle. I'm so excited to use what I've learnt now! There's a gym ahead in the next city. I can use the skill you've taught me and earn another gym badge! I'll see you there, [Player]."

Rosecove Beach
"Hey [Player], I ran into this guy when I came out of the gate. He is one of those Team Eclipse hooligans."

"Why, what are you crooks up to this time?"

"Knowing Team Eclipse, it can't be good. We need to find out what's going on. I'll battle this goon to keep him busy, you go find out what their plans are." (Fights the Eclipse Grunt)

Lighthouse
(Rushes in) "I just saw that whole thing from the beach! What was that Pokémon?!"

"That's incredible! It must have been so exciting to see it from so close."

"..." (Brain malfunctions)

"That sounds like a lovely idea! I will come with you to keep you company."

"Heh, yeah..." (Turns to the player) "You go ahead and get that badge, [Player]. I'm going to keep Teresa safe in case there are any more of those Eclipse goons still in town. Come meet us by the gate to Route 9 when you are ready." (Heads off to the gate with Rival Teresa)

Rosecove City

 * If talked to before taking on Rosecove Gym: "Haha, you're so funny Teresa. Oh hey [Player], don't you still need to get that badge or something?"

"Heh, yeah me too." (Turns to player) "Um, so who's ready to move on now? There is still so much to see, and we still haven't found [Player]'s parents."

"You are so nice and beautiful, Teresa."

"Oh uh... I said you're so bored waiting around here. Let's go on ahead."

Before battles
"Alright, [Player] is here. Looks like we're all ready to go."

"Oh ok, what do you have in mind?"

"Oh uh, well that would be me of course!" (Turns to player) "Right [Player]???"

"Hmm, I guess I wasn't really prepared for this." (Turns to player again) "I don't think [Player] was either, so maybe we should do this another time?"

"Wait, I'm not afraid. I uhh... just don't think it's fair to [Player] is all."

"Oh, well, in that case, I guess we should have a battle." (Turns to player again) "I'm sorry [Player], but I won't be going easy on you."

"Alright [Player], let's do this."


 * After defeating Anthony: "That was unexpected..."

"I might've gone a little too easy on [Player]."

After battles
"You aren't reckless, Teresa! You're a great trainer! I could tell that you and your Pokémon have been in many great battles together."

"Wait, what?"

"Wow, I wouldn't have guessed. You seemed so confident and..."

"No, not at all. I was going to say capable."

"Well, I know you'll be great."

"Oh uh, don't mention it. So, where to now?"

"That sounds like a good idea, don't you think?" (Turns to Rival Teresa) "Where does this friend of yours live?"

"Oh my! I've always wanted to visit Anthian City. I've heard so many wonderful things about it!" (Turns to player) "Aren't you excited too, [Player]? Wait, WHAT? You've never even heard of Anthian City? I can't believe it! Well, you're in for a big surprise. I don't want to spoil anything for you. Just wait until we get there!"

"Yes for sure. So how do we get there, anyways?"

"Seems simple enough."

"G-g-g-ghosts? I'm not scared of any g-g-ghosts... I'll fight them off, no problem."

"Yeah, that's fine by me." (Turns to player for the last time) "[Player], let's take a short break and look around the area. We will meet you on Route 10 when you are ready to move on, [Player]." (Goes for training with Rival Teresa)


 * If talked to before proceeding onto Route 10: "Hey [Player], thanks for not blowing my cover back there with that battle. I know I'm weak but I don't want Teresa to know. I'm using this time to get stronger so that next time we have a battle I won't lose so miserably. Anyways, whenever you are ready to move on, just go to Route 10 and we will meet you there."

Route 10
"[Player]!"

"I think I might know what it was. My father used to tell me of a Pokémon that looked exactly like that one. It's called Absol."

"Yeah, that's the one. Legends say that wherever Absol goes, a disaster will surely follow. It appears only to warn those who are in danger. If one has appeared here, it can't be a good sign."

"I don't know what is more strange — the appearance of an Absol, or the keen interest it took in [Player]."

"Well, at least everyone's alright."

"Alright, so this is Route 10. If we continue on this path, we'll reach the entrance to the Cragonos Mines. You just follow the mine to the top of the mountain, where we'll catch a ride to Anthian City."

"The lady in the gate we just came through told me the sky train isn't working right now. Don't worry, I'll lead you safely through the mine. I hiked through here with my father once."

"Alright [Player], we're heading through the mine now. We'll rendezvous at the top where we all ride together to Anthian City. Have fun and good luck!"

Cragonos Peak
"Let's board the airship already!"


 * If answered Yes: "How could anyone not?"
 * If answered No: "Seriously?!"

"It's a huge city floating above the centre of Roria. Those who haven't been have at least heard stories about it all their lives..."

"There's a gym there too!"

"Yeah, that's really a good idea. If Gerald can give us any information at all, we'll be that much closer to saving your parents, [Player]!"

Housing District
"We've finally made it! Anthian City. What a beautiful place! Where should we go first?"

"Alright, what are we waiting for? Let's go talk to him!" (Proceeds to Shopping District with Rival Teresa)

Poké Ball Emporium
"Professor Cypress from Mitis Town believes it may have something to do with the fact that they are archaeologists, and know a lot about the history of Roria."

"Crescent Island is just off the eastern coast of Roria, isn't it?"

"So Team Eclipse was here and tried stealing an artifact? That's interesting. I wonder if they were after it because of something your parents told them. You know, since your parents were the ones that found it. I can't imagine why else they would be after it."

"Yeah, I want to stay here with Teresa and help her help Gerald."


 * If talked to before challenging Anthian Gym: "I wonder if there's a good candy store in this district."

Anthian Park
"Teresa, [Player], thank goodness you came!"

"I'm real sorry about this, [Player]. I was just trying to help. I wanted to protect everyone. I'm not as strong as I thought."

"Professor Cypress? What are you doing here?"

"Wait what, how could you???"

Route 14
"Enough!"

(Steps forward) "We are here to offer people membership in Team Eclipse's group. All who join will be allowed safe passage to the new world. What do you say?"

"I'm only trying to help you two. [Player], don't you want to be reunited with your family? And Teresa, if you come with us, we can all be safe! Professor Cypress is very close to discovering the secret of awakening Hoopa. When he does, this world will be left to desolate. Can't you see that I'm trying to protect you?"

"... ... Teresa, ..."

"... Please forgive me." (Takes off his hood)

"Yes... it's me."

"You don't understand, Teresa. They are going to leave this world in ruins. My best option was to join them, come looking for you guys, then bring you back with me. I can save all of us. Will you please just stop all this fighting and come back with me?"

"I'm doing everything in my power to help you right now, Teresa. What else could I have done in my situation?"

"I'm sorry, I tried that and was beaten. I was not strong enough, and now I'm trying to do what I can to save you both. This is my last offer, will you please give in and come with me?"

"Then I'm left with no other choice." (Turns to player) "[Player], we must battle. If I win, I will be taking you back with me by force. It's for your own good."


 * After defeating Anthony: "I'm sorry about this..."

"If that's how it's going to be, then fine. You are both my best friends. I thought for sure you would listen to me."

"I'm sorry, Teresa. I wish I was stronger, for you and [Player]. We will leave now. I will look for you again, in case you change your mind."

"Goodbye, Teresa." (Leaves)

Eclipse Base
(To Cypress) "Oh, yes sir."

(Turns to player) "Well, [Player], here we are again."

"The plan has already been set in motion. Too much is at stake here, I can't let you mess it up. At least let me see how strong you've become since we last met. Tell me, am I stronger now?" ''"I've always learned from battling with you. I knew before we battled that I would not stop you. Soon, the professor will be opening the tomb that has imprisoned Hoopa for eons. It is located deep within a cave on the other side of Route 18. Always remember: We fall, we fight. I need to go now." ''(Leaves)
 * After defeating Anthony: "You are still the strongest."

Demon's Tomb
(Throws Cypress into the portal) "Am I the only one that's tired of that guy's monologuing? I've been holding that in for a long time..."

"It's the end of the line for Team Eclipse. Nobody comes between me and my friends. Cypress made a huge mistake thinking he could take advantage of us like that."

"You'd better join him, or you're next!"

(Turns to the player, his/her parents, and Teresa) "This portal will continue to grow out of control until Hoopa is defeated. I will stay here and fight. The rest of you need to leave now."

(Turns to Teresa) "The fight is not yet over. I need you to get to safety so that I can finish this."

(Turns back to them) "The ancient Rorians bound Hoopa because it destroyed their homes and way of life. If we aren't careful, the same will happen to us. Cypress planned to leave this world to be destroyed by Hoopa. Hoopa must be stopped before it's too late."

(Turns back to Teresa) "Please go, Teresa. This is not up for discussion. You must leave." (Notices the portal growing larger in size)

(Turns back to them) "This is exactly what I feared would happen. The portal is only going to keep getting worse. You all need to run now!"

(Turns to Teresa, notices the crate moving to Teresa) "WATCH OUT!" (In slow-motion, Anthony pushes Teresa from the crate and sacrifices himself, leading to him to be sucked in by the portal)

Battles




























































Items
Rival Anthony has given player the following items:

Trivia

 * The fact that Anthony's Starter Pokémon is an Eevee seemingly mirrors how Rival Green Oak (or in international versions, Blue Oak) started off with Eevee in Pokémon Yellow.
 * However, unlike Green Oak's Eevee, Anthony's Eevee evolves into Vaporeon regardless of the results in the rival battles.
 * Anthony is the first Rival character in any Pokémon game to start as a friend, but betray the player.
 * However, Anthony's true intentions were to gain the trust of Cypress to help the player later on.