>>42038494>>42038564>People still think they were your rivalsThey were friends. It was clear since the begining (hell, even from their designs you can tell it). Even on the first half, they clarify they aren't really into battles and they have other stuff to do (complete the Pokedex, dance and shit, being kind and playing with their mons), and the only one that actually acted as a rival (Calem/Serena) did alright; definitively not the best rival, but at least wasn't a bootlicker like SM Hau or Hop.
They weren't extremely developed characters, but they weren't supposed to be. They were supposed to work as random kids which you bump into and do some shit together when it was important (like when asked to study about Mega Evolution or the final Flare arc).
Story complains and "MUH EDGY CHARACTERS" were what made Pokemon the cutscene and linear routes fest that is nowadays. Say what you want about XY, but remember
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