It opens so many opportunities for new dynamics and character possibilities when the universe isn’t forced to revolve around Ash. For example where would Serena end up in life if she never saw Ash on that fateful night? What if Dawn ended up traveling with Paul in the absence of Ash, what kind of coordinator would she be?

18. The main conflict of the trio is similar to Ahs and Paul in regards to treatment of Pokémon. However, Gary will be more patient with Paul than Ash was given he does see some of his older self in Paul. Dawn in particular is conflicted as she was actually friends with Paul before the Hearthome tournment caused them to split up. Gary will even urge Dawn to consider traveling with Paul again when he notes that Dawn’s slump started around the time they parted ways with Paul (Dawn’s slump is worse in this timeline as she loses to May in the Wallace cup)

19. While they diverge in terms of acceptable treatment of Pokémon they are in agreement with how awful team galactic and Hunter J are. In fact Paul seems to take the idea of selling Pokemon for profit the most personally for reasons he’s unwilling to share..