Cross is a Pokémon Trainer whose early ruthlessness manifests when he leaves his Charmander stranded in a rainstorm, deeming it unworthy of his ambitions. His philosophy of strength above all fuels confrontations, including a decisive victory over Ash’s Charmeleon with his Incineroar, cementing his disdain for perceived weakness. Obsessed with proving his supremacy, he seeks to summon Ho-Oh, convinced only the strongest deserve such a legendary encounter.

This drive leads him to steal the sacred Rainbow Wing near Mount Tensei, an act that corrupts the artifact and draws Marshadow’s influence, twisting local Pokémon into aggression. When his Midnight Lycanroc falls under possession, Cross faces mortal danger—a crisis averted by Ash’s Charizard, whose selfless defense forces him to confront the flaws in his ideology.

The near-disaster sparks a reversal: Cross aids the group in quelling Marshadow’s chaos, shedding his arrogance for cooperation. His departure as a tempered ally, rather than a rival, underscores his growth from cold pragmatist to someone recognizing the strength in bonds. Mirroring traits of trainers like Paul and Gary, his journey weaves competitive intensity with a redemption arc, emphasizing that true power lies beyond mere dominance.