Welcome to the Strata Gym! Here your knowledge will be tested. Want the badge? Beat the leader! Can you overcome Rowen's brain prowess? Due to Rowen's (reportedly) high IQ of 250, I figured it would be best to include very intelligent pokemon. This is why you'll see several psychic types. In addition, it was also important to include his element, wind. For that reason, I've also included flying types. I'll stop boring you with details for a minute.
Alakazam
Its brain cells multiply continually until it dies. As a result, it remembers everything. Its brain can outperform a supercomputer. Its IQ (intelligence quotient) is said to be around 5,000 (X, Y Pokedex Entry). Due to Alakazam's high intelligence, I feel that Rowen and this pokemon would get along very well. They could have discussions and play chess and word games. It would be great training for the both of them. I feel like they would find happy friends in the other. Conversation would be virtually unnecessary and I feel like both would have fun trying to devise new ways to challenge the other. I also believe that Alakazam would give Rowen the challenge he needs in way of companionship. It's hilarious for me to think of a young and proud Rowen constantly losing to his Pokemon only to realize later it was because it could read his mind.
Xatu
Once it begins to meditate at sunrise, the entire day will pass before it will move again. They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time (X, Y Pokedex Entry). In particular, I chose Xatu because once it begins to meditate an entire day will pass before it will move again. Although reading is not the same as meditating (not entirely) I can see Rowen getting absorbed in something for the entire day. He may not even realize that time has passed and I feel he'd be quite surprised that a whole day was gone.
Umbreon
The light of the moon changed Eevee's genetic structure. It lurks in darkness for prey. When exposed to the moon's aura, the rings on its body glow faintly and it's filled with a mysterious power (X, Y Pokedex Entry). Rowen draws his power from the heavens/wind. In particular, Umbreon's exposure to moonlight makes it glow. I'm translating this to gaining extra energy from moonlight. I felt this suited Rowen and the armor of Strata very well as his armor's power is made stronger by his journey floating through space.
Skarmory
After nesting in bramble bushes, the wings of its chicks grow hard from scratches by thorns. Despite being clad entirely in iron-hard armor, it flies at speeds over 180 mph (X, Y Pokedex Entry). There used to be an old site that had spirit companion information for everyone else. While Ryo had White Blaze, Rowen had a Hawk named Steel Claw; I loved that idea although I never knew if it was true. So, in true nostalgia I added. Also, consider this an armored warrior floating flying through the sky! There's more that I believe fits Rowen, such as "nesting in brambles" which I can equate to a tough home life in his youth, most of which is just due to his parents being divorced and always working. I couldn't have done better in picking this!
Gothorita
Starlight is the source of their power. At night, they mark star positions by using psychic power to float stones. According to many old tales, it creates friends for itself by controlling sleeping children on starry nights (X, Y Pokedex Entry). The main reason I chose Gothorita is because its power is drawn from the stars. In addition, its final evolution can also read the stars to predict and read its trainer's lifespan. I felt this fit Rowen for the same reasons as others, it relates directly his powers. He draws his powers from the winds or heavens. Specifically, I want to say he draws his power from the stars because he is sent to space to power up and resurrect his armor's power. In addition, I can easily see Rowen being a star watcher. With Gothorita he would have someone to stay up late with and chart stars.
Braviary
For the sake of its friends, this brave warrior of the sky will not stop battling, even if injured. They fight for their friends without any thought about danger to themselves. One can carry a car while flying (X, Y Pokedex Entry). The idea of Braviary is something I feel represents Rowen's fighting spirit. He will do anything for his friends. He's willing to use his power (and ultimately) his life to stop the Dynasty. He falls into Suzunagi's trap because he's so set on solving the issue without worrying the other guys. Rowen fights tooth and nail for the Ronin because he values their friendship. He fights despite injuries, as seen in OAV 1 in which he continues to move around and train despite serious injuries. I've never seen him carry a car though. In all seriousness, I feel that Braviary and Rowen would fight to the end of the world and back, through the fire, rain, and snow, and keep coming back until they had absolutely nothing left.
Sources: Animated Sprites, Serebii.Net, Steel Claw Reference, Trainer Sprite Resources
