The two Poké Balls flew through the air simultaneously. The entire stadium held its breath.
Flash!
A pillar of blazing fire erupted from Elior's Poké Ball. Infernarx landed on the battlefield with a powerful roar, flames swirling around its body. The crowd exploded with cheers.
"Infernarx!! Infernarx!! Infernarx!!"
On the opposite side...
A shimmering blue light illuminated the arena. Milotic gracefully emerged, its elegant body gliding across the battlefield like flowing water.
The audience applauded.
The commentators spoke excitedly.
"What a way to begin the Grand Final!"
"Infernarx, Elior's trusted partner..."
"Against Serena's beautiful and powerful ace, Milotic!"
The referee looked at both Trainers.
"Battle..."
He lowered both flags.
"BEGIN!"
Serena didn't hesitate.
"Milotic, use Aqua Ring!"
Milotic spun gracefully as a ring of sparkling water formed around its body.
The gentle current began restoring its stamina. The commentators nodded.
"A smart opening! Serena is preparing for a long battle."
Elior smiled.
"Infernarx!"
"Flame Charge!"
Infernarx burst forward in a trail of fire.
The ground cracked beneath its feet.
"Milotic, Coil!"
Instead of attacking, Milotic gracefully coiled its body, increasing its power and precision while narrowly slipping past Infernarx's charge. Infernarx rushed by.
Serena immediately gave her next command.
"Water Pulse!"
A sphere of swirling water struck Infernarx from behind.
BOOM!
Infernarx slid several meters across the battlefield.
Elior: "Dragon Claw!"
Infernarx spun around and lunged forward.
Serena: "Mirror Coat!"
A shimmering barrier surrounded Milotic.
Dragon Claw connected...But the force rebounded. Infernarx was thrown backward by its own momentum. The audience gasped.
Elior quickly realized Serena wasn't trying to overpower Infernarx. She was wearing it down. He smiled.
"Let's fight differently."
"Sunny Day!"
Infernarx roared toward the sky. Dark clouds disappeared. Brilliant sunlight poured over the battlefield. The heat intensified.
Milotic's Aqua Ring continued to shimmer...But the harsh sunlight weakened the power of Water-type attacks.
The audience applauded the tactical decision.
Serena remained calm.
"Milotic..."
"Rain Dance."
Milotic lifted its head. Dark clouds immediately gathered overhead once again. Heavy rain began to fall. The bright sunlight vanished. The battlefield became soaked. The crowd cheered at the clash of battlefield control.
"Infernarx! Flamethrower!"
A stream of fire shot across the rain-soaked arena.
"Milotic! Hydro Pump!"
A powerful column of water surged forward. The two attacks collided in the center of the battlefield. Steam exploded into the air. Visibility dropped to almost nothing.
Inside the thick steam...Neither Trainer could clearly see the other's Pokémon.
Elior closed his eyes.
He listened.
The sound of rain.
The splash of water.
Infernarx's footsteps.
Then...
"To your left!"
Infernarx instantly reacted. It turned and slashed with Dragon Claw. The attack connected. Milotic cried out as it was knocked backward. The crowd erupted.
Milotic recovered almost immediately.
"Recover!"
A soft green light surrounded Milotic. Its injuries began to fade. The commentators smiled.
"Serena is making full use of Milotic's endurance!"
For several minutes, the battle became a showcase of championship-level strategy.
Infernarx used Flame Charge to increase its speed. Milotic answered with Coil, improving its defense and accuracy. Infernarx struck with Dragon Claw.
Milotic countered with Water Pulse.
Neither Pokémon could gain a decisive advantage.
The audience applauded after every exchange.
Infernarx and Milotic stood facing one another. Both Pokémon were breathing heavily. Neither had fallen. Rain continued to pour across the battlefield.
Elior and Serena exchanged determined smiles. They both understood.
The opening battle of the Grand Final was only beginning.
The first knockout had yet to come.
And neither Trainer intended to be the first to lose.
TO BE CONTINUED...