In the quarterfinals, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s team stepped onto the arena under countless watchful eyes. The host shouted himself hoarse with all sorts of opening remarks that this group of "elderly people" could not understand.
After all, compared to the other contestants, whose average age was seventeen or eighteen, the S.H.I.E.L.D. team was simply far too old.
This team of middle-aged and elderly men had not been favored from the very beginning, simply because they were short two members. Without any obvious type advantage, Pokemon of comparable levels would not differ too greatly in strength. Four against six was an absolute disadvantage.
Yet no one had expected Geodude, a Pokemon so ugly nobody wanted it, to become practically overpowered against Pikachu. That previous battle had truly driven home just how crucial type advantages were.
But there would be no such luck this time. Before the battle, both teams had to reveal their Pokemon for the other side to see. Although the order of deployment was kept secret, one could generally get a good idea of things just by looking at the opposing lineup.
This time, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s opponents had a very balanced lineup. They had only one Pikachu; the rest consisted of the Flying-type Spearow, the Fire-type Growlithe, the Water-type Squirtle, the Ground-type Sandshrew, and finally, the rare Grass-type Pokemon, Bulbasaur.
Clearly, the other team had specifically considered type matchups when building their lineup, so they had included all the common types.
Once the Pokemon had been revealed, the crowd began whispering among themselves, gradually growing into loud discussion. The reason was simple: Meowth was among the Pokemon S.H.I.E.L.D. had revealed, and he was a Pokemon no one had ever seen before.
"What an adorable kitty!"
"What model is that? Why hasn't AllSpark Company released it for sale?"
"A one-of-a-kind Pokemon! It must