Misaki Takahashi, seated on the other side of the contestants' area, looked at the words "Bye" on the notice board. She fell silent for a moment, then lowered her gaze to the Ampharos beside her and gently patted its shoulder.
"Not bad luck," she said softly, the corners of her lips curling upward slightly. "But the finals will be the real test."
Ampharos raised its head and rubbed against her palm, letting out a low "Bwoo~."
"First match of the semifinals, contestants, please enter the field." The referee's voice came from the center of the arena.
Xinhai rose from the sofa and gently placed Eevee in Gardevoir's arms.
"Vee!" Eevee patted the back of his hand with its little paw, its large brown eyes sparkling as it looked at him. "Vee, vee!" (Go, Xinhai! You have to win!)
Xinhai smiled, rubbed its little head, then turned to Yuma Kamiya.
Yuma Kamiya happened to rise as well. He set the cup in his hand down on the coffee table and straightened his collar.
The two exchanged a glance before walking toward the contestants' tunnel together.
On the battle field, Xinhai stood in the left command zone, while Yuma Kamiya stood in the right.
The referee swept his gaze over both sides. Once he confirmed they were in position, he raised the flag in his hand high.
"First match of the semifinals—Xinhai Bai Mu versus Yuma Kamiya!"
"Contestants, please send out your Pokémon!"
Xinhai removed a Poké Ball from his waist and pressed the release button.
A flash of red light appeared, and Grovyle emerged in the middle of the field.
"Cha!!"
It crouched slightly, its golden eyes calmly fixed on its opponent's side.
Yuma Kamiya likewise removed a Poké Ball from his waist and pressed the release button.
A flash