For Iris, the situation had reached its most critical stage.
After two consecutive high-intensity battles, two of her mainstays had already fallen. Against Cynthia, she could not afford even the slightest mistake with every step she took.
In Dragon Village in Unova, many of her supporters were deeply worried.
Shobu clenched her fists tightly and murmured, "Iris... you can do this..."
Shauntal had stopped writing her novel in the small room, clasping her hands as she prayed for Iris. In the living room, Grimsley repeatedly tossed and caught a coin in silence.
Caitlin's gaze was as calm as a lake. No one knew what she was thinking.
Marshal alone folded his arms and shouted at the television, "Be bold! Be brave! Whatever you do, don't hesitate, Iris!"
At the stadium.
"Hiss..."
Iris took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. Recalling the unconscious Haxorus, she said gently, "Thank you for trying so hard."
Though it had not reached the ending she had imagined, that was not Haxorus's fault.
They simply were not as mature as Cynthia.
But wasn't that precisely why their fighting spirit could be ignited?
"Never give up until the very last moment! Right, Excadrill?" Iris shouted, throwing out a Poké Ball.
Bang!
Light flashed.
Accompanied by Iris's resolute cry, a short yet powerfully built body crashed onto the ground. Its claws, capable of digging through steel plates, rose high as it answered its trainer, "Doru!"
Leave it to me!
Under the sunlight, Excadrill's sharp, drill-like metal horn pointed straight ahead. Its brown-black fur-covered body was taut with muscles, while its claws reflected the light with a brilliant gleam.
It proudly raised its head and looked toward the Pokémon sent out first by the elegant woman across the field.
"Bori~~!"
The plump white giant bird let out