Baimu held a quiet discussion with Garchomp for a while.
"We can continue the battle."
He returned to his original position with Garchomp, who was fired up and ready to fight.
Silver Horse followed close behind, admiration and a touch of jealousy written across his face. Garchomp had never treated him that well, and as its actual trainer, he had mixed feelings.
Still...
How much of Garchomp's strength could Baimu bring out after such a short time together?
Silver Horse couldn't wait to find out.
The others were eager to watch, too. Baimu had spent only fifteen minutes getting to know a Pokémon before using it to battle Kendall, the Arena's second-in-command.
How could his chances of winning be anything but slim?
It was like someone used to a rocket launcher suddenly picking up a submachine gun he barely knew how to use, then going head-to-head with someone carrying a fully automatic rifle.
Otsuka and the others had complete faith in Baimu and stood ready to cheer him on.
Kendall glanced at Silver Ape, then walked to his designated trainer's position with a Poké Ball in hand. He had permission to fight without worrying whether beating Baimu would embarrass his boss. All he had to do was focus on the battle.
"Don't disappoint me."
He took a deep breath and hurled the Poké Ball high.
Pop!
Light flashed.
"Mooo!!"
A short-trunked mammoth with brown fur, as big as a hill, landed in a cloud of dust. It raised its forelegs, and its ringing cry echoed through the cavernous Arena.
Garchomp leaped onto the field and answered with a roar of its own:
"Garchomp—!!"
Its opponent might have the Ice type advantage, but as a proud Dragon Pokémon, Garchomp would never let any opponent outdo it in spirit.
Ayana frowned. Kendall