The Blue Field, at the outer edge of the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference, had been restored and was ready to decide which trainer would move one step closer to victory.
The Referee wore a blue shirt and black trousers, his hair combed neatly into place. Holding red and white flags, he glanced at the spectators, then at the host standing high above the field.
Beep! Beep! At the two successive sounds, the Referee checked the black watch on his wrist. It displayed the competitors' information and the time: exactly two in the afternoon...
"Hoenn League Ever Grande Conference, Blue Field, second match of the preliminary tournament: Yingyue versus Alex!"
He checked the Roulette's result and the competitors once more. "Yingyue attacks first; Alex attacks second!"
"Both trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
The somewhat noisy Blue Field fell silent. Hearing the Referee's deep, penetrating voice, the spectators immediately set down their Snorlax cookies, fresh-squeezed juice, and three-flavor ice cream to focus on the field below.
Which Pokémon each trainer chose to open with would be crucial to winning the match.
There was no denying that this stage put the trainer who acted first at a disadvantage.
Dian held the Poké Balls he had finally retrieved before the match. He flicked a finger across the two miniaturized balls and tossed out one that looked exceptionally expensive. "Teddiursa, get ready to battle."
A small bear Pokémon with a crescent mark on its forehead appeared sitting on the Blue Field. It happily licked its golden-brown paw, savoring its sweetness. "Skitty-skitty~"
"Yingyue's opening Pokémon is the Normal-type Teddiursa! How will Alex respond?" The host at the Blue Field wore a black suit, and his eyes burned with a passion no less intense than Takeshi's. His ringing voice said it all.
"Teddiursa, huh? Then..." Alex