Above the snowy, mist-shrouded frozen ground, the iceberg was exquisitely beautiful.
"Glaceon and Lucario are both unable to battle!!" The referee waved his flags without hesitation and announced the final result. "Both of Alex's Pokémon are unable to battle. Therefore, the winner of this battle is Yingyue!!"
"Phew..." Alex shook his head gently at the announcement, but his smile was one of utter satisfaction.
Lucario was very satisfied, because this was the best possible outcome.
Alex slowly steadied his breathing, then leaped down from the Trainer's platform. Walking across the thick ice as easily as level ground, he approached his opponent, the Pokémon Ranger who had also done the Lucario Kingdom a great kindness. "Mr. Yingyue, Riolu—no, Lucario—is very happy and satisfied right now..."
He lightly touched the solid ice, sensing Lucario's feelings through aura. "As the Lucario Kingdom's treasured Pokémon and Guardian, Lucario must have always felt very lonely. So Eevee's presence was like that of an older brother."
With that, Alex removed his blue, moderately tall hat, held it against his chest, and bowed slightly. "Both Lucario and I are very satisfied with this battle. Thank you so much!"
"An older brother..." Dian glanced at Glaceon, asleep within the solid ice, and thought of the indomitable will contained in that tiny body. Had freedom forged that unparalleled resolve, or was it precisely that resolve that made Glaceon so different? "Eevee—or rather, Glaceon—must feel the same way~"
He placed his right hand over his chest and returned the bow. "This must be the best possible thanks!"
As the two shook hands, the solid ice quietly melted, turning into trails of rainwater that soaked the ground...
The spectators rose as one, offering their applause for the battle, then reluctantly left their seats in turn to await the final match of