After a long while, time had almost lost its meaning. The large screen above the arena and even the Referee's wristwatch had become unusable under the intense electromagnetic interference.
Crackle! Crackle! Crackle!! As the sea of lightning slowly faded, the original Rock-type battlefield had become a gigantic conical crater. Every ring was marked by black, torn textures carved open by the lightning, while Golden Lightning Zebstrika stood in the very center, snorting and pawing the ground with its forehooves.
Slowpoke's eyes had turned into spirals, and wisps of smoke still drifted from its mouth.
"Slowpoke is unable to battle. The winner is Zebstrika!"
"So this is the third Pokémon." Dian raised his hand and recalled Slowpoke. It wasn't Slowpoke's fault. After all, it was the Gym Leader's absolute ace, but in its unevolved state, it was indeed lacking.
"The bond of a first encounter, the power of Return. Interesting." He rubbed the goosebumps raised on his arm. The effects of Static now covered the entire arena.
"Come back, Zebstrika." Elesa recalled her Pokémon. That last attack had not been easy for Zebstrika either, so letting it rest and adjust for a while was the most appropriate choice. "Go, Emolga!"
"Camomile has switched Pokémon!" The Host recovered from the violent attack just now. "Yingyue now has only two Pokémon left as well. How will he respond?!"
"Emolga, huh?" Dian pondered for a moment before suddenly smiling and releasing Teddiursa.
The first opponent had ultimately become its final opponent. It really did feel a little like fate.
"Oh—! In the end, Yingyue has chosen Teddiursa once again!!" The Host gazed at the two Pokémon that had returned to the field below.
"Teddiursa took quite a bit of damage fighting Tynamo," Brock said, narrowing his eyes.
"Bulk Up." Dian glanced at the Emolga