As the smoke cleared, Heatran and Serperior lay on opposite sides of the field, motionless as if asleep...
"Serperior! Heatran! Both are unable to battle!" The referee waved his red and white flags without hesitation.
"Three Pokémon each! Yingyue and Tobias have both lost three Pokémon, so there will be a short break!"
Takeshi let out a breath of relief. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, felt how soaked his back was, and took a weary drink of water. After clearing his throat, he signaled for the field to be changed. "The next battlefield will be..."
"Grassy Terrain!"
At his words, the battered field sank away and a fresh grassy field rose in its place.
Backstage, the staff hurried to check the equipment, especially the protective barrier, in case another unpredictable accident occurred.
"So intense..."
"It's intense over here, too!"
"Meowth, hurry up and get more stock!"
The Team Rocket Trio were surrounded three deep by spectators. Box after box of Serperior, Glaceon, Jumpluff, and other merchandise sold out in moments.
At last, they knew what it felt like to count money until their hands cramped...
A few short minutes later, the battle resumed!
"Both competitors, send out your Pokémon!" The referee held out his hands again, his expression solemn.
Dian smiled silently and threw his Poké Ball. "Tyranitar! Go!"
"I didn't expect you to send that one out. What a surprise." Tobias rubbed the Poké Ball in his hand. "Dance and shine to your heart's content."
"My crescent moon, Cresselia!"
"Cresselia?!" Dawn blinked in confusion again. She didn't recognize the Pokémon that had appeared below.
"The embodiment of the crescent moon, known as the god of beautiful dreams. Legend says she came from the constellation Cygnus," Latias explained briefly. But her expression turned grave for a moment. Cresselia's