"Sorry for the wait, everyone! The race will begin very soon! Our Vinyardes Xingluo Island Pokémon Water Race is about to start!" the announcer declared loudly, drawing thunderous cheers from the spectators. Once the cheering subsided, the announcer continued, "Who will take home the victory in the Xingluo Island Pokémon Water Race?!"
As the announcer finished speaking, a three-second countdown appeared on a giant screen. Two seconds, one second-boom! At that instant, the hundred-plus competitors poised at the starting line shouted and surged forward, trailing white wakes across the surface like white dragons bursting from the water.
In principle, the water race was much like the Great Marsh Surfing competition Liu Qing had once entered: both depended on coordination between Pokémon and Trainer. Thus, even though Liu Qing had not practiced specifically for this race, he handled his craft with practiced ease. He spread his feet into a braced stance, leaned back slightly, and lowered his center of gravity. Slowking's limbs and tail worked like oars, rapidly towing the Poké Boat through the rope connected to Liu Qing's hands.
Before becoming engaged to Liu Qing, Cynthia had traveled throughout Sinnoh without ever entering a League competition. Because of that, however, she had participated in countless sporting events and was richly experienced. As a Champion, her coordination with Gastrodon was also unparalleled, so handling the Poké Boat was naturally no trouble at all.
Caitlin might never have tried water racing before, but her Psychic power gave her an excellent sense of balance as she steered, allowing her to adjust her body as much as possible to meet the demands of aerodynamics.
The huge crown on A Hen's Empoleon cut through the water, while its streamlined body greatly reduced resistance. Its enormous webbed feet generated powerful thrust, and combined with its burst