Jubilife Breeding Center.
After the match between Lance and Steven,
Cynthia and Diantha were up next, sending out Kommo-o and Goodra respectively.
Compared with the previous match of Lance vs. Steven,
there was a little less anticipation for this one.
The reason was simple: Cynthia and Diantha had just battled in the Master League two days earlier.
Cynthia had ultimately won.
Unlike Lance and Steven, whose wins and losses went back and forth depending heavily on their performance and their Pokémon's condition that day,
Diantha had historically lost more often than she won against Cynthia.
Even knowing this would be a brilliant contest, it was hard to get too excited when the outcome seemed clear in advance.
When Li Wei announced the start of the battle, Cynthia's already commanding presence intensified.
Cynthia called out clearly:
"Kommo-o, Dragon Dance!"
Kommo-o first pounded its chest with both fists and growled, swaying rhythmically as though performing a war dance.
The scales all over Kommo-o's body clashed violently, their ringing like the clangor of war drums!
The watching children were instantly captivated by the powerful dance.
The corners of Diantha's lips lifted slightly as she responded calmly,
"Acid Armor!"
Goodra's already smooth, moist body secreted a large amount of slick mucus.
Just as the move's name suggested, its body seemed to melt, becoming even softer, smoother, and more elastic.
This was one reason for Goodra's formidable defense. Some moves, such as Water Gun, could not even hurt it, as its slick surface weakened them.
Both sides opened by strengthening themselves.
Professor Rowan explained to the children,
"Kommo-o used Dragon Dance to raise its attack and defense, while Goodra greatly increased its defense."
After boosting its speed, Cynthia chose a forceful attack to test the waters. "Clanging Scales!"
The scales all over Kommo-o's body began