The Lily of the Valley Conference venue.
Under the spotlights, the commentator's excited voice echoed beneath the dome of Lily of the Valley Stadium:
"Ladies and gentlemen! Sinnoh Champion Cynthia is facing off against Kanto Champion Lance!"
Lance's orange-and-white, Charizard-colored cape billowed as his first Poké Ball traced a scarlet arc.
With an enraged roar, Salamence whipped up a hurricane with its crimson wings, sending Lance's cape snapping in the gale.
"Salamence, Dragon Dance!"
As expected, although Lance had switched out his usual lead, Red Gyarados, his Salamence could also sweep teams with Dragon Dance.
In fact, Mega Salamence was far stronger overall than Mega Gyarados.
Mega Salamence consistently ranked among the top five Mega Evolutions, earning it the nickname "Little Rayquaza."
As for a certain 102-10...
The less said, the better.
Of course, Cynthia had a Garchomp Mega Stone.
Cynthia gave her command at the same time.
"Togekiss, Air Slash!"
Cynthia's Togekiss had the Ability Serene Grace.
Serene Grace made the additional effects of attacking moves more likely to activate, and Air Slash had a 30% chance of making its target flinch.
With Serene Grace, that probability reached a terrifying 60%!
Togekiss flapped its wings, sending blades of air slicing out. Salamence suddenly roared in pain.
The blades had struck a vital spot with precision, too!
Judging by Salamence's pained expression, the commentator could tell exactly what had happened.
"Air Slash landed a critical hit! And Salamence flinched!"
Green: "Heaven really wants Lance dead."
Akin: "A critical hit and a flinch. Unbelievable."
Cynthia pressed her advantage.
"Togekiss, Thunder Wave!"
With Salamence flinching, even though Lance wanted it to dodge through sheer determination, it couldn't manage it.
Seeing that Salamence had been paralyzed,
Lance made an immediate decision.
"Come back, Salamence."
If he didn't switch now, Serene Grace and Air