September 24, Nimbasa Gym.
Today, Nimbasa Gym
was packed to capacity for an exhibition match.
Even more eye-catching were the several professional video cameras set up beside the field, along with numerous media personnel holding cameras and wearing press badges.
Nimbasa City's fashion and Pokémon reporters clearly had no intention of missing this special showdown.
Elesa was practically a different person onstage and off. Offstage, she was quiet; onstage, she radiated enthusiasm.
Following Elesa's grand introduction,
Li Wei slowly stepped into view under the spotlight.
"Whoa! It's Zeraora!"
"It really is! What an incredible presence!"
Since this city was home to an Electric-type Gym,
and many of those present were Elesa's fans,
there was no shortage of people who loved Electric-type Pokémon.
"Mr. Li Wei is so handsome, too!"
"Is it because he's wearing a suit? He looks even sharper than usual!"
"He's wearing makeup!"
"Makeup? I can't tell."
"Just foundation. He's already got good looks to work with."
The audience buzzed with discussion, while the girlfriend in a young couple explained foundation to her boyfriend.
The reporters' camera shutters erupted all at once, and the spectators in the stands burst into enthusiastic cheers and applause.
Li Wei walked over to face Elesa with Zeraora, and the two shook hands warmly.
Li Wei smiled. "Thank you so much for inviting me, Gym Leader Elesa. You've certainly gone all out."
Elesa beamed. "Because you and Zeraora deserve a stage like this!"
"I can't wait!" Elesa said excitedly.
Just then, two yellow figures darted out as fast as lightning, nimbly climbing onto Elesa's free shoulder and arm before affectionately rubbing against her cheeks.
"Pika~chu!"
"Pika-pi!"
They were the Pikachu couple Li Wei had given Elesa earlier.
Caught up in the lively atmosphere, the Pikachu excitedly waved their little paws at the cameras