"Garde."
Both Gardevoir raised their hands at the same time, their psychic barriers protecting their respective Trainers just in time.
Moments later, the dust settled, and Infernape and Heracross stood facing each other.
"Let's stop here."
Ye Qing called a halt to the fight. This was only a sparring match; there was no need to insist on a winner.
"Just what I was thinking."
Wangchen agreed with Ye Qing. Heracross was now burned, and if the battle continued, Infernape could easily wear Heracross down with ranged moves, despite Heracross's increased attack power.
On a small hillside, a breeze stirred the grass, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers and plants in every direction.
The two Gardevoir played beside a stream, while Heracross hugged a tree and gnawed at the sap on it.
Beneath a huge tree, Ye Qing handed Wangchen some food.
It was rare to meet a young Trainer whose strength matched his own, so Ye Qing asked enthusiastically, "Where are you headed?"
Wangchen was silent for a long while before saying, "Iron Fist City. I'm planning to get some training there."
"Perfect, that's where I'm headed too," Ye Qing suggested. "Why don't we go together?"
Wangchen scratched his head and declined, looking a little embarrassed. "Hmm... no, I still have some things to take care of."
"I see. All right, then."
Since the other man had things to do, Ye Qing did not insist.
Wangchen called Gardevoir back and, after a moment's thought, said, "I heard Iron Fist City will be holding a Fighting-type tournament soon. We can settle things then."
"It's a deal."
Ye Qing stood up, brushed the grass off his backside, and smiled as he spoke.
This young man was about his age, yet already possessed such strength. Perhaps he still had some trump cards hidden