One stood while the other lay still, leaving the atmosphere on the battlefield unbearably tense.
The water level had dropped considerably, exposing more ruins and rubble. Gyarados, having reverted from Mega Evolution, lay slumped over a rock with its head tilted, utterly unresponsive.
Overhead, the clouds had long since been swept away by wave after wave of clashing auras.
Sunlight shone over the arena again, easing the damp chill somewhat.
The referee waited patiently for several seconds before finally announcing,
"Gyarados is unable to battle! Swampert wins!"
"Ding! Swampert has won an official battle! Earned 1,200 Training Points! Gained a large amount of experience!" "Ding! Hydro Pump, Hammer Arm, and Liquidation proficiency increased!"
Yong smiled with relief.
"That was excellent, Swampert! Thanks for all your hard work! But we still have a tough fight ahead! Don't let your guard down."
"Lah-chi!"
As it recovered, Swampert nodded calmly in response to the boy.
"Awesome! I knew Swampert would win!"
Holding the railing, Ash grinned broadly, showing off to Iris and Gary beside him.
Looking at his smug friend, Gary curled his lip and snorted disdainfully.
"Getting excited over an obvious result? Ash, you're so lame!"
"Why, you-what did you say, you smug jerk?!"
"Idiot! Call me young master!"
Their childish bickering dispelled the earlier tension and relaxed the atmosphere in the arena. Everyone's expressions softened as they began to unwind.
"What a shame. Gyarados still falls short of Swampert in raw strength! Mega Evolution against the Bond Phenomenon... This battle alone made the trip worthwhile!"
Elite Four member Shauntal clasped her hands beneath her chin, her eyes gleaming as she watched the battlefield.
Bruno smiled in satisfaction, thumping his chest with a fist as he grinned excitedly.
"What a fantastic showdown! My blood's on fire! I'd love to battle