Respect...
An indescribable sense of dread welled up in Diantha's heart, vague yet real. Her gaze involuntarily turned toward the opposite side of the field.
In the guest seats, Cynthia rested her chin on one hand. A faint smile curled her lips as she watched the boy on the field.
So this moment has finally come?
She thought to herself,
Are you bringing it out to show your resolve?
A flicker of curiosity crossed Cynthia's eyes. After all, far too much time had passed since their last battle. How much had it improved this time? Would it surprise her?
Cynthia's hand unconsciously drifted toward the Pokémon Ball at her waist, as though she could feel her partner's restless heart within.
It's waiting too, longing for another battle with you...
Her thoughts wandered, but her gaze remained fixed on the boy standing in the center of the field.
At that moment, he displayed a rare forcefulness and dominance, as though everything lay within his control...
Cynthia's smile faded as a thought flashed through her mind,
Show them! Take the Champion's throne at your strongest! Not just here, but on higher, grander stages too!
Clang!!!
The battlefield, the inner arena, and the entire stands suddenly shook!
It was as though something immensely heavy had crashed to the ground, shaking the whole venue!
Alarm spread across everyone's faces as their eyes turned toward the center in unison.
On the field, dazzling white light surged like an enormous shock wave, engulfing almost the entire battlefield! Its overwhelming radiance shot into the sky, mingling with the clouds of rising dust!
The crash of something heavy hitting the ground mingled with creaks of unbearable strain. The sounds rang out so clearly that they seemed like muffled thunder exploding beside everyone's ears.
Suddenly, Diantha doubled over, clutching