Looking at the faintly expectant look on Gaomei's face, Xia You really could not bear it. He gathered his words, trying to sound as polite as possible. Perhaps that way, she would not "resent" him quite so much once Gyarados took the field.
"Miss Gaomei, defeating Misty and reaching the finals proves that you're a very capable Pokémon Trainer. I'm also looking forward to battling you shortly. I hope we can both perform to our full potential and give it our all. That said, if anything unexpected happens during the match, or anything beyond our control occurs, please do bear with me."
Xia You had made his words as tactful as possible, but Gaomei clearly had not grasped their true meaning.
"Of course." She smiled faintly before turning serious. "Since you've put it that way, Mr. Xia You, I'll speak frankly too. Much as I hate to admit it, you're the strongest Pokémon Trainer I've ever met! Although I don't think I'll beat you, you won't have an easy victory either!"
Seeing her fighting spirit running high, Xia You hesitated, then could only make himself a little clearer.
"Um... could you promise me something?"
Hearing Xia You suddenly become so formal, Gaomei could not help looking taken aback.
"Hmm? What is it?"
Xia You took a deep breath, then said in all seriousness, "Please promise me that, no matter what happens during this battle, you won't hold me accountable afterward..."
Gaomei: ?
The finals were scheduled for two in the afternoon.
Bang, bang! Bang, bang...
As the time drew steadily closer, fireworks went off above the arena once again. Since it was daytime, people could not make out their flashes or patterns and could only hear their explosions ringing through the sky. Even so, they drove the atmosphere in