Entering the battlefield filled with greenery, Gardenia went straight to the Pokémon Trainer's Battle Area on one side.
Opposite her, Xia You walked over to the other side.
They faced each other across the grass, shrubs, and several large trees, their bodies enveloped in the trees' shadows, as though they were surrounded by nature.
Once Xia You stood in position, Gardenia looked up at the sunlight spilling through the transparent dome and smiled. "Looks like a great day for a battle. Well then, let's get down to business!"
Hearing her words, Xia You also glanced up at the ceiling, looking at the enormous sun beyond the transparent dome.
Bright, sunny weather had always been Grass-type Pokémon's favorite.
Although he didn't have many Grass-type Pokémon himself, as the owner of a Venusaur, he knew perfectly well that sunlight strengthened some Grass-type Pokémon, so he naturally understood the meaning behind Gardenia's words.
It's just halved move cooldowns and a huge boost in power under the sunlight!
But he wasn't concerned.
After all, however strong his enemy was, he was stronger. The harder the battle, the more interesting it became!
Just then, a female staff member wearing large, round glasses and a purple tracksuit, with her hair in long twin ponytails, walked into the referee's area beside the Battle Field.
"I'm Yōko, and I'll be serving as the referee for this match!" she announced loudly.
After a pause, the woman named Yōko continued, "The Gym Challenge between challenger Xia You and Gardenia, the Eterna Gym Leader, will now begin. Each side may use three Pokémon. The match will be considered over when all three Pokémon on either side are unable to battle. In addition, only the challenger may switch Pokémon during the battle!"
These were the most basic, perfectly ordinary standard rules.
In