No matter how enthusiastically Pupitar bounced around, hardly anyone looked its way.
Under normal circumstances, it was indeed a rare pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, enough to cause a sensation.
But these clearly weren't normal circumstances.
With Flutter Mane, Kubfu, and an invisible Victini around, the drab gray Pupitar really was the least noticeable of the bunch.
Eighteen that year-in months-standing on the battlefield like some nobody!
Pupitar silently swore to itself, I'll win back everything I lost off the field on the battlefield!
"Gawoo!"
[Let me lead the charge!]
During their "pre-match planning," Pupitar volunteered to go first.
Flutter Mane narrowed its long, crimson eyes, a knowing gleam flashing within them.
Hmph, think I can't see through you? You just want to fight a couple more rounds and leave nothing for those of us going afterward!
Having seen through everything, Sister Mane shook its head. "Woo-yoh!"
[No, you're weak to Fighting types. Let me go instead!]
Pupitar buzzed in protest. "Gawoo!"
[I'm not! I'm not that scared of Fighting types!]
That was true. When Pupitar had advanced to two stars, Xia Chi had chosen Fighting as its enhanced attribute.
Using moves, as well as being attacked by Fighting-type Attribute moves, would grant a certain degree of bonus or resistance.
Pupitar didn't understand how it worked, but it knew that compared to its other weaknesses, Fighting types really didn't seem quite so frightening.
Seeing Flutter Mane and Pupitar arguing fiercely over who would go first, Kubfu realized something.
If it didn't fight for a spot now, it might end up going last.
Last... I might not even get a turn. What if those two slaughter everyone first?
So Kubfu joined the discussion, declaring in a low voice, "Kuma!"
[Let me go first. They're all Fighting-type Pokémon, so starting with me is the safest