The clearing was slightly muddy after the rain, but neither of the two opponents cared.
The leaf blades on Grovyle's wrists gleamed coldly, while Dusknoir floated half a foot above the ground, his single eye fixed on his opponent.
"Labi-" "Wooo."
The Pokémon watching had different reactions. Aside from Celebi, who looked a little worried, everyone else was confident Grovyle could win.
"Wheehee-"
Oh, almost forgot-there were also the seven Sableye rooting for Dusknoir.
"Min-min!" "Stee!" "Dolli!"
Though they had yet to figure out what was happening, that did not stop Minccino, Steenee, and the others from cheering loudly for Grovyle.
"Amph." "Wooo."
Ampharos and Lucario took on the role of commentators at the side, watching every move the two opponents made.
"Begin!" At Tong Hua's command, Grovyle attacked first.
"Leaf Blade!"
An emerald streak sliced through the morning mist, cleaving straight toward Dusknoir. The strike was as fast as lightning, carrying long pent-up fury.
Dusknoir neither dodged nor retreated. The huge mouth on his belly suddenly opened!
"Shadow Ball!"
A pitch-black ball of energy howled forth and collided violently with the leaf blade.
Boom!
The shock wave from the explosion of energy forced the watching Pokémon half a step back.
Neither combatant, however, had gained the upper hand.
The ground was indeed slippery after the rain, which gave Dusknoir a considerable advantage, since he did not need to touch it.
"Again!"
Grovyle lowered his center of gravity, his clawed feet deftly seeking purchase on the slippery ground. Water droplets scattered from his leaf blades as he moved.
Dusknoir maintained his position half a foot above the ground, a height that kept him mobile while sparing him the effects of the mud.
"Leaf Blade!"
Grovyle charged along the less muddy side, slashing his leaf blade diagonally toward Dusknoir's right shoulder