The steering wheel was proof. Even though Lavender Town's eerie atmosphere had frightened Espeon into almost shutting down, Espeon still stubbornly controlled the wheel with trembling Confusion.
Wobbuffet helped correct the steering without taking over completely, which meant Espeon had not given up control and was fighting those inner demons.
Was I... making a fool of myself, driving this fine car Lady Sabrina prepared, yet looking so pathetic...?
Then work hard and grow. Wobbuffet freed a hand to pat the Pet Carrier. You'll become an outstanding Pokémon, far better than me. When that time comes... I can rest easy, too.
Chapter 119: Reclaiming a top-three spot
"They're back!!"
At Vermilion City's Regular Race, the spectator stands by the Quiet Forest starting line erupted again.
The leading cars were already coming back into view.
"It's Yiko's Clefairy!"
"How dare you! Don't call her something so familiar. Call her Li Yizi!"
"I will if I want to!"
The rapidly approaching roar drowned out the clamor as the Clefairy drove past at full speed.
"Oh! Tsareena! Tsareena and Surskit are locked in a fight!"
The order of the Clefairy and the two Class B Cars up front remained unchanged. Lilligant had caught up to fourth place, almost level with Surskit, who had previously taken the lead with Swift Swim in the rain.
Shen Qi!
"Yeah!"
Besides the standard buffs, Shen Qi had Energy Coordination and a special game item on his side.
[Racing Energy]
He had temporarily put it away before the turn toward the starting line. Now, on this long straight, it was time to use it!
"Wow-Tsareena's Flower Crown!"
"What a powerful boost... that doesn't look like a Pokémon's buff."
"That sound-it's almost like the engine's operating efficiency changed."
"A Style Technique?!"
A Class A Car and cars equipped with Ability