Riley and Reggie settled into their seats at Wyndon Stadium, the buzz of excitement palpable around them. Lucario, ever attentive, handed Riley a lemonade and Reggie a slushie before sitting down beside Riley, sipping calmly from his water. The atmosphere was electric, but Reggie couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment that Paul had opted out of joining them for the Masters Eight Tournament. Ash's gesture of getting them tickets was generous, after all.
"Paul's probably nose-deep in training back in Sinnoh," Reggie sighed, shaking his head. "He's determined to be the next Champion."
Riley chuckled, giving Lucario a knowing look. "Who knows what he's up to in Twinleaf Town with his girlfriend? Perhaps studying battle techniques?"
Reggie's face flushed bright red. "Come on, guys, he's not... They wouldn't..."
Riley laughed heartily, enjoying his brother's embarrassment. "Relax, Reggie. I'm sure Johanna's keeping a close eye on them. No funny business with your future mother-in-law just one room away."
Reggie rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a smile. "Hey, you never know. They've been together a while now."
Riley raised an eyebrow playfully. "Already planning their wedding, are we?"
Reggie's cheeks turned even redder, but he chuckled nervously. "I just mean... They're serious about each other. You can see it."
Lucario nodded in agreement, a small smile playing on his face as he sipped his water. The trio settled into a comfortable silence, taking in the bustling stadium around them. The screens overhead flashed with highlights from previous battles, adding to the anticipation of the upcoming matches.
Riley nudged Reggie gently. "Hey, let's focus on the tournament. It's starting soon."
Reggie nodded, pushing aside thoughts of his brother and Johanna. "Right. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ash and the others do. This tournament's going to be epic."
Riley leaned back in his seat, as Lucario nodded in agreement, his aura flickering with excitement. Alder and Cynthia stood poised at opposite ends of the battlefield, the vast expanse of Wyndon Stadium stretching out before them. The crowd, packed to the rafters with eager spectators, held its collective breath as Dan, the tournament referee, stepped forward. With a wave of his hand, he signaled the beginning of the third qualifying round.
In a flash of determination, Alder released his Bouffalant onto the field. The imposing Normal-type Pokémon pawed at the ground, ready for battle. Across from him, Cynthia's Gastrodon emerged gracefully, her form almost ethereal as she glided forward on the rain-soaked battlefield. The air crackled with anticipation as the battle commenced.
Cynthia wasted no time in implementing her strategy. Gastrodon's gentle movements belied her power as she invoked Rain Dance. Above them, the skies darkened, unleashing a torrential downpour that drenched the stadium. Undeterred by the rain, Bouffalant charged forward with Iron Head, his massive horns gleaming like silver in the storm. The impact was fierce, but Gastrodon absorbed the blow with ease, her slimy body slick with rainwater.
"Gastrodon's tough," Reggie remarked from beside me, leaning forward in his seat to get a better view.
Lucario, ever vigilant, nodded in agreement, his aura pulsating with concentration. "Alder's planning something, though. Bouffalant's just warming up."
True to Lucario's observation, Alder was quick to respond. With a commanding gesture, he directed Bouffalant into a Close Combat, the Normal-type Pokémon's hooves blurring as they closed the distance. But before Bouffalant could land a blow, Gastrodon retaliated with Muddy Water. The muddy spray erupted from the ground, catching Bouffalant squarely and washing over him with powerful waves. Despite his resilience, Bouffalant staggered under the onslaught, the impact evident in his strained posture.
"Cynthia's Gastrodon is relentless," I noted, impressed by her strategic prowess.
Reggie nodded enthusiastically. "She's not holding back at all. She's making every move count."
On the battlefield, Cynthia's resolve shone through. "On this stage, we're all trainers striving for the top," she declared boldly, her voice carrying across the rain-soaked stadium. "And I intend to take the next step forward."
Alder, renowned for his tactical acumen, remained composed. With a nod to Bouffalant, he issued a command for Smart Strike. Bouffalant obeyed without hesitation, his horns gleaming as he lunged forward with precision. But Cynthia's Gastrodon shimmered with Acid Armor, her defenses bolstered against physical attacks. The Smart Strike connected, but Gastrodon barely flinched as she prepared to unleash another rain-boosted Muddy Water.
"Looks like Bouffalant's in trouble," Lucario observed, his sharp eyes following every move on the battlefield.
Alder's expression hardened, determination blazing in his eyes. He raised his voice above the roar of the rain. "Bouffalant, let's finish this! Skull Bash!"
Bouffalant's massive frame charged forward, gathering momentum with each thunderous hoofbeat. With a resounding crash, he collided with Gastrodon, the force of the Skull Bash delivering a devastating blow. Gastrodon staggered under the sheer force of the attack, her sturdy defenses finally breached. As the rain began to taper off, Gastrodon fell, defeated by Alder's decisive maneuver.
"Whoa, what a battle!" I exclaimed, caught up in the intensity of the moment.
Reggie nodded in agreement, his eyes glued to the battlefield. "That Skull Bash was incredible. Alder really pulled through."
"Both trainers gave it their all. It's amazing to see such determination." Lucario commented.
The stadium erupted into thunderous applause as Dan declared Alder the victor of the match. Alder and Cynthia exchanged nods of respect before recalling their Pokémon, the tension of battle dissipating in the aftermath. I turned to Reggie and Lucario with a wide grin. "That was intense. Can't wait to see the next match!"
"Yeah, this tournament is heating up," Reggie agreed, his earlier worries about Paul momentarily forgotten in the thrill of the battles unfolding before us.
Cynthia's swift exchange of Pokémon left the stadium abuzz with anticipation. As Milotic gracefully entered the battlefield, her serpentine form shimmered in the light. Alder's Bouffalant charged forward with determination, his massive horns gleaming with intent. The crowd held its breath as Alder commanded a Smart Strike, but Milotic's agility was unmatched. With a graceful twist, she evaded Bouffalant's attack and countered with a powerful Hydro Pump. The blast of water struck Bouffalant squarely, overwhelming him and forcing him to the ground. The cheers erupted as Cynthia secured the first knockout of this round.
Beside me, Reggie leaned forward, his eyes wide with excitement. "Wow, Milotic is incredible!"
Lucario nodded in agreement, his aura pulsing with admiration. "She's quick and precise. Cynthia's strategy is paying off."
Alder's expression remained focused as he called out his next Pokémon, Druddigon. The red dragon Pokémon snarled as he faced Milotic, his rough scales glistening under the stadium lights. Alder wasted no time, directing Druddigon into a Thunder Punch. The electrically charged fist struck true, dealing super effective damage to Milotic. Despite the blow, Milotic stood her ground, her determination unwavering.
"Cynthia's Milotic is tough," I remarked, impressed by her resilience.
Reggie nodded eagerly. "Yeah, she's not backing down at all. She's giving Alder a real challenge."
On the battlefield, Milotic retaliated with a graceful Disarming Voice. The enchanting sound filled the air, causing Druddigon to stumble momentarily, his concentration faltering. Seizing the opportunity, Milotic swiftly coiled around Druddigon, her sleek body moving with fluid grace. With a powerful Iron Head, she struck Druddigon squarely, the impact reverberating through the stadium. Druddigon staggered, unable to recover from the powerful blow. As he fell, defeated, Alder was left with only one Pokémon remaining.
Reggie grinned, his eyes glued to the unfolding spectacle. "She's amazing. Cynthia really knows how to bring out the best in her Pokémon."
"Alder's down to his last Pokémon. Let's see how he responds." I commented.
The crowd roared with applause as Alder recalled Druddigon, his face a mask of determination. The tension in Wyndon Stadium was palpable as Alder and Cynthia prepared for their final showdown. Escavalier, Alder's stalwart knight, and Milotic, Cynthia's graceful serpentine beauty, faced off amidst the cheers of the crowd.
Alder's voice rang out confidently as he commanded Escavalier. "Escavalier, let's show them what we're made of! Acid Spray!"
Escavalier responded swiftly, spraying a corrosive mist that dispersed Milotic's Disarming Voice. The sound waves fizzled out harmlessly against Escavalier's sturdy armor, leaving Milotic momentarily vulnerable.
"Milotic, Hydro Pump!" Cynthia's command was clear and unwavering. Milotic unleashed a torrent of water, aiming to overwhelm Escavalier with its sheer force. But Alder anticipated the move, commanding Escavalier to counter with X-Scissor. The Bug-type attack sliced through the Hydro Pump, redirecting the water's energy back toward Milotic. The impact was brutal, knocking Milotic back with surprising force.
"Oh no, Milotic!" I couldn't help but wince, feeling a pang of concern for Cynthia's Pokémon.
Reggie's eyes widened in worry. "That X-Scissor was brutal! Milotic took a hard hit there."
But Cynthia remained composed, recalling Milotic with a nod of appreciation. "You did your best, Milotic. Now, it's your turn, Garchomp!"
The atmosphere shifted as Cynthia's ace Pokémon, Garchomp, took the field. The Dragon-type's presence was commanding, her sleek form radiating power and determination. Without hesitation, Cynthia pressed her advantage.
"Garchomp, Draco Meteor!"
The skies above Wyndon Stadium darkened ominously as meteors descended like falling stars. Each meteor hurtled toward Escavalier, threatening to overwhelm Alder's Bug/Steel Pokémon.
Alder's response was quick and precise. "Knock Off, Escavalier!"
Escavalier sprang into action, his slender form darting between the falling meteors with astonishing agility. With well-timed strikes, he knocked each meteor off course, disrupting their trajectory and preventing them from striking home. It was a display of skill and strategy, showcasing Alder's prowess as a seasoned trainer.
But the effort took its toll. Escavalier, already worn down from the battle with Milotic, struggled to maintain its defenses. Sensing an opening, Cynthia seized the moment.
"Mega Evolve, Garchomp!"
The transformation was breathtaking. Garchomp's form expanded and intensified, her already formidable power magnified to new heights. The crowd gasped in awe as Mega Garchomp stood before Escavalier, ready to deliver the final blow.
"Cynthia's Mega Evolving Garchomp!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.
Reggie nodded enthusiastically. "This is it! Go, Garchomp!"
Garchomp wasted no time. "Fire Blast!"
A torrent of searing flames erupted from Mega Garchomp's jaws, engulfing Escavalier in a blazing inferno. The Bug/Steel Pokémon fought valiantly, but the intense heat was overwhelming. With a final roar, Escavalier fell, defeated by Cynthia's strategic maneuver.
"Yes! Cynthia did it!" I cheered, clapping my hands together in celebration.
Reggie joined in, his face beaming with pride. "She's moving on to the semifinals!"
Lucario he nodded in approval. "Cynthia's skill as a trainer is unmatched. She earned that victory."
As the stadium erupted into applause, Cynthia and Alder exchanged nods of respect. Despite the intensity of the battle, there was a mutual understanding and admiration between the two trainers. Turning to Reggie and Lucario, I grinned broadly.
"That was an incredible battle," I said, feeling a rush of excitement. "Can't wait to see Cynthia face Ash in the semifinals!"
"Yeah, it's going to be epic," Reggie agreed, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"We all know, who we will cheer for," Lucario nodded.
The three of use looked at each other before saying, "Ash!" And laughing out loud.