As expected, Arcanine's Wild Charge sent Poliwhirl flying.
Electricity tore across its body, crackling violently on impact.
"Poliwhirl!"
It cried out, body going limp as the shock overwhelmed it. A second later, it dropped out of the fight, eyes spinning.
"Poliwhirl!"
Yuri rushed forward and caught it before it hit the ground.
"Poli…"
It weakly opened its eyes.
"It's okay. You did great—just rest."
He gently patted its head, then recalled it.
"Poliwhirl is unable to battle!"
"With all three of Yuri's Pokémon defeated, the winner is—Lyra!"
Simon's flag came down as he made the call.
"Lyra… you're strong. I can't beat you."
Yuri admitted it without hesitation.
Then he glanced sideways, a grin forming.
"But my bro Aaron? You're not beating him."
"Me? Whatever."
"But him? Not happening."
Aaron's lips twitched.
Yeah… he's definitely trying to drag me into this.
Fishball really doesn't learn.
Across from them, Lyra's smile didn't change—but her eyes sharpened slightly.
"Oh?"
"Then let me try."
"I want to see how strong you really are."
Aaron didn't respond immediately.
"Dude!"
"Get in there!"
"Sealine's counting on you!"
Yuri stepped in closer, lowering his voice.
"Aaron… just win this, alright?"
"Do me a favor."
Aaron shot him a sideways look.
"You're the one who tried to show off."
Yuri's face flushed instantly.
"Hey, come on—what was I supposed to do?"
"She's cute!"
He leaned in, muttering under his breath,
"You gotta understand, man… we're single."
Aaron stared at him for a second.
"…You're on your own."
Then he walked straight onto the field.
He met Lyra's gaze.
"If you want the match, fine."
Lyra's smile curved slightly.
"Good."
"Try not to disappoint me."
"And don't end up like Fishball."
"Bullshit!"
Yuri snapped again from the side.
"I just wasn't warmed up! That's all!"
Aaron let out a quiet breath and raised a Poké Ball.
"You'll see soon enough."
"Let's go."
Up on the platform, Simon smiled.
"Both trainers, ready!"
"3-on-3 battle!"
"Last one standing wins!"
"Send out your first Pokémon!"
His flag dropped.
They moved at the same time.
"Go, Arcanine!"
"Go, Greninja!"
Two flashes of light burst onto the field.
Arcanine landed first, its presence heavy and imposing.
Opposite it, Greninja appeared, silent and still.
"Grr—ruff."
The pressure rolled outward.
Intimidate.
The air shifted—but Greninja didn't react.
"Nin."
Its gaze stayed flat.
Unimpressed.
Arcanine felt it immediately. Its posture lowered, a low growl rumbling in its throat as it bared its fangs.
"Battle start!"
"Arcanine, Wild Charge."
Lyra's voice stayed calm.
"Grr!"
Electricity surged across its body, crackling as it wrapped around it.
ZZZT—CRACK.
In the next instant, it shot forward in a straight line, fast and relentless.
"Greninja, Ice Punch."
Aaron's voice followed, just as steady.
"Nin!"
Cold energy gathered instantly around its fist. Frost spread outward as it stepped in and threw the punch.
BOOM.
The collision shook the entire field.