Amber and Lisa went up to the stands, leaving Eula, Kaeya, and their Pokémon in the field.
Kaeya and Machop stood on the left side of the field, while Eula and Chikorita took the right.
Takashi and Xerneas stood in the middle as usual. "I've already explained the rules to everyone, so I won't repeat them. Do either of you have anything to say before the match begins? Maybe something to boost morale?"
Eula folded her arms calmly and stared at Machop, her expression as cold as ice. Kaeya, on the other hand, stroked his chin, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed Chikorita.
Takashi: "…"
Xerneas: "…"
Amber and Lisa were already seated in the stands. Amber watched Electrike sleep, glancing apologetically at Lisa. "Sorry, Lisa, I went too hard just now."
Lisa stroked Electrike gently. "It's fine. In battles, injuries are inevitable. You shouldn't feel guilty over that."
Amber leaned on the railing, hands supporting her face. "Both sides are seniors I respect. I have no idea who to root for!"
Lisa chuckled gracefully. "Cheer for both, then."
"True," Amber whispered, catching a glimpse of the sleeping Electrike. "Kaeya, Eula, good luck."
Takashi looked at the two on the battlefield, who were staring each other down without saying a word.
Kaeya was the Cavalry Captain and the adopted brother of Diluc, and he had received a noble education. He was forthright and talkative and not someone who would usually engage in pre-match trash talk.
As for Eula, she had also grown up in a noble family. She was a true ice queen who, even if insulted, would only say, "I'll remember this grudge," and then let it go.
Seeing the silence from both trainers, Takashi decided not to push them and raised his hand. "Both sides ready? Let the battle begin!"
Kaeya placed his hand over his chest, making a knightly gesture. "Lady Eula, you may start."
Eula mirrored the gesture. "Forgive me for this."
The moment her words fell, Eula's icy voice rang out, "Chikorita, use Growl!"
"Chiko…!"
Chikorita raised its head, letting out a sharp cry that reverberated across the field. The sound waves pierced through the air, hitting Machop, who instinctively raised its arms to shield itself, yet couldn't block out the noise.
Kaeya waved his hand confidently. "Don't be intimidated. Use Leer to counter!"
Upon hearing the command, Machop's muscles tensed. Its eyes turned dark and piercing, staring down Chikorita. Within moments, Chikorita felt the surrounding area dim, the only thing visible being Machop's menacing red eyes.
Chikorita's heartbeat quickened, and it began to sweat, its actions slowing down, and the growling subsided.
Amber, watching from the stands, was baffled. "One used Growl, and the other used Leer? What kind of strategy is this? Are they just trying to intimidate each other?"
If it were her, she'd attack right away—using offensive moves to dominate, putting pressure on both the opponent's body and mind. That seemed more effective than just using Growl and Leer.
Lisa pondered the strange tactics. "It's surprising they're not focusing on dealing damage immediately." Electrike had four moves, two of which were non-offensive. She had never given much thought to moves like Leer or Baby-Doll Eyes.
However, from watching Machop's Leer, it seemed like these debuff moves could play a significant role in battle strategy.
"One is lowering the opponent's Attack, while the other is lowering Defense," Takashi thought. "It seems like they're both trying to maximize their next strike."
Neither Kaeya nor Eula ordered their Pokémon to stop.
And so, they continued to face off: one growling, the other glaring.
Kaeya strategized internally. Machop's Low Kick relied on the opponent's weight to determine its damage. Given Chikorita's lightweight build, the damage was somewhat limited. The only way to increase it would be to lower the target's Defense.
Eula also understood Kaeya's intention. Both of them had studied each other's moves when watching from the stands earlier.
"Lowering Defense, huh?" Eula mused. "But with Chikorita's Growl, even if my Defense is lowered, its Attack will also be weakened."
Takashi watched them, a wry smile appearing as he realized their strategies. It reminded him of Ash's Metapod having a Harden standoff with a Bug Catcher's Metapod.
"If they keep this up, the audience will get bored," he thought.
As the referee, Takashi stepped forward to intervene. "Ahem, I need to remind you both that this is a battle. If you keep this up for the entire match, it could be considered stalling, and you risk disqualification. Also, stat-lowering moves like Growl and Leer have limits."
Kaeya: "…"
Eula: "…"
Amber burst into laughter. "Our seniors and their Pokémon are way too adorable!"
Lisa shook her head. "Even experienced knights are beginners when it comes to Pokémon battles."
Kaeya broke the silence first. "Eula, please proceed."
Eula cleared her throat. "Chikorita, use Tackle!"
"Chiko!"
Chikorita charged toward Machop with all its might, its small legs carrying it swiftly across the field.
Kaeya composed himself, his eyes locking onto the advancing Chikorita. He remained calm, countering with, "Machop, use Attract!"
"Machop…"
Machop struck a confident bodybuilding pose, flexing its muscles proudly. At the same time, pink hearts radiated from its body, drifting toward the oncoming Chikorita.
One by one, the hearts touched Chikorita, but instead of being charmed, the little Pokémon continued to charge with unwavering determination, eventually crashing straight into Machop's chest. The force sent Machop skidding backward, leaving a shallow trench in its wake.
Kaeya was stunned. "Huh? What happened? Didn't Attract work?"
Machop got up, clearly disgruntled after taking the hit, placing its hands on its hips and scowling at Kaeya, shouting angrily.
"Machop! Machop!"
Amber was surprised at the scene. "What just happened? Are Kaeya and Machop arguing?"
Lisa looked intrigued. "Interesting. I should share this with Jean later."
Not only Kaeya, Lisa, and Amber were confused—even Eula seemed unsure.
Xerneas glanced at Takashi, silently asking if they should explain.
Takashi spread his hands; he'd already figured it out. But this was a battle, and revealing it would give away Eula's advantage.
Kaeya crossed his arms, studying Chikorita. Strange—why didn't Attract work? Was it just a mistake?