Part 50

The Royal Battle Arena was alive with energy, the hum of excited voices reverberating off the massive steel and glass structure. The school was enormous — almost a city within itself — and the Royal Battle Arena sat proudly at its heart, a testament to Sycamore High's wealth and status. The arena was colossal, its capacity large enough to fit several stadiums, and today it was packed to the brim with eager students and spectators from across Kalos.

Royal battle arena

A bright afternoon sun cast light down through the open roof, illuminating the pristine battlefield below. Overhead, large digital screens displayed the countdown to the first match of the Junior Cup's Round of 16. Don George's unmistakable deep voice boomed over the intercom, immediately commanding attention.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Junior Cup Round of 16!" Don George's energetic tone filled the arena. "I'm Don George, and joining me today in the commentary box is the one and only Freddy!"

"An absolute pleasure to be here, Don," Freddy said smoothly. His polished voice complemented Don George's rougher, seasoned tone. "And what a matchup we have to kick things off — a true clash of styles between Paul and Trevor!"

From his seat high up in the stands, Ash sat next to Clemont and Serena. Leaf was nearby too, lazily perched over the back of her chair. Gary sat a row below them, arms crossed and looking as cocky as ever. Nearby, Barry and Trip were locked in conversation, while Alain, Tobias, and the other competitors scattered throughout the stands remained focused on the field.

Up in the VIP section, Lysandre sat in his luxurious private box, arms folded, watching with unsettling calm. His piercing gaze lingered on the battlefield, a cold smile curling at the edges of his lips. Ash's eyes drifted toward him, his stomach tightening. He knew. No one else in the stadium was aware of what Lysandre was planning, but Ash could feel the undercurrent of danger beneath the glamour of the tournament. He would have to stay vigilant.

Down on the field, the referee, dressed in the traditional black-and-white striped uniform, stepped to the center. "Trainers, step forward!"

Paul, dressed in his signature purple jacket, approached from the left side of the stadium, his expression cold and calculated. His dark eyes sharpened as he stopped at the white line. Trevor, on the other hand, looked a little nervous but determined, clutching his Pokéball tightly. His red hair stood out beneath his cap as he stepped forward to meet Paul at the center.

"The rules are simple," the referee began, his voice clear and sharp over the sound system. "This battle will consist of two halves, fifteen minutes each. The trainer with more Pokémon standing at the end of thirty minutes will be declared the winner. If one trainer's Pokémon are all unable to battle, the match ends immediately. Trainers, you may switch out Pokémon at any time. Understood?"

Trevor hesitated for a moment before offering his hand. Paul regarded it for a moment before clasping it firmly, though his expression remained void of emotion.

The referee raised his arm. "Take your positions!"

Paul and Trevor retreated to opposite ends of the battlefield as the countdown to the match flashed on the digital screens.

"Five... four... three... two... one... BATTLE!"

Paul gave a curt nod. Trevor swallowed and nodded back.

Paul's hand shot out immediately. "Electivire, stand by for battle!"

With a crackle of electricity, Electivire emerged onto the field, its thick cables sparking with raw power. Its muscles tensed as it let out a guttural roar.

Trevor's eyes widened. He forced himself to stay calm and threw his Pokéball. "Charizard, I choose you!"

Charizard burst into existence with a fierce roar, its wings stretching wide as flames danced at the edge of its mouth. Its tail lashed behind it, the bright orange fire burning intensely.

"Electivire versus Charizard!" Freddy's voice cut through the roar of the crowd as the two Pokémon circled each other. The battlefield beneath them already showed scorch marks from Charizard's tail flame and deep cracks from Electivire's earlier attacks. The tension in the air was palpable, the energy in the stadium building as Paul and Trevor stood at opposite ends of the field.

Paul's cold gaze sharpened. He wasn't worried — not in the slightest. Trevor's Charizard might be strong, but Paul had seen stronger. And Electivire was ready.

"Electivire, Thunder Punch — now."

Electivire lunged forward like a coiled spring released, its fist surging with jagged bolts of electricity. It moved fast — far too fast for something that large — and the battlefield trembled under its feet.

"Charizard, dodge and use Flamethrower!" Trevor's voice cracked with urgency.

Charizard's wings flared open and it shot upward, narrowly avoiding the devastating strike. Electivire's fist smashed into the ground where Charizard had been standing, splintering the battlefield and leaving behind a blackened crater. From the sky, Charizard opened its mouth wide and released a stream of white-hot flames straight down at Electivire.

Electivire barely flinched.

"Protect."

A translucent green shield flared up around Electivire, absorbing the full force of Flamethrower as the flames dissipated harmlessly against the barrier.

Don George's voice boomed across the stadium. "Amazing defensive play by Paul! He's always in control!"

"Trevor's in trouble," Freddy murmured. "Paul is already setting the tempo of this battle."

From the stands, Ash's eyes narrowed. "Trevor's playing right into Paul's hands..."

"He's got to change the flow or this is going to be over fast," Clemont added nervously.

Trevor clenched his fists. He couldn't let Paul dictate the whole battle. His eyes flashed with sudden determination as his hand moved toward his wrist. A familiar gleam caught the sunlight.

"Charizard, Mega Evolve!"

A burst of brilliant white light exploded across the battlefield as Trevor's Key Stone and Charizard's Mega Stone resonated. Rings of energy pulsed outward as Charizard's body shifted, growing leaner, its wings sharper and more aerodynamic. Its orange hide lightened into a blazing, fiery crimson. Its eyes burned with newfound intensity.

"Trevor's going for it! Mega Charizard Y is in play!" Freddy's excitement soared.

Leaf smirked from the stands. "Finally showing some spine."

Serena leaned forward, her eyes wide. "He might have a chance now!"

Paul's gaze remained as cold and calculating as ever.

"Charizard, Air Slash!"

Mega Charizard Y's wings carved through the air, releasing a barrage of spinning blades of compressed wind. They sliced toward Electivire at terrifying speed.

Paul didn't even flinch.

"Light Screen."

A translucent wall of energy materialized in front of Electivire. The Air Slash blades struck it and exploded into harmless gusts of wind. Electivire stood completely unscathed, sparks flaring from its thick cables.

Trevor's eyes widened.

Paul's mouth curled into a faint, cruel smile.

"Finish this." His voice was ice cold. "Thunder Punch."

Electivire blurred forward, closing the distance in an instant. Its massive fist, glowing with white-hot electric energy, crashed into Charizard's chest before Trevor could even react.

BOOM.

Charizard's roar was deafening as the impact sent it flying backward. It spiraled through the air, its body convulsing from the sheer voltage surging through it.

"Charizard is down!" Don George shouted.

Trevor's heart was pounding. "Charizard, get up!"

Charizard's wings twitched as it struggled to stand.

Paul's eyes narrowed. "Don't let it."

Electivire's arms crackled with renewed voltage as it stalked forward.

"Ice Punch."

In a flash, Electivire was airborne. Its fist shimmered with frozen mist before it slammed into Charizard's face. Ice burst outward upon impact, freezing over part of Charizard's wing and sending it crashing to the ground with bone-jarring force.

"Charizard is unable to battle!" The referee raised his arm. "Electivire wins!"

Trevor's eyes widened in horror as Charizard's form flickered back to normal, unconscious on the battlefield.

"Incredible!" Freddy's voice broke the stunned silence. "Paul's strategy was flawless! He didn't give Trevor a single opening!"

"Paul continues to show why he's one of the most dangerous competitors in this tournament," Don George added.

Trevor's hands trembled as he recalled his fallen Charizard, the red beam of light pulling the unconscious dragon back into the safety of its Poké Ball. His heart hammered painfully in his chest. He had barely scratched Paul's Electivire. Paul had dissected his entire strategy like it was nothing.

Trevor took a shaky breath and pulled out another Poké Ball. His eyes flashed with determination.

"Alright... Florges, you're up!"

A bright light burst from the Poké Ball, and a sleek, elegant Florges emerged onto the battlefield, petals of vibrant white and blue flowing from her frame like a living gown. Her crimson eyes narrowed as she floated gracefully above the ground. The sunlight from the open-air stadium glinted off her shimmering petals.

Paul's cold gaze barely flicked toward Florges. Electivire's cables crackled ominously as it planted its feet into the ground, its muscular arms flexing.

"Florges, use Moonblast!"

Florges extended her arms outward, a soft pink glow forming between her delicate hands. In an instant, the light condensed into a swirling orb of lunar energy, which exploded forward like a comet toward Electivire.

Paul's eyes sharpened. "Dodge."

Electivire sidestepped the attack effortlessly, the Moonblast shooting past it and detonating into a burst of light against the barrier at the edge of the battlefield. Electivire's cables snapped and sparked as it landed solidly on its feet.

"Florges, follow it up with Energy Ball!" Trevor's voice was strained, but his eyes were burning with determination.

Florges formed a bright green sphere of natural energy between her hands and fired it toward Electivire.

Paul's lips curled into a razor-thin smile.

"Thunder Punch."

Electivire moved faster than Trevor could react. It charged forward, leaping through the air as the Energy Ball shot toward it. Without breaking stride, Electivire's fist flared with crackling white-hot voltage — and it punched straight through the Energy Ball, shattering it into harmless particles before driving the electrified fist into Florges's chest.

CRACK.

Florges let out a sharp cry as the impact sent her spiraling backward. Her slender form tumbled across the battlefield, thin trails of smoke rising from her body as the residual electricity surged through her frame.

"She's down!" Freddy's voice cracked with disbelief.

"Electivire is just too powerful!" Don George shouted over the crowd. "Paul's strategy is flawless — there's no room for Trevor to even breathe!"

Trevor's breathing quickened as Florges struggled to rise.

"Florges, g-get up!" Trevor shouted.

Florges' trembling form lifted slightly off the ground, her petals dim and shaking.

Paul's gaze sharpened.

"Finish it. Thunder."

Electivire's cables shot outward and unleashed a torrent of jagged lightning. The bolt struck Florges dead center, her entire body seizing up as the stadium lit up with blinding electric light.

The referee's hand shot up. "Florges is unable to battle! Electivire wins!"

Trevor's heart plummeted as Florges collapsed to the ground, smoke rising from her body. He scrambled forward, already pulling out her Poké Ball.

Trevor's chest rose and fell as he recalled Florges, the red beam from the Poké Ball pulling her limp body back to safety. His jaw tightened. Two Pokémon down already — and he hadn't even put a scratch on Paul's Electivire.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, his hand trembling slightly as he reached for his third Poké Ball. His eyes sharpened with renewed focus. He wasn't out yet.

"You've got this, Trevor!" Tierno shouted from the stands.

Trevor's grip tightened. He raised the Poké Ball high.

"Aerodactyl, let's go!"

The Poké Ball burst open, and a flash of light soared into the sky. A loud screech tore through the air as Aerodactyl's massive, gray wings spread wide, casting a dark shadow over the battlefield. Its sharp fangs glinted beneath the sunlight as it hovered high above Electivire.

Freddy's voice picked up immediately. "And Trevor sends out Aerodactyl! That's a bold choice!"

Don George's voice followed, energized. "Trevor's pulling out one of his strongest! Aerodactyl's speed and aerial advantage could give him the opening he needs to finally land a hit!"

Paul's expression didn't shift an inch. His hand hovered near Electivire's Poké Ball but didn't move.

"Stick with Electivire," Paul ordered coolly.

Trevor's eyes sharpened. He wasn't going to hesitate anymore.

"Aerodactyl, use Rock Slide!"

Aerodactyl's eyes glowed menacingly as it screeched and flapped its wings. Chunks of jagged rock materialized in the air before they hurtled toward Electivire like a meteor shower.

"Dodge," Paul commanded without raising his voice.

Electivire ducked and weaved with inhuman agility, bolts of yellow electricity flaring from its cables as it avoided the first few stones. But one caught it across the shoulder, sending a sharp crack echoing through the arena.

"Yes! That hit!" Clemont leaned forward in the stands.

Trevor's confidence rose.

"Now follow up with Hyper Beam!"

Aerodactyl's jaw opened wide as a swirling orb of golden energy began to condense between its fangs. The charged beam of light exploded forward with deafening force, cutting through the air straight toward Electivire.

Paul's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Protect."

A bright green shield flickered into existence around Electivire, absorbing the full impact of the Hyper Beam. The attack detonated harmlessly against the barrier, sending shockwaves of dust and light across the stadium floor.

Trevor's eyes widened. "No way..."

Don George's voice boomed through the speakers. "Unbelievable! Paul's Electivire shrugged off a direct Hyper Beam like it was nothing!"

"And Trevor's in trouble now," Freddy added. "Aerodactyl will need a moment to recharge after that Hyper Beam!"

Paul's gaze sharpened dangerously.

"Ice Punch."

Electivire shot forward with frightening speed, closing the gap between them in seconds. Its fist shimmered with white frost, icy mist trailing behind it.

Trevor's mouth dropped open. "Aerodactyl, move!"

But Aerodactyl was frozen in midair, wings stiff as it recovered from the recoil of Hyper Beam. Electivire's fist collided with Aerodactyl's chest in a burst of icy mist. The impact sent Aerodactyl careening backward, a thin layer of frost spreading across its wings as it tumbled toward the ground.

"Aerodactyl!" Trevor's voice was raw.

Aerodactyl's wings flared open at the last second, and it managed to steady itself midair. Its breathing was ragged, but its crimson eyes remained locked on Electivire.

Trevor's fists curled tightly at his sides. "Come on... we're not out yet!"

Paul's cold stare didn't change. "We'll see."

From the stands, Leaf's eyes narrowed. "Paul isn't holding back."

"No kidding," Gary muttered. "Trevor's getting walked all over out there."

The sharp blast of the referee's whistle cut through the tense atmosphere like a knife. The crowd's murmurs died down almost instantly as the referee lifted his arm.

"That's halftime!" his voice echoed across the stadium. "Trainers will have five minutes to regroup before the second half begins."

Trevor's knees nearly buckled as he exhaled shakily, dragging a hand down his sweat-drenched face. Aerodactyl descended toward him, breathing hard, thin frost still clinging to its wings from Electivire's Ice Punch. Paul, on the other hand, stood as still as a statue, his cold gaze trained on Trevor like a predator sizing up weakened prey.

Electivire rolled its shoulders, yellow cables sparking faintly as it remained completely unfazed by the break.

Ash sat in the stands, arms crossed, gaze cutting straight toward the battlefield. His jaw was set, his eyes sharp beneath the brim of his hat. The intensity radiating off Paul was suffocating, even from this distance.

"Paul's not even breaking a sweat," Ash muttered under his breath.

Beside him, Leaf leaned forward, her elbows on her knees. "Yeah, but Trevor's not out yet."

Ash's gaze didn't waver. He knew better. Paul wasn't the type to let a lead slip — not unless Trevor pulled something brilliant out of nowhere.

In the VIP area above the crowd, Lysandre's eyes glinted beneath the dim lighting. He sat with an eerie calmness, his crimson suit immaculate, his orange hair slicked back perfectly. A glass of red wine sat untouched at his side.

A thin smile curled at the edge of his lips as his steely blue eyes drifted across the stadium — not toward the battlefield, but toward the crowd. Toward the young trainers sitting unsuspecting in the stands.

"Marvelous," he murmured to himself, his tone chillingly soft.

Down on the field, the referee turned toward the two trainers. "Trainers, you may return to your corners for the duration of halftime."

Paul didn't move. He simply recalled Electivire in a flash of red light and slid the Poké Ball back onto his belt without sparing Trevor a glance. Then, hands in his pockets, he turned on his heel and strode toward the sidelines.

Trevor stood there for a moment, swallowing hard as Aerodactyl hovered uncertainly beside him.

"Come on," Trevor whispered, lifting Aerodactyl's Poké Ball. "We've still got time."

Aerodactyl returned in a flash of light, and Trevor trudged toward his side of the field with his shoulders tight.

The shrill sound of the referee's whistle pierced the thick air, cutting through the restless hum of the crowd. The referee raised his arm.

"Trainers, ready?" His gaze swept toward both sides of the battlefield. "Begin!"

Paul's eyes narrowed as he held up a Poké Ball. "Electivire, return."

In a flash of red light, Electivire disappeared, leaving a thin haze of dust where it had been standing. Paul calmly pulled another Poké Ball from his belt, his fingers tightening around it for just a second before he tossed it forward.

"Garchomp. Stand by."

The Poké Ball burst open with a blinding flash, and a deep, guttural growl rumbled across the field as Garchomp materialized. Its piercing red eyes locked onto Aerodactyl immediately, a dangerous glint shining beneath the late afternoon sun. Its scythe-like fins gleamed, cutting the air as it stepped forward, the ground beneath its feet cracking faintly from the pressure.

Trevor's eyes sharpened. "Aerodactyl, stay in the air! We've got the speed advantage!"

Aerodactyl screeched and shot upward, its wings slicing through the air with ease. It circled high above Garchomp, the sunlight bouncing off its gray scales as it waited for an opening.

Paul didn't blink. "Stone Edge."

Garchomp's arm fins glowed bright white as jagged stones erupted from the ground and launched toward Aerodactyl like missiles.

"Aerodactyl, dodge it!"

Aerodactyl twisted mid-air, narrowly evading the first cluster of stones. But Paul wasn't finished.

"Follow it."

Garchomp crouched low, then shot forward with blistering speed, weaving between the shards of broken rock. Its body cut through the air like a bullet.

Trevor's breath hitched. "Aerodactyl, Dragon Claw!"

Aerodactyl dove straight toward Garchomp, its claws glowing with a greenish-blue energy. It swiped hard —

But Garchomp vanished.

Paul's eyes flashed. "Sandstorm."

A violent gust of sand erupted across the battlefield, instantly swallowing Aerodactyl in a whirling vortex of grit and wind. Trevor shielded his eyes, barely able to see through the storm.

"Aerodactyl!"

From within the sandstorm, Aerodactyl's cry echoed out — sharp and strained.

"Keep calm!" Trevor shouted. "Use Rock Slide!"

Large boulders materialized above the battlefield and crashed down blindly toward the source of the sandstorm.

For a moment, silence.

Then —

A dark shape moved.

"Dragon Rush," Paul's voice cut through the storm like a knife.

Suddenly, Garchomp burst out of the storm, wreathed in a fierce blue energy that crackled along its streamlined form. It shot upward, colliding with Aerodactyl midair in a devastating impact.

Aerodactyl screamed as it was launched violently backward, crashing into the dirt with a deafening thud.

Trevor's heart plummeted. "Aerodactyl!"

Aerodactyl stirred weakly, but Garchomp was already above it, eyes glowing with cold calculation.

Paul's gaze sharpened. "Finish it. Dragon Claw."

Garchomp descended like a shadow, its claws burning with energy as it slashed downward —

"Aerodactyl, dodge!" Trevor yelled desperately.

Aerodactyl's wings twitched, but it was too slow.

Garchomp's claws connected in a flash of light, and Aerodactyl was sent skidding across the battlefield in a cloud of dirt and dust.

It lay still.

The referee lifted his hand. "Aerodactyl is unable to battle!"

Trevor's shoulders sagged as he gritted his teeth and recalled Aerodactyl.

"Garchomp takes the round!" Don George's voice echoed through the stadium. "Paul is dominating this match with ice-cold precision!"

"That's just Paul for you," Freddy added. "Trevor's going to need to come back with something big in the second half if he wants to stand a chance!" Trevor's hand trembled as he slid Aerodactyl's Poké Ball back onto his belt.

Trevor drew a sharp breath, his gaze sharpening. "Alright... we're not done yet!"

He launched the Poké Ball high into the air. "Aegislash — stand your ground!"

A flash of white light burst across the field as Aegislash materialized, its blade gleaming dangerously beneath the afternoon sun. The golden shield that floated beside it glinted in the light as Aegislash hovered soundlessly, its eye narrowing beneath the hilt.

Paul's expression remained frozen in place, utterly unmoved. His Garchomp stood like a statue, arms crossed, barely winded from the previous battle.

"Smart choice," Paul said flatly. "Too bad it won't matter."

Trevor's eyes flashed. "We'll see about that. Aegislash — King's Shield!"

A metallic shimmer washed over Aegislash as it crossed its shield in front of itself, golden energy pulsing outward in waves.

Paul's gaze remained cold. "Earthquake."

Garchomp's eyes glowed menacingly. It slammed one foot down into the dirt —

BOOM!

The ground ruptured violently, massive fissures splitting the battlefield as the force shot out in every direction.

"Hold steady!" Trevor called.

Aegislash's shield absorbed the shockwave, shimmering with protective light — but thin cracks started to form in the barrier as the sheer force of the Earthquake overwhelmed it.

Paul's eyes darkened. "Enough of this. Garchomp — Iron Head."

Garchomp exploded forward, its body becoming a streak of metallic light as its head glowed with hard steel energy.

"Aegislash, Sacred Sword!" Trevor shouted desperately.

Aegislash's blade glowed bright purple as it detached from its shield and shot forward like a spear. The two Pokémon collided midair —

A blinding flash erupted.

But only one figure remained standing as the light faded.

Garchomp.

Aegislash skidded backward across the battlefield, its shield spinning uselessly across the dirt. Its body hit the ground hard with a metallic clang, unmoving.

Trevor's heart sank into his stomach.

"Aegislash is unable to battle!" The referee's arm shot into the air.

Up in the stands, Ash's arms remained crossed, his jaw tightening.

"This guy..." Ash muttered to himself. "He's not messing around."

In the VIP box, Lysandre leaned back in his seat, hands steepled beneath his chin. A cold smile played on his lips.

"Perfect..." he whispered under his breath.

Trevor wiped the sweat from his brow as he stared down at the battlefield. His heart was racing, breaths shallow. He had to at least try to finish with some dignity.

He grabbed his next Poké Ball, tightening his grip around it. His hands trembled as he lifted it to eye level.

"Alright... one more shot."

He launched the Poké Ball into the air. "Talonflame — light it up!"

A flash of white light burst across the battlefield, and Talonflame soared into the sky with a piercing cry. Flames trailed behind its crimson wings as it cut through the air, circling the field with fierce precision.

Paul didn't hesitate. He plucked a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it forward casually. "Honchkrow — finish this."

From the blinding light emerged a massive, dark-feathered Honchkrow. Its wide wings flapped ominously, casting a large shadow across the battlefield as it hovered in the air. The wide brim of its feathery "hat" gave it a sharp, calculating look.

Trevor's jaw tensed. He had to win at least one.

"Talonflame, Flame Charge!"

Talonflame's body ignited with golden-orange fire as it shot forward like a comet, flames trailing behind it.

Paul's expression remained cold. "Honchkrow, Dark Pulse."

Honchkrow's eyes glowed violet as it flapped its wings hard. A wave of sinister, black energy spiraled outward in rings, cutting through the air toward Talonflame.

The two attacks collided in midair — a burst of heat and dark energy erupting above the field.

Through the smoke — Talonflame shot through unscathed.

"Yes!" Trevor's eyes lit up. "Now — Brave Bird!"

Talonflame's body became enveloped in blue-white light as it streaked through the air like a missile toward Honchkrow.

Paul's eyes narrowed. "Honchkrow, dodge."

Honchkrow attempted to shift left — but Talonflame was already too close.

CRASH!

The impact slammed Honchkrow backward. It tumbled through the air before crashing hard into the dirt with a heavy thud. A cloud of dust shot upward from the point of impact.

The dust settled — Honchkrow's wings twitched weakly before they dropped limp against the ground.

The referee raised his arm. "Honchkrow is unable to battle!"

"Whoa!" Don George's voice boomed through the stadium speakers. "Trevor finally gets a win on the board! A fierce Brave Bird from Talonflame — but is it too little, too late?"

"It's 4-1 now," Freddy added. "Trevor might've avoided a total shutout, but Paul's still sitting comfortably on a big lead."

Trevor sighed heavily, lowering his arm as Talonflame circled back toward him, landing gracefully on the ground. Its chest was heaving from the effort, but its eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Paul's gaze sharpened. He recalled Honchkrow without a word. His cold, calculated expression never wavered.

The referee glanced down at his watch and raised his whistle to his lips.

The shrill sound of the whistle pierced through the stadium. The crowd's murmurs quieted instantly.

"Time is up!" the referee called. "The battle is over!"

"That's it!" Don George roared. "Paul takes it with a final score of 4-1!"

"The first knockout round is officially in the books," Freddy added. "Paul advances to the quarterfinals, where he'll face the winner of Montgomery versus Sawyer!"

Up in the stands, Ash watched Paul's retreating form, arms crossed, his brow furrowing.

"Paul's looking sharper than ever," Ash muttered.

Beside him, Leaf smirked faintly. "Bet you're dying to face him, huh?"

Ash's gaze remained locked on Paul as he disappeared into the tunnel beneath the stadium.

"Yeah," Ash said quietly. "I am."

Up in the VIP section, Lysandre's fingers tapped together slowly beneath his chin as his lips curled into a thin smile.

"Interesting..." he whispered to himself.

Next up was Montgomery vs Sawyer for the second of the right round of 16 matches. This battle would decide Paul's next opponent in the Quarterfinal.