Ruth
*He nods at Leon's statements; it seems the Galar Champion also understands his perception of things. That's good, people who can really "See" Are always good. Looking at him again, he grins.* "Battling and curry... Sounds like a good combination. Which should we start with? And do you want to face the official Champion team, or these guys?" *Looking over to his sleeping Guzzy and Buzzwole, he figures he'll have to substitute 2 of his members either way (~~no legendaries in battle rule~~), but it shouldn't be too much of a problem, his Fusions aren't particularly destructive and all of his Pokemon are very well trained and behaved.*
Nicholas
He points dramatically to Buzzwole. "Those guys!" But he withdraws his hand just as quickly, chuckling. "Nah, I want to give them a good match if I could but I don't carry any legendaries on me." He shrugs and give Eden a smug grin, his brows slanted to make him eyes look serious despite this wide smile on his face. "Whichever team you want. It doesn't matter to me. My team is capable of any Pokémon you pick against me, variant or not." With this whole speech, it's obvious Leon picks battle over curry. The man could go on without eating if he could. Pokémon battles are a fuel to his fire. All he wants from his opponent is to give him a good run for his money.
Ruth
"Alrighty then..." *Quickly pulling out five pitch-black Pokeballs, all of his mons are recalled before he jogs over to his sling bag, unzipping a side pocket. A minute later, he comes back, with 3 of the strange black ones, and 3 Ultra Balls. Attaching them one by one to his belt and smiling, he moves a fair distance away from Leon and lightly tosses one of the black balls up and down, waiting on Leon.*
Richard
"So... Monika how about you answer the question? Are you and Leon dating?" He gets rather close to her as he gentley cups her chin having her look up at him so she look into his Deep blue eyes. "Or are you free later tonight?" He was gonna get an answer somehow.
Paulette
*Crystal noticed this, and is thinking something, then walks over* "Hello! How are you guys"
Billy
She was shocked by his sudden change of attitude. Her face was as red as a tomato, she was getting choked up and she stayed silent.
Paulette
"Umm, did i interrupt something" Then Darcy walked over, and by the power of fairys, Darcy knew what was going on. Crystal just stood there feeling kind of awkward
Richard
Al would gently push her to the tree behind her. "Answer the question unless... You want a kiss" He closes the distance between them their lips just inches apart. His metal arm right at her side.
Paulette
*Crystal sees this* "I-is Alphonse harrasing Monika..?" *Crystal decides to look behind the tree, not sure about what she will see*
Billy
She quickly nodded, answering his question, but some of her didn't want this moment to end, but most of her wanted it to, mostly because she didn't want Leon to see. She looked at his metal arm by her side and blushed slightly.
Paulette
"I-is.. That a love moment.. Then i should step back and let things happen..." *Crystal said that then moved back a little bit* "I can't believe it.. So early as well"
Richard
He backs off and gives her a grin "See that wasn't so hard" He really didn't mind if she was dating Leon. "Sorry about that I just wanted to know"
Paulette
"And on the other hand, maybe its not... I mean..." Crystal was confused, but still listened in anyways. Darcy was right by crystals side, just in case
Billy
She smiles "It's fine..!" She was just glad that Leon didn't see. She looked down, "Am I really pretty..?" She said this kind of quietly, but still audible.
Clarice
Mimikyu snuck up on Darcy and Crystal, "Ey yo, why you eavesdroppin? That's my job." It was his mission to startle the two girls, just for fun.
Paulette
"Eep! Wait... You can talk...?" Crystal then got even more confused, then Ninetails gave Mimikyu a look that says "I'm a fairy type, this is my part time job"
Richard
Al rubs the back of his neck looking at leon hoping he didn't see what had happened. He didn't want another scandal invovling another champion. Al hear the question gives her a heartwarming smile and nods. "I'm not the type to lie, 'specially about something like that"
Jeanette
A faint dot from far away began to get closer and closer. It soon became visible that it was a person flying a bird, not just any bird a large Staraptor. Skriath gave a loud and menacing shriek as the trainer, Lewis, dived off the bird and bombed into the lake, causing a huge splash.
Paulette
"What the..? Oh! Ninetails Use hail then aurora veil!!" *And ninetails did exactly that, repelling the splash from affecting them*
Billy
She was startled by the sudden crash landing. She ran out to the lake to see if he was okay. "Are you okay!?" She yelled out to him.
Jeanette
Now it was hailing, and Lewis was soaking wet, and now would be freezing cold. "Ahh I had that coming, ditto dared me to, sorry if I got you all wet."
Billy
"Do you need a towel or something?" She was concerned, he could get a cold! She doesn't want anyone's trip to be ruined by a simple cold, or even hypothermia!
Jeanette
"I'm alright, Ellie can patch me up if I'm going to die. It's j-just some h-hail." He said, it was his job to stop ditto causing mischief, not to let himself be talked into it.
Billy
Without thinking she took off the jacket that Al gave her and gave it to him. "It's not much, but it might help!" She smiled sweetly at him.
Paulette
"O-oh! I'm so sorry!" *Crystal ran up to Lewis* "Sorry... I acted on impulse, i didn't think.. I'm so sorry!"
Jeanette
"Thanks sweetie, but you'll only get your jacket soaked." Lewis said, with his Bywald accent showing through. He turned to Crystal "No you did the right thing, it was me who was going to splash you in the first place."
Billy
She looked at him, her yellow eyes almost glowing, "Take. The Jacket." She said in kind of a serious tone.
Paulette
"N-no! Its my fault... I-is there any way to help.."" Crystal felt guilty about this, and wanted to help.
Jeanette
Lewis took the jacket and put it on, he wanted to let monika keep it, though he also wanted to warm up. By now Skriath had circled around and landed beside Lewis. "It's neither of your faults ladies, it's this guys." Lewis said, letting out his blue ditto who had a huge cheesy grin.
Paulette
"Oh! A ditto!" Crystal seemed amazed to see a blue ditto, Darcy went for a closer look...
Richard
Alphonse would walk over to the person. Al would let out his Garchomp and immdeatley started to grab some sticks, and leaves and a few branches breaking it with ease. He sets up a small campfire site. And would command Dez to perfore a small fire bast on it to ignite the wood. "Come over here and warm yourself up" He says in a slight commanding tone as if he was talking to Andrea his kid..
Jeanette
And upon that closer look Crystal saw herself, standing where the blue ditto just was. He smiled at her mischievously and then hid behind Lewis before he could react.
Billy
Monika also walked over to the fire, since she gave him the jacket, she was kind of cold too. She sat down next to the fire and put her knees up to her chest.
Paulette
"Eeep!" *Crystal started to run off* "Clones!!!! Come on Darcy!" *Darcy recognized the real one and followed*
Jeanette
"Foggy you... I'm sorry uh... Ice... Lady..." Lewis shouted towards the direction Crystal was running off. Lewis sighed and went to the fire to warm up.
Paulette
"Oh.. Just the ditto..?" *Crystal came back* "Hehe... Sorry" *Darcy came back as well*
Billy
She rests her head on her knees and closes her eyes, she looked like she was about to fall asleep. She yawned and smiled to herself, she felt peaceful here, she just listened to the fire, and Mimikyu came and sat by her, also listening to the fire.
Richard
Al would sit down by Monika ashe tends to the fire. He stays quiet allowing there to be some calm serenity at the lake. With the sound of the lake and the fire making it rather peaceful.
Jeanette
"No, no it isn't you who should apologise. Foggy, you shouldn't scare people like that." Lewis looked down at his ditto, who was still transformed into Crystal and saw him lower his head suggesting he was sorry, though he was failing to hide the smile on his face and he clearly found it hilarious.
Billy
Monika's brain was basically half asleep by now, and she rested her head on Al's shoulder, Mimikyu looked around for any sign of Leon, he didn't want to wake her up, but he also didn't want Leon to see this. Mimikyu started making some panicked sounds, he hoped that Al wouldn't do anything stupid, or else he would get the hat of discipline.
Richard
Al would look over suprised at Monika's action thinking she was still awake but calms down seing that she was just asleep. Al lets her sleep not wishing to disturb her from her sleep. Al continues to watch the fire enjoying the warmth it was giving.
Clarice
He walked over to Lewis "Monika fell asleep on Al's shoulder, but she's dating Leon! I don't want him to do something that would hurt Monika or Al!" He started pacing around, not caring about the Porygon2.
Jeanette
Lewis looked up to porggles for a translation before realising he didn't need one, he had understood this pokemon. He was a little confused and so was porggles but he went with it. "It's ok little guy I'm sure there is nothing in it... She just fell asleep that's all, I'd hope this 'Leon' wouldn't be too jealous to act on it, but I don't know the guy." Lewis said, his brain being bombarded by the names of people he didn't know
Nicholas
Leon stands his distance from Eden too. As the other male went to switch up his team back at his bag, Leon pulls out his Rotomphone and did some Pokémon transferring that way. It seems almost useless when he rarely knows anything of his opponent, and the types of his variant Pokémon if he's going to use them. Catching glimpses of the black strange Pokéballs, Leon assumes those could probably hold the hybrid Pokémon. "Gotta be careful..." He whispers as Charizard walks up behind Leon and return into his Pokéball.

Once it seemed like the two were done, Eden allowed Leon to choose first. He sees this as a way for Eden to scope out what type advantage to counteract Leon with. While the Galar champ prefers that the other male picks first, It doesn't matter. He'll win either way. He has been undefeated longer than Eden had. That *Must* Mean that he's better, right? "Aegislash, let's go!" He toss his cape to the side and quickly flings a Pokéball into the fray of battle. The sword and shield Pokémon busts out, in his defense stance.

Grinning, Leon does his famous pose. It was seamless and smooth, before he gets back to his normal stance. "Let's have a champion time!" He repeats the words from before. This would truly be a champion time as the two held that title. He catches sight of another person joining in on their gathering and seeing as Monika, Alphonse, and Crystal tend to them. His vision would shift back to the battle, however, when he saw that the group at the side was doing fine. Pretty ignorant of what happens after that.
Billy
Monika woke up when she heard Leon say his famous line, she sat up and looked over, her eyes instantly lit up when she saw they were going to have a battle. "Yay! You can do it Leon!" She cheered for him.
Jeanette
Well, Leon seemed to be here and a battle seemed to be about to happen, so Lewis let all of his pokemon out to watch.
Richard
Al would raise an eyebrow thinking saying a line was rather Cliché but he watch the battle rather intently.
Ruth
*Well, Eden had slightly expected something like this; the cape was a good tell. He had already decided which Pokémon he was going to use first, and he held out the black ball, indicating he'd start with a hybrid; Aegislash was a solid defense for the unknown, but for this matchup, it'd have a tough time...* "Alrighty, you're up first." *Looking at the Pokeball, he smiled and stopped tossing it up and down, before throwing it high into the air above his head. As it came down he caught it and directed it to the ground in front of him, the ball bouncing back to his hand as Noctem— and Hawlucha and Dusknoir fusion— came out and gave a battle cry. He looked back to Eden, who nodded and gave a thumbs up, before turning to face his opponent.*
Clarice
Mimikyu also cheered for Leon, he decided not to speak, since that could ruin both their concentration on the battle. He was also very curious about the hybrid that Eden sent out.
Nicholas
Leon expected a variant and his eyes caught hints of a Hawlucha and... That what must be a ghost-type- Dusknoir? "Alright. Let's see what these variants of yours could do." The Galar champion beckons for Eden to make the first move. Looking at this being partly Hawlucha anyway, it could be fast. What really races through Leon's mind is its *Type* As he doesn't want Aegishlash to use a move that doesn't even effect at all, looking foolish. Aegislash also looks concerned of this Pokémon in front of it but both Leon and it shows no expression against this.
Ruth
'Steel is weak to Fighting... But Ghost is immune. Very well then, I guess...' *Noctem turned his shoulder, and as he did, Eden crossed his arms and grinned, Noctem lightly nodding- it seemed that with some of the Pokemon he'd bonded with, they had signals worked out for some actions. This theory was immidiately proven true, as Noctem flickered a few times and then sank through the ground, vanishing entirely... For now [Phantom Force].*
Billy
She cheered louder for Leon, and she elbowed Al to do the same. She didn't want Leon to lose and feel bad.
Richard
Al give a stubborn look but claps half heartedly. "Yeah go Leon..." Al says rather dryly. He was more of an observer than a cheer leader having picked up the habit after helping Andrea
Nicholas
Leon visually stumbled back a bit. *"Did he just command his Pokémon without speaking to it?"* The blood is starting to course in his body. This is exciting! "As expected of a champion from another region!" Leon yells over to Eden from his side. "Fortunately, I can only assume what this move is." Ah, the other male is a smart one alright. With an Aegislash comes the famous 'King's Shield' move. He's wanting to bypass that. Evaluating his options, the only solution is to swap out. Leon has a feeling he needs Aegislash for later. "Return! And now, into the pitch, Cinderace!" When the fire bunny Pokémon appear, Leon hopes he can take some of the damage at least.
Billy
Monika just sat and watched him, with a glimmer in her eyes. Her heart was beating quickly, because of the exciting battle, but also because of Leon's presence in general.
Ruth
*Smart... Though, he doubted an Aegislash would've dropped in one hit, especially not one of Champion caliber. Noctem came up behind Cinderace, jumping up from the shadows and landing a roundhouse kick to the head. As it came back down, it used Cinderace's back as a **Springboard**, launching itself away and gliding to safety, landing near where Leon was standing, and putting some distance between the two Pokemon to see what the fire starter would do.* "Alright, keep it up Noctem." *He nodded to his Pokemon, and they waited for their opponent's move.*
Nicholas
Cinderace's head getting knocked causes the Pokémon to stagger but it tries to shake it off. Its attention immediately goes to where this "Noctem" Is standing, with fire in its eyes. "I've raised Cinderace well so I believe in him." Leon crosses his arms and grin widely. He just can't stop smiling from how heart thumping this is. How greater it would feel when he *Beats* This guy. "Cinderace, Shadow ball!" The fire type jumps into the air first so as to create more distance between it and its opponent. A dark orb of energy appear between Cinderace's feet before it kicks the ball hard toward the direction of Noctem.
Ruth
*Noctem's eyes widen a bit in surprise, the Pokemon immidiately moving to jump away from the incoming Ghost move. It succesfully does so, avoiding the main projectile and threat, but the explosion from the move hitting the ground does catch it off guard, though very little damage is dealt from this. It looks at Eden, who gives it a thumbs up, before it jumps back a little bit and begins to charge head-on at Cinderace, seemingly trying to get in some kind of Fighting-type attack.*
Nicholas
Both Cinderace and Leon's mildly flinch from Noctem racing toward Cinderace. "Impatient? That's gonna cause you- Cinderace, Shadow Ball once more!" Quickly, his Pokémon tries to back up from the incoming variant. Once again the dark energy ball appear between Cinderace's feet. But capable as the Pokémon is, it shot out an extra one in Noctem's direction. "Good going!" Leon calls out to his Pokémon.
Ruth
*Noctem looks at the Cinderace as it runs, smirking; though, this was an error as it didn't realize that the opposing Pokemon could fire more than one Shadow Ball at a time! Quickly raising its wing as it ran, it took the hit dead on, creating a minor explosion; when the dust cleared, the Pokemon leaped out and ran even faster, though it had a bit of a wobble in its steps, the attack had hurt it and it wasn't really a defensive Pokemon. Closing the gap and reaching Cinderace, it appeared it was going to punch it, as its hand flew forward; but suddenly, it changed course, grabbing Cinderace around the waist despite being smaller than it, and the next thing the rabbit Pokemon knew, it was going up, up, and away...[Sky Drop]. Couldn't really use a move from there, and unless it could fly, it was a long way back down...*
Nicholas
"Whoa!" Leon feels the wind as Noctem has suddenly taken Cinderace to the sky rather strongly. He grunts and fixes his hat so that he could see what could be happening up there. Meanwhile, Cinderace isn't really afraid of heights. Just the possible *Impact* When he hits the ground. He squirms around in Noctem's hold, trying to slip out. Even if he was to free fall, it's better than getting dunked into the earth below. "Hmm..." Leon narrows his eyes before realizing there maybe be a solution. "You're going to be severely hurt from this one!" He yells bluntly to his Pokémon. "But, I know *You* Know, what to do in this situation!" Cinderace seems to froze from this. The synergy that Eden and Noctem performed before, with no words, is something Leon knows he and his Pokémon can understand as well. So the fire-type braces himself with an Endure.
Paulette
*Crystal just watches this battle, then starts cheering, her Kyurem, still out of pokeball, is also watching, her ninetails is also Happily watching, but also being careful, because something could go wrong at any time...*
Ruth
*As they pass the clouds, Noctem stops ascending, as Cinderace's weight begins to make it feel a bit tired. It begins to spin in an aerial circle, as one would with a Seismic Toss, but instead of crashing down with Cinderace in its grasp, it reaches the apex of the loop, throws the fire type downwards with all of its strength, and then quickly folds its wings, gliding down efficiently to reach the falling Pokemon, and jumps on it for good measure as Noctem begins to glide, watching it fall down, down, down..*
Nicholas
The velocity that Cinderace travels along with that extra kick (literally) from Noctem causes the fire-type to hit the ground, the earth shaking a little from it. Clouds of dust kick up and Leon brings his arms up to cover his face. Once it all clears up... Yes. Cinderace is still standing from his use of Endure. But barely. Since being covered in dirt, the Pokémon almost looks like a zombie. Seeing this, makes the Galar champion feel bad for his Pokémon- as he do when he sees them struggling like this. "One more, buddy," He says softly. Fire starts to grow around Cinderace's body as his ability "Blaze" Starts to get into effect. "Give this move all you got! Cinderace, Pyro Ball!" The fire floating around Cinderace's body would start to form in front of him. A large ball of gas and flames would keep growing until it was almost as big as Cinderace himself. With a huff, the Pokémon reels back its foot and kicks the pyro ball with all that he has before falling to its knees and then whole body, fainting.
Billy
Monika stood up and ran over to the battle and quickly picking up Cinderace, she took a quick glance at Leon and smiled at him before running back to treat the fire rabbit.
Ruth
*Noctem would begin to glide down afterwards, taking its time. However, being high up had its disadvantages; Eden couldn't communicate with it, and it couldn't see what was on the ground yet. So, when things started to get hot, Noctem knew something was wrong, and when it saw the massive ball of fire hurtling towards it, it was already too late to fully dodge. He couldn't get around it, over it, or under it... So... Folding in its wings, the Pokemon dove straight down, aiming for one of the edges of the sphere, where there'd be less volume to pass through. Of course, this still hurt like hell; the Pokemon came out staggering and struggling to get back into gliding position, but was able to safely land, and seemed like it had a bit more to give before going ou-* "Take a break for now, ok?" *Noctem turned to see Eden looking at it, with a concerned expression.* "You didn't get a burn or faint, but if you keep going you'll probably just get knocked out right away.." *He held out Noctem's ball, and the rather prideful Pokemon seemed a bit disappointed as it returned to it.*
Nicholas
Leon sighs. "You did really well, Cinderace. I'm proud of you." The Pokémon fought like a warrior, and even if he lost a comrade first, that doesn't mean he won't still win this. Although, Eden is a formidable one. Leon has to consider his options harder. He was about to return his Pokémon back to it's ball when Monika came in and picked Cinderace up. He looks after her as she brought it to the sidelines with her and nods in acknowledgment. Right. The Galar champion has spectators so he better deliver a good match... Something that he's used to doing back at home. It seems that even Eden withdrew his Pokémon. What would his next be? Leon doesn't care about who's sending out first this time as he summons out Aegislash once again. "This is going to get even more exciting," Leon says with a bit of seriousness but with the same eagerness he had before.
Paulette
*Crystal is still cheering for Leon* Ninetails gets an idea... The Kyurem has le approval of both trainers skill.
Ruth
'Steel types are... Annoying. Very annoying.' *Truth be told, Noctem is his only real 'counter' for this thing... The best he can do for now is check it, and for that, he has to bring out a Pokemon he would've preferred to save for later... Grabbing an Ultra Ball off his belt, he tosses it up lightly once or twice to get a feel for it, before smiling.* "I choose..." *Like before, he tosses it up high and as it comes back down slams it forward, as the ball bounces back to him once the Pokemon has been released.* "You!" *The Pokemon inside materializes; a Gengar, grinning rather naughtily.* "Baron. We're going to defeat this Aegislash, yeah?" *His Gengar nods back at him, and they wait for Leon to make the first move. He didn't get to see any of its moves, so he'll have to be wary... If things get bad enough, he'll have to kick it up another notch too.*
Clarice
Of course, Monika's Gengar just popped out of nowhere. He waved over to Eden's Gengar, expecting a wave back, hopefully.
Ruth
*Baron looked over to the other Gengar for a second, smiling at it with that creepy smile most Gengars had. Among Eden's Pokemon, it was definitely the prankster of the group... It gave the other Gengar a grin and a raspberry for fun, and continued focusing on the fight.*
Nicholas
Leon smirks from seeing that it's a Gengar. *Just one clean hit and it'll be down.* He believes in his Pokémon's defenses, both special and physical. It'll be able to hold off some of the Gengar's move before really striking it down. At least, that's what Leon has in mind anyway. There must be something that Eden is brewing, as any champion would do. "Aegislash, let's start this up with a Swords Dance!" The sword/shield Pokémon would start floating around in a strange pattern. It releases itself from behind its shield and starts waving its body around as if trying to sharpen itself in the air. "Be on the lookout," He reminds his Pokémon as it does the dance. "Gengar is a fast one."
Ruth
"You're right, Gengar is fast, and is normally known for hitting hard... Lots of damage, but very frail. But I'd say that Baron here is a bit of an oddity... Though, that's a given, since he uses one of these." *Rolling up his sleeve, he was wearing a golden wristband with a slight bump in one area. Turning his hand sideways, Leon could clearly see the Key Stone embedded there, as Baron revealed its own Mega Stone hidden inside its gaslike body.* "I think it's time things got a bit more exciting." *Smiling, he tapped the Key Stone with two fingers as it sparkled a brilliant golden colour. The stone on Gengar also began to sparkle, emitting purple rays. Both of these lights began to connect in the air, sparkling and shining together as Gengar began to change. It's arms and head began to become spikier as it cackled, its lower body sinking into the ground around it as a third eye began to grow on its head, opening as the Mega Evolution symbol briefly appeared above it.* "Now then... Perish Song." *The now-Mega Gengar tilted its head upwards, looking towards the sky... Then began to cackle. As it did, visible notes began to shoot out of its mouth, encircling the battlefield before breaking and crumbling to dust. It seemed like they were now both on a bit of a timer... And Mega Gengar's ability was Shadow Tag.*
Billy
Monika covered Mimikyu and Cinderace's ears, to prevent them from feeling the effects of The Perish Song, Gengar quickly sped away the moment he said Perish Song, but came back once it was over.
Jeanette
While he was just watching, Lewis made sure to bring all of his pokemon back into their balls and then send them back out again, he obviously didn't want them to faint but he knew that they wanted to watch.
Nicholas
Once Leon spots the Mega Stone he almost laughs to himself. A Mega Gengar should have been obvious with how Eden was mentioning about it before. As he lets the transformation happen, Leon is still keen on defeating the Gengar in maybe one hit. He taps his feet, almost impatient for the transition to be over. What came out was a Pokémon that is like Gengar but with a slight *Twist* To it. It's grounded it seems. Unexpectedly, Eden would command his Pokémon aloud. "Perish Song" He have said. Normally, this isn't something that would worry Leon but given the ability this 'mon have, he couldn't switch out. Ah, *That* Strat. The Galar champion knew he should have saw this coming.

It made him a little frustrated as he know that Aegishlash will fall in vain if he doesn't do anything about it. But there's still hope. He can break out of this if Aegislash just finishes the Mega Gengar off quickly. That'll release the Shadow Tag from it and Leon could withdraw his Pokémon. "Don't let that faze you. Shadow Sneak!" Aegislash was still dancing during the Perish Song anyway, as if it's going along with that unnatural melody. Then, the Pokémon stops. It stays still where it is but the shadow that seeps from it moves quick, speeding across the ground, and then popping up as a shadowy figure behind the Gengar. Another Aegislash seem to materialize from this shadow as it swung itself for a hit.
Ruth
*It seems Eden's trained his Gengar not so much in offense, but in stalling. The Pokemon instinctively reacts, sliding backwards through the ground, as Eden nods to it and its grin widens. It suddenly dives into the ground, however, its shadowy presence is still there, so it isn't Phantom Force or anything of the like... Its move is apparent as something slowly rises in Gengar's place... A small green doll, with a few shadowy tendrils attached to it, almost controlling it like a marionette as it almost comically zips around the field, moving as if by magic. [Substitute].* 

"Now then... Will-O-Wisp!" *From behind the substitute jumps Gengar; its legs are still gone, it's lower half just a formless mist. A multitude of purple spectral flames suddenly surround it in a circle, then as it begins to descend rapidly move towards Aegislash, spinning around. As they get near, they begin to encircle the Pokemon, and the steel type wouldn't want to touch any of them. As Gengar landed, it hopped back into its own shadow and resumed puppeteering the Sub doll.*
Nicholas
"Oh boy." Leon sees as Aegislash's Shadow Sneak narrowly misses the Mega Gengar as it hides itself into the ground. Just as quickly, something else replaces where the Mega Gengar once stood. A doll. The sword/shield Pokémon makes another swing at it from its own Shadow Sneak but the doll moves very quickly away before it could do any damage. The Galar champion could see Eden's plan. He really wants to see Aegislash dispatched with this Perish a Song ~~for styles~~. When a Wil-o-Wisp comes by, Aegislash brings its shield up to protect itself by instinct. The Pokémon itself also looks distressed from this. Not only was there the Perish Song to worry about, it's the chip damage from the possible *Burn* Status as well.

"Ah..." Leon scratches the back of his head, thinking what his next move should be. The dancing flames of the Wil-o-Wisp makes Aegislash's shadow stretch out more and they seem to dance upon the flames. *"I see."* Aloud, the man tells Aegislash to go for another Shadow Sneak. "Spread out your power!" Aegislash has its scowl again. Trusting his trainer, the Pokémon initiaties the attack and the ritual-like shadows from the Wil-o-Wisp spreads from where Aegislash stands. Multiple Shadow Sneaks go for Gengar, albeit their attack lowered from controlling so much. The steel/ghost type suffers from catching the *Burn* Status, though.
Ruth
*The substitute doll comically moves around, trying to dodge and weave through the attacks. However, all it takes is one good hit from one of these attacks as the doll vanishes with a loud 'Pop!' noise, before Gengar suddenly leaps out of the ground, above the remaining attacks, Eden snapping his fingers and making a finger gun at the main Aegislash.* "Hex, let's go!" *Gengar seems to hover for a second as four large wispy balls with its own grinning face inprinted on them form around it; it then does a backflip in midair and starts to fall normally as the attack rushes at Aegislash, and thanks to the sword-shield Pokemon's status, the move will be doing double the damage. All the while as they fight, the ghostly black notes around them continue to crumble to dust; at this point, they're about 66% gone.*
Nicholas
Leon clicks his tongue from hearing Eden's demand for Hex toward his Aegislash. Too bad such a strategy could be so common. "King's Shield," Leon simply tell his Pokémon. Aegislash has its dependable shield out in front of him but an extra energy force surrounds the steel/ghost-type before the spits of ghostly fire clashes onto it. "Let's move fast," The champjon urges his Pokémon. "Aegislash isn't all about attack." With it being burned, it'll be too numb to really pull out its full power physically. So instead, Leon commands it to use Shadow Ball. The same dark energy ball that Cinderace produced before appears in front of the shield of Aegislash. It shoots! And the sphere flies toward the Mega Gengar. The remaining smaller Shadow Sneaks flutter around the opponent's Pokémon, some even attempting to grab onto Gengar and hold it still.
Ruth
*As Gengar sees the attacks coming towards it, it knows it can't evade all the shadows while ALSO dodging Shadow Ball. The tricky Ghost-type quickly looks over to the side, noting that Perish Song is only about 80% complete— if it faints now, Aegislash will switch out and all its work will be for nothing! And while it has... Other options, Baron is a rather prideful individual, and doesn't just want mutual death, oh no. He wants the other Pokemon to faint, so he can stand triumphantly over its ~~corpse~~ fainted form. Therefore...*

*The Shadow Ball hits its mark just as Gengar lands, creating a decently sized explosion and with it, a dust cloud, obscuring the views of all spectators and the opposing Pokemon. When the dust clears, Gengar is nowhere to be seen at first, seemingly just gone... However, off to the side, in the blind spot of the opponent and their trainer, one spiked hand would emerge from a pool of shadows. From this hand would be a thin black line of pure darkness, shooting through the grass towards the opposing Pokemon, linking Gengar's shadow to Aegislash... Before there was a feeling of pain. Aegislash seemed to feel the weight of its own attack, and Gengar immediately felt itself reinvigorated and once again able to put up a Substitute. While Aegislash had been burned, it hadn't taken any other hits, and so it was the perfect opportunity to use the move Pain Split; taking Gengar, who was on its last legs, and a relatively healthy Aegislash, and setting them on an even playing field.*
Nicholas
The attack that appeared literally out of left field astonished Leon as he catches it approaching Aegislash. Instinctively, the champ wanted to throw arms but realizing it's just Gengar being the tricky Pokémon it is. When the move connected, Aegislash reels from it while Gengar seem to have pop back up from the attack. The opponent 'mon then retreats back into a Substitute. At this rate, Aegislash might go under from Perish Song along with Mega Gengar, and Leon grits his teeth quickly before changing back into a hard smile.

This is the kind of battle he wants- *Expects* For a champion to give him. It's frustrating at points but this makes it more exciting. He's not ready to lie belly up, though, as the Galar champion throws out another move for Aegislash. Shadow Ball forms again and it blasts a tree nearby. The trunk is weakened, causing it to fall over toward the battlefield. On Leon's calculation, the tree should fall in the path of Mega Gengar in his doll form. This is just something else he hopes to slow down the Gengar for a final blow from Aegislash charging yet another Shadow Ball. The burn stings.
Ruth
*Gengar's substitute takes the hit from the tree, and is broken instantly as Gengar rises once again, looking first at Aegislash charging a Shadow Ball, then to Eden. His trainer is a bit conflicted, as he looks to the notes... In a very short amount of time— like, less than 40 seconds, Perish Song will take them both out. He needs to have Gengar survive long enough to do that, otherwise Leon will just switch out... He knows Gengar really wants to win with its strategy. But the way things are going, his Aegislash will get lucky and land a hit... So there's really only one thing he can do; he comes to this conclusion with about 28 seconds remaining, looking to Gengar and giving a shake of the head.*

*Gengar seems rather displeased with this outcome, but... Well, what else can really be done? He can't do anything that'll take it out, especially not with King's Shield, and Toxic was out from the start. For once, Gengar's smile changes to a frown for a split second, before the eerie grin comes back, and it begins to chant something rather quickly under its breath. Aegislash would feel a strange tugging sensation in the direction of Gengar, and Eden's Pokemon would feel something similar, as it popped fully out its shadow, watching to see what Leon would do about this predicament [Destiny Bond].*
Nicholas
It was too late for Aegislash to stop that Shadow Ball anyway as it shoots the dark energy sphere toward Gengar. It was then that Leon notice this strange tension in the air and the little twitch that Aegislash made makes the champion flick his eyes over toward his Pokémon. Once the attack lands cleanly, Aegishlash has a small spasm and Leon makes a distress sound from his teeth. *"No way, was that...?"* But as soon as he realizes it, Aegislash falls to the ground, dropping its shield in a clatter. "Aegislash!" It seems the sword/shield Pokémon is down for the count.

Heck, it wouldn't have mattered either way as the Perish Song would have taken them both if the Shadow Ball missed at all. At the small corner of his mind, Leon felt played. It's like that game of Tic-tac-toe, where no matter where you put your mark, there's always another line for them to beat you. He admits that. "Well played, Eden. Well played." If he wanted to look at the bright side, Gengar has fainted also. Returning his Pokémon to his Pokéball, Leon whispers to it. "You did amazing. Rest now, pal." Putting Aegislash's ball at the left side of his belt, Leon reaches for another one of his 'mons. He wonders who he should choose next, contemplating what Eden has in store.
Ruth
*Gengar's Mega Evolution ends as he's hit by Shadow Ball, reverting to its normal form, a small chuckle escaping it before it fully faints. Eden smiles sadly, grabbing Bane's Ultra Ball and recalling it. He did good, that's for sure... Hopefully Leon didn't have another Steel-type surprise, though, it wouldn't be Ghost-type either... But regardless...*

*Instead of grabbing his next Pokemon immidiately, he levels Leon with "The look". The one your Grade 8 math teacher gives you when you answer the question wrong. The one your mom shoots you when you come home with a D on your report card. Raised eyebrow, crossed arms, strange fusion of sadness and a grimace.* "I'm honestly astounded... Really... You let that happen, and it makes no sense to me."
Nicholas
Leon notices the look Eden gives him and he tilts his head. With his mind set in battle mode, it took him a moment to process the other male's words. "Let what? Either way, even if I had stopped Aegislash, Perish Song could have taken him down." He forces a smile, a little bit upset about that fact. "But it doesn't matter because in the end, it's all a team effort. Cinderace's and Aegislash's defeat won't be in vain. The rest of my team will carry them out." He's proud of his Pokémon, giving their all in their battles. This whole match isn't something too overwhelming, but something real close. If Leon let's his guard down, he would see that he's almost corner. No. He *Isn't* Cornered. The tide will turn in his favor, but of course, he's not betting on luck. There's no way he'll lose ~~without a fight~~. "Let me see what you got next." He beckons for Eden to summon his 'mon first this time.
Ruth
".......Not that... I'm not talking about that right now... You just *Wasted* Your Pokemon." *He deadpanned at the man; he was a good battler, but this was pretty common knowledge, as he shook his head and sighed.* "You could've just switched, which was what I expected... You're a strange one." *Grabbing his next Pokeball, this one was also an Ultra. Throwing it up once to measure the height, he tossed it high into the sky like always, and threw it the same way as well. Popping out of this ball was a Grimmsnarl, but like the rest of his team, it was special in some way; as Leon would likely know being from Galar, Grimmsnarl was supposed to be black and green, but this one had purple features and long white hair; traits known to identify it as shiny. The Pokemon turned back to Eden, both of them smirking together; it seemed this one was similar to Noctem, and they'd be acting without much vocal command.*
Nicholas
"Oh? Could I have?" Leon's eyes drift up as he starts to think about that. "Maybe I could have but," His amber eyes return to Eden and they seem to glow more. He proceeds on talking, something that doesn't sound like what the Galar champion would usually say. "*Isn't it more exciting when you have a timer during battle*? It pushed us to beat your Gengar as fast as possible. Which, we didn't succeed in..." His expression turns lax though, and the man scratches his cheek nervously. "Aegislash isn't the only star of my team. I've said it already. I didn't waste my Pokémon at all." Seceretly, Leon feels a bit pathetic.

Onto the next pitch, Eden had summon a Pokémon he sees around his own region. A Grimmsnarl. A shiny one, in fact. He wonders if the man was deciding to Gigantamax it, but since he mega evolved before, probably not. "Seismitoad, your turn!" Leon throws his Pokéball mightily forward as it summons the large water/ground toad Pokémon. He sees the interaction that Eden has with his battling partner and his brows deepen. It's going to be his guesses now with what they're planning.
Ruth
*Grimmsnarl faces up the Toad Pokemon, expression rather deadpan as it tilts its head, before it makes a sound not too dissimilar to a snort. Obviously, it doesn't' seem very concerned about the battle, as it immediately acts without so much as a glance to Eden, a bright golden wall materializing between it and the other Pokemon, shimmering for a second or two before disappearing [Reflect]. It stands there rather threateningly, waiting for the other Pokemon to do something, clearly with a plan in mind.*
Nicholas
Leon sees the set-up it's making and takes note of it. "Rain Dance," He says with without hesitation. Overhead, there's a distance sound of thunder before the rain starts. First, it was just a little, but then it starts getting harder. This floods the area a little bit and rejuvenates Seismitoad, making it ready to move with the water (Swift Swim ability). As the rainstorm rages on, Leon sets out the next move for his Pokémon. "Now, use Toxic!" Seismitoad raises its chin as it gurgles something in its throat. When it spits out, the liquid emits a gassy smell as it flies toward Grimmsnarl.
Ruth
*Grimmsnarl is Badly Poisoned, though as per normal, not much damage occures at the start, though the Pokemon doesn't very much like this. However, it quickly sets up the pink equivalent to the first barrier [Light Screen], before looking back towards Eden, who simply nods. Grimmsnarl finds a footing in the ground and then launches off from it, running at a high speed with one hand raised directly at the opposing Pokemon. Evidently, it has something planned.*
Nicholas
"Aw, if I'm the only one talking, it's kind of lonely, y'know?" Leon fakes an embarrassed expression. Watching as Grimmsnarl torpedo toward the two, he commands for his Pokémon to, "Dive!" The almost flood-like terrain helps Seismitoad duck and use its silky, wet body to seemingly swim away from the opposing 'mon. For now, the champ wants to evaluate the Grimmsnarl and see what its plan is. With the barriers up, it can cause some *Minor* Trouble.
Ruth
*Grimmsnarl is forced to stop short once the Pokemon is gone, seemingly a bit annoyed, not just by it, but also thanks to the Poison. Seemingly fed up but not ready to make any drastic moves, it watches and waits to see where the Water/Ground type will pop back up next and if it'll just keep playing hide and seek.*
Nicholas
Seismitoad enjoyed seeing the confusion- albeit, irked- face its foe made. Lurking around, the Pokémon lets the poison eat away at Grimmsnarl. It would have loved to play around more but Leon tells Seismitoad to attack. It seems the man had other plans than to stall out health. Swimming quickly forward, it pops out from behind Grimmsnarl to ram its body against the other. With Reflect, the attack wouldn't be so strong, but should give some push.
Ruth
"Grimm!" *The Pokemon reacted to its trainer's call, spinning around just as Seismitoad body slammed it. Quickly, it braced itself for the attack and dug its feet into the ground, taking a small chunk of damage before quickly lashing out, using its tentacle- like hair to lash out and grab Seismitoad, wrapping around it to bind and constrain it. Grinning rather cockily, it raised its other arm which began to glow, before it quickly slapped it over and over in a barrage of hits [Power Whip] from close range; this had been their plan.*