Pokémon from Galar

Mary took off the diving ball, pressed the switch, and a blue sea lion appeared in front of the audience.

Because it's not a native Pokémon, the host even had the Rotom camera give it a close-up to specifically introduce the origins of Popplio.

Of course, none of this mattered to Marie. She needed to finish the first match quickly. Having made up her mind, Marie flicked her wrist with her right hand to bring Hime-chan back into the game. Then, the Max Gear activated rapidly, and large amounts of purplish-red energy were injected into it.

There's no need to send it out and then bring it back, but that's the rule of the competition. You have to show the Pokémon you're using in order to Dynamax, otherwise it's a foul.

The diving ball rapidly expanded in her palm. Mary turned around and threw it high into the air. Then she saw the ball sea lion's body quickly enlarge and crash into the area behind Mary with a strong gust of wind.

"Hime-chan! Max Water Stream!"

"Flame Wheel, charge!"

Kawu had a different opinion of Marie's decision to Dynamax at the start of the battle. The opportunity to Dynamax is only once and has a limited duration. Not everyone has the courage to use Dynamax to steal the weather at the start of the battle.

Regardless of whether she was confident in the Pokémon Nihilego or was taking a gamble, Kawu still admired her decisiveness.

Upon hearing the trainer's command, the two Pokémon sprang into action. Himeko, seemingly quite curious about her unprecedentedly large size, excitedly gathered her amplified Water-type energy.

The Coal Turtle remained calm. Even when its opponent suddenly grew a hundred times larger, it did not panic. Instead, it obediently carried out the command, quickly retracting its limbs and head into its shell. Then, bursts of flame mixed with white smoke emerged from its carapace and quickly enveloped its entire body.

As the flames began to spin rapidly, the surging flames grew even more intense under the sunlight, looking quite imposing!

Both sides had limited strength, so the battle pace couldn't be fast. However, the two Pokémon were able to gather their special moves smoothly. Torkoal was slightly faster, and a huge fire wheel with a diameter of almost one meter spun rapidly, charging towards Hime-chan's body like a cannon shot out!

However, since it had to span almost half the field, Hime-chan's special move was successfully condensed. Because she couldn't control it at all, Hime-chan almost gave up on controlling it, only adjusting the launch angle, and then a huge water column suddenly erupted!

Sizzle—Sizzle—!

When the intense flames and water met, a large cloud of mist instantly billowed up. The straight water column was blocked by the flame wheel, and large splashes of water were scattered, then swirled in the air and rapidly permeated the environment.

Despite the alternating ebb and flow of the bright, sunny sky, Flame Wheel actually withstood the massive water flow without collapsing. Instead, it slightly shifted its direction, allowing Coalossal to quickly escape the attack range and shoot off to the side.

With the massive water flow no longer obstructed, its remaining power erupted all at once, and the azure waves rapidly surged towards Kawu. Vast expanses of spray crashed across the battlefield, completely submerging the area, while the airborne moisture churned wildly with the burst of energy.

And it quickly formed a continuous rain in the sky.

Mary glanced down at the ankle-deep water and rainwater blocked by the protective shield, feeling a little helpless. Now that she had snatched the opportunity from Hime-chan and Mo, it would be difficult for Kyon to fight later.

"Wow—! (That's amazing!)"

Standing behind Marie, Hime excitedly raised her head and clapped her hands. She only had a vague understanding of Dynamax and this was the first time she had used it. She never expected that her attack could achieve such a level.

Mary quickly found the Coal Turtle that had been swept away by the water flow. It was now standing in a corner of the battlefield, somewhat disheveled, wading through the water and staring in Hime-chan's direction.

"Continue on the right, Dynamax Water Flow!"

"Aww~! (Here it comes~!)"

It's hard to say what Hime-chan's mindset is right now, but at least Mari heard a hint of amusement in the deafening noise behind her.

Kawu wasn't stupid. Torkoal's biggest advantage was its ability to set the weather, but it wasn't strong right now, and its special defense wasn't high either. Against a Dynamaxed Popplio, it would just get beaten up. He quickly took out a Poké Ball, pressed the switch, and shouted:

"exchange!"

One Pokémon was recycled, while the other released his second Pokémon, Growlithe!

"Woof—!"

Manually trading Pokémon on the battlefield is not allowed to waste time intentionally. After all, if you dawdle when trading Pokémon on the battlefield, you'll most likely be eliminated.

"Flame Wheel!"

We have to replace it with Kabuto. It's not worth it to keep Torkoal here like this. It's better to leave it for another weather cycle later. It will just be a little tougher on Growlithe.

Although Growlithe hasn't evolved yet, it has been with Kabuto for some time and is quite powerful. It was originally intended to be Morpeko's Pokémon to deal with Marie, but now it can only be left here.

"Awooo—!"

Growlithe didn't mind the rain falling on it. It raised its head and howled. Facing the ever-growing, imminent torrent of water, it fearlessly unleashed flames that enveloped its entire body.

As the mist rose and the fire wheel took shape, a massive torrent of water fell down!

boom--!

A rapidly spinning wheel of fire was once again blasted away by the massive water flow. It didn't look well, but it wasn't as disheveled as one might expect.

The speed at which the Flame Wheel was released was on a completely different level compared to the Coal Turtle from before. Hime-chan was already preparing to attack when Kabu switched, even though the entire switch took less than half a second.

Kog'Maw managed to use its special move just before being attacked, thus avoiding the most direct damage.

"Move at high speed, start running!"

"Max Water Flow, aim carefully before attacking!"

The Dynamax duration is limited, and with Hime-chan's lack of experience, it will probably be over after this round of attacks.

But what does it matter?

Mary glanced at the water level, which was already above half her calves. The waves crashing against the protective shield were splashing high, although this energy-generated water flow couldn't be sustained for long.

But at least until the rain stops, this whole area can be Hime-chan's home turf.

P.S.: Starting from this chapter, I've tried to make the environmental impact of some moves seem greater... I don't know if that's acceptable, or if there are any changes needed to the previous battles... If you feel anything is off, please let me know, and I'll try my best to adjust.

Chapter 195 Mad Volt

The flooded area is a significant disadvantage for Growlithe. Even with its increased speed using Agility, the water level, which is almost knee-high, still slows it down. Without a follow-up plan, Growlithe will definitely fall to Hime-chan's next attack after this one.

Furthermore, the strength of the third Pokémon is far inferior to that of Growlithe and Torkoal, so the Gym Leader who is being challenged certainly cannot bring it out now; this is a matter of magnanimity for a Gym Leader.

However, since Kawu had sent out Growlithe, he naturally had a way to deal with the current situation. After watching Growlithe somewhat disheveledly succeed in accelerating, Kawu's deep voice rang out:

"Mad Volt! Counterattack!"

"Ow-!!"

Upon hearing the command, Growlithe, ignoring its soaked fur and the falling rain, raised its head and howled as if venting its frustration. Accompanying this loud cry, bolts of lightning began to flash across Growlithe's body and rapidly grew stronger.

In an instant, dazzling lightning enveloped Growlithe's figure, and at the same time, the current began to spread throughout the field along with the water flow, and the gigantic Himeko was affected without any way to avoid it.

Seeing the tiny bolts of electricity shooting out from her protective shield, Mary calmly shouted:

"Hold on, seize this opportunity, don't let him charge in!"

"Awoo—! (I will try my best!)"

The electrical energy emanating from Growlithe wasn't strong, but it was enough to affect Hime's movements as it flowed with the water. If it weren't for Marie's command, she might not have been able to launch the attack she was preparing.

Before long, Growlithe, crackling with electricity, charged toward Hime-chan, leaving behind a trail of giant waves, steam, and blinding light!

"Ow—!"

"Awooo—! (Don't come any closer!)"

Hime-chan's attack was also ready. The electric current slightly slowed her attack speed, but it was enough. Before Growlithe could get close, Hime-chan lowered her head.

Then a huge jet of water shot out, heading straight for the charging Growlithe!

Boom boom boom—!!

Growlithe was even more agile than Hime-chan had anticipated. The Growlithe left behind by the Max Aqua the moment it landed, and a wave of water nearly as tall as a person engulfed it, but it did not hinder Growlithe's charge in the slightest.

Hime-chan was now determined. She had no intention of taking the opponent's attack, and she forcefully controlled the direction of the Max Water Stream, sweeping it towards Growlithe.

The halfway point was crossed in the blink of an eye. The moment Growlithe passed Marie, it suddenly took to the air, and at the same time, a much smaller giant water jet followed closely behind.

boom--!

In mid-air, Growlithe's figure was submerged by the water. The two attacks collided in mid-air, and a dazzling burst of electricity shattered the water. Marnie, who was nearby, squinted at the sky.

"Awooo—!!!"

With a scream, Growlithe miraculously withstood the attack and charged towards Hime-chan with undiminished momentum. The splashing water and electric shocks relentlessly struck Marie's protective shield, the chaotic sounds making her ears ring.

More importantly, she could no longer see clearly what was happening in mid-air.

puff-

The Growlithe that emerged from the water was now in a sorry state, and most of the electricity on its body had visibly disappeared. Even so, the Growlithe still bared its fangs and lunged at Hime-chan's face as she appeared in front of it!

boom--!!!

The Dynamax, which was already nearing its end, suddenly exploded after being attacked by Growlithe. Marnie instinctively raised her hand to try to block the strong wind, but the protective shield in front of her only flickered a few times, steadily blocking the wind pressure and the giant wave.

The flames were quickly washed away by the rain from mid-air. Moreover, three consecutive attacks of enormous water jets tainted the rain, making it grow larger and larger, gradually taking on the feel of a heavy downpour.

Of course, Marie knew that these were just appearances. Only through the amplitude of Dynamax energy could such a level be achieved. Otherwise, little Hime-chan wouldn't even be able to summon a single dark cloud.

Every time she sees such a scene, Marie sighs with relief that Dynamax can only be used in specific locations. Otherwise, if such an exaggerated boost were used indiscriminately, it's unimaginable what a terrifying disaster the 'Dark Night' of the past would have been.

Because her vision had been obstructed, Mary couldn't wait for the waves and mist to dissipate before looking over. Electric damage wasn't easy to withstand, even if it had been significantly reduced in the end.

However, Hime-chan is weaker than Growlithe, and at this moment, Marie is a little worried about her condition and whether she can continue.

"Awoo... (Mary...)"

"Water Flow Ring, please reply."

The rain hadn't stopped, and the water hadn't receded. Hime-chan swam somewhat awkwardly near Mary, but didn't immediately approach for comfort, after all, the battle wasn't over yet.

Upon hearing Mary's instructions, Hime let out a howl and laboriously cast a thin, flowing water curtain around herself, beginning to slowly recover.

She wasn't feeling well; she had only instinctively returned to Mary's side, but her attention remained fixed on the Growlithe dog not far away.

However, Growlithe also looked to be in very poor condition. It was already drenched in water and was now struggling to stay upright, panting heavily.

Neither side gained the upper hand in the previous exchange. Hime-chan was probably in worse shape. If her final attack hadn't been weakened and she hadn't been in Dynamax form, she probably would have already collapsed.

"Growlithe, Mad Volt!"

"Woof—!"

"A seductive voice, be careful to avoid it."

In the water, Hime-chan is much more agile than Growlithe, even when she uses Mad Volt after increasing her speed; the slight leakage of electricity is not enough to stop Hime-chan from moving.

With a flick of her tail, Hime-chan darted away, but didn't get too close. Now, Growlithe doesn't need to hit her; as long as she unleashes her electric power, she'll have nowhere to hide underwater.

However, Hime-chan still maintained a safe distance because she wanted to replace Growlithe and prevent him from continuing to stand on the field; this was what she wanted to achieve.

"Woof!!"

Growlithe barked awkwardly at Hime-chan, then took heavy steps and rushed over through the water!

"Awoo~!"

Meanwhile, Hime opened her mouth and began to sing, following Primarina's instructions. Ripples spread rapidly across the water's surface, and the two attacks collided midway. The attack of the alluring voice landed on the electrified Growlithe, actually detonating the electric bomb!