Scattering hazards and then forcing the opponent to switch with Whirlwind or Roar—this was one of the most enduring tactics Dylan remembered from his past life in the Pokémon games.
A very nasty strategy.
But in reality, pulling it off effectively wasn't so simple.
It all came down to the hazards.
In the games, moves were restricted—each Pokémon only had four slots. That meant very few trainers actually carried Defog, Rapid Spin, or similar hazard-clearing moves.
Unless it was during a meta where "stall" was everywhere.
But the real world was different. Here, there were no limits to the number of moves a Pokémon could learn—if it could be taught, it could be used.
So unless you caught your opponent completely off guard, using hazards to dominate a full battle was unrealistic.
Still, if you could make them matter even for a short while in a six-on-six, that was already a success.
"Going to use Roar?"
Steven's brows furrowed as he quickly ran through his options.
Skarmory could inherit Whirlwind and learn Roar via TM—forcing a switch wasn't the problem.
The real question was, which legendaries did Dylan bring?
If they were anything like the myths, dragging out a "big daddy" could be a disaster.
Steven had heard of a trainer who got "lucky" once—Roar pulled out both Reshiram and Kyurem in the same match…
The very thought of that made his scalp go numb.
"…Forget it. Too risky."
His train of thought halted. Mature and steady as always, Steven wasn't the type to gamble against the unknown.
Besides… he'd just drawn his own golden legendary not long ago. He still didn't know if that made him fortunate or cursed.
"Come back, Skarmory."
Steven recalled his armored bird. No point letting it keep trading with Galarian Zapdos—Taunt had already locked Skarmory into only attacking moves.
And in raw offense, Skarmory simply couldn't match Zapdos.
"Claydol!"
He tossed out his second Poké Ball.
White light flashed, and a dark-bodied creature with rings of eyes floated before him—his trusty Claydol.
Beep~ Claydol. Ground/Psychic type. Clay Doll Pokémon.
Ability: Levitate
Moves: Explosion, Power Split, Guard Split, Earth Power, Psychic, Imprison…
Claydol…
Dylan raised a brow. Truth be told, that Pokémon could be troublesome.
"Claydol, use Pow—"
"Taunt!"
Steven had barely begun his order—planning to call for Power Split.
It wouldn't have mattered how strong Zapdos's attack was—Power Split would have leveled it out, giving Claydol equal force.
And with its natural bulk, Claydol could have become nearly flawless both offensively and defensively.
But Dylan wasn't about to allow it.
At his command, Galarian Zapdos's eyes flashed with dark light as it let out a sharp, piercing screech.
Invisible waves rippled outward. Claydol's eyes burned red as it glared down, fury surging through its core.
Taunt had taken effect.
"Not bad, Dylan."
Steven sighed—his opponent's reflexes were too sharp. Dylan had probably seen through his plan the instant Claydol appeared.
It only proved Steven's strategy wasn't wrong… but that Taunt was a problem.
"Ice Beam!"
Steven decided to test the waters anyway.
Claydol's arms glowed as icy-blue energy condensed, launching twin freezing beams at Zapdos.
"Dodge," Dylan said calmly.
Zapdos leapt instantly. Ice was dangerous to a flier like it.
Its leg strength was incredible—even a light spring sent it soaring meters high.
But then—
Boom!
Zapdos clipped a Stealth Rock crystal, detonating it with a crack. The blast knocked it off-balance with a grunt.
"Claydol!" Steven barked.
Claydol instantly redirected its arms, firing another Ice Beam.
"Thunderous Kick!"
Zapdos screeched in fury. Proud and fierce, it would not tolerate being battered by hazards twice.
Electricity crackled across its body before it shot forward like a thunderbolt, slamming its glowing leg into Claydol.
The Ice Beam barely missed as Zapdos closed in with terrifying speed.
Bam!
The kick landed hard, sending Claydol tumbling through the air.
It steadied itself quickly—its defenses were solid.
Dylan smirked. "Impressive. That's Zapdos's signature strike—and you're still standing."
But with Taunt locking it out of status moves, Claydol's real threat was diminished.
"Dark Thrust!"
Zapdos's claws gleamed black as it spun forward, smashing into Claydol's head.
The impact drove it like a cannonball into the ground.
Boom!
Claydol crashed heavily, the dark-typed attack biting into its Psychic typing.
"Again!"
Zapdos screeched, body spinning like a fiery wheel before darting down once more.
Another Stealth Rock exploded mid-charge, knocking it off course.
"Tch. Lucky break," Wallace remarked, watching from the side with an amused smile.
"Not luck," Cynthia noted, "Dylan just isn't clearing the field. He could, but he hasn't. This is his way of easing up."
After all, this was a Gym match, not the World Championship.
Even so, Steven was clearly on the back foot.
"Zapdos, Dual Wingbeat!" Dylan ordered sharply.
Zapdos surged forward, wings gleaming as it slashed down at Claydol.
Claydol countered with another Ice Beam, but Zapdos twisted gracefully, blocking with one wing while hammering with the other.
Wham!
Claydol reeled under the blow—just the beginning of Zapdos's assault.
"Dark Thrust!"
Zapdos's claws tore forward again, slamming Claydol to the ground in a cloud of dust.
"U-turn!"
Zapdos darted through the haze, striking before recalling itself in a flash of white light, returning to Dylan's ball.
"Claydol is unable to battle. Zapdos wins!" Leaf declared.
Steven frowned but silently withdrew his partner.
"Come on, Steven," Dylan teased, tossing another Poké Ball with a grin. "Show me your real strength—or this won't end well for you."
Steven smiled faintly, though his eyes stayed sharp. "It's only just begun."
"Good. Then here's your next challenge… my second legendary."
With a flick of his wrist, Dylan released his next Pokémon.
"Articuno, to the field!"
A chilling cry split the air as a dark, spectral bird spread its crimson-black wings, flames of malice licking its form.
Steven's eyes narrowed. "…Galarian Articuno?"
Feathers black streaked with red, crimson beak and talons, tail and wings blazing with eerie fire—it radiated a sinister aura.
Beep~ Articuno (Galarian Form). Dark/Flying type. Malevolent Pokémon.
Ability: Berserk
Moves: Fiery Wrath, Brave Bird, Hurricane, Nasty Plot, Sucker Punch…
"Galarian Articuno. Dark and Flying. Steven, let's see how it compares to the 'ordinary' one."
Dylan chuckled, straightening his collar.
"I've never even seen an ordinary Articuno," Steven muttered dryly. "That's Kanto's legend, not Hoenn's."
"…Oh?" Dylan blinked, then smiled warmly. "Well, no matter. I've got the full trio right here. If you'd like the experience, I'll be happy to arrange it."
Steven fell silent.
Dylan, meanwhile, felt very pleased with his generosity.
(End of Chapter)