Dynamaxing was a unique battle feature exclusive to the Galar region. It enlarged Pokémon to dozens or even hundreds of times their normal size, and transformed their moves into over-the-top, dazzling spectacles.
However, it came with heavy restrictions. Pokémon could only Dynamax in specific locations, and battles under this system lacked flexibility. Due to the immense concentration of energy, different moves of the same type would lose their individual distinctions and morph into a single, standardized attack.
Still, it was visually impressive, making it a fan-favorite for spectators despite its limited strategic depth.
That wasn't to say Dynamaxing was weak just that it wasn't as versatile as Mega Evolution or Z-Moves. Perhaps that's why it never caught on outside of Galar.
Marie had always regarded Dynamax battles with indifference.
Today was no exception.
Whoosh
The Poké Ball, normally small enough to fit in a hand, suddenly ballooned to many times its size. Cradling Ralts in one arm, Marie used her other hand to hurl the oversized ball with all her might.
It burst open mid-air, and Yi-chan's form began to grow rapidly in the sky.
BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-
Both Pokémon's colossal transformations sent tremors rippling through the entire den. As they landed, an enormous cloud of dust erupted, momentarily blotting out everything. Marie steadied herself while calmly watching her opponent. Yuri, on the other hand, instinctively huddled around her Pokémon, curling up in a tight ball.
At that moment, the Dynamax Bands on their wrists activated, emitting a barrier of light that shielded them from the aftershocks of the clash.
"Eh…? It can do that?"
Yuri cautiously opened her eyes, wide with surprise as she stared at the glowing band on her wrist. This was the first time she'd realized it had such a feature.
If Marie had heard her, she'd probably think this girl was hopeless. Honestly, how did Yuri expect Trainers to stand safely in the middle of a Dynamax battle without some form of protection? Was she clueless?
Truth be told, at this stage of the battle, Marie's commands didn't hold much weight anymore.
Yi-chan had already taken two powerful hits. Her condition wasn't much better than Duraludon's. If she took another Dragon- or Bug-type move, she'd be out. But the same could be said for her opponent Duraludon wouldn't withstand another Dark-type attack.
The decision to Dynamax came from both sides. Duraludon's high Dynamax level made its Trainer want to take one final gamble maybe a head-on clash could end in a tie. On Marie's end, she had promised Yuri she'd show her what a Dynamax battle looked like, so she had no objections.
Most importantly… both Pokémon on the field knew they didn't have the stamina left for a drawn-out fight. So they decided to go all in for one last, explosive clash.
If this had been an official tournament match, Marie would never have "wasted" her Dynamax opportunity like this. But this was just a friendly sparring match why not have fun with it?
"Yi-chan, Max Darkness!"
"Eee-!!!"
"ROAR-!!!"
Both Dynamaxed Pokémon roared back in response, their cries thunderous and ear-splitting. While Dynamaxing was technically a kind of energy projection, that didn't stop the sound from being loud enough to rattle the bones.
A surge of crimson and emerald energy radiated from the two giants. In the blink of an eye, enormous black tendrils and a swirling cloud of glowing green butterflies erupted from the Pokémon, crashing into one another mid-air.
Max Darkness met Max Flutterby head-on, the two attacks weaving past each other and slamming into their respective targets.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A series of earth-shaking explosions echoed through the cave. Violet-black and green energy surged violently, engulfing everything in sight and further obscuring the already poor visibility.
A brief moment of silence followed.
Then almost simultaneously another wave of explosions erupted on both sides, followed by massive flares of light and heat.
BOOM-BOOM-!
The Dynamax forms unraveled all at once, and the unstable remnants of Dynamax energy scattered in a chaotic shockwave.
The resulting wind pressure almost knocked Marie off her feet. Yuri, caught off-guard on the sidelines, lost her grip on her Applin. The little Pokémon tumbled away, rolling helplessly in the wind.
Once the flames and smoke began to settle, Marie recalled Yi-chan and ran toward where Duraludon had collapsed.
"Ralts, I need you to help me pinpoint that dragon's location."
"Ralts! (Okay! Also Is Sis Yi alright?)"
"Don't worry. I brought the best medicine. They'll both be fine."
"Ralts! (Mm-hmm!)"
Relieved, Ralts quickly located Duraludon's position amid the smoke and rubble.
Marie reached them and released Yi-chan again. She pulled out a bottle of high-grade potion from her pocket the kind she'd prepared well before the battle and began tending to both Pokémon.
These premium potions from the Poké Mart were a blend of life energy and healing techniques, and came in liquid form. Simple to use: apply externally and feed internally. They worked fast.
By the time Yuri came dashing back, out of breath and holding a dizzy Applin she'd just rescued, both Pokémon were already back on their feet.
"Marie-chan! Marie-chan! Hah… hah… cough cough…"
Her twin Dreepy had made themselves comfortable, lying flat across her shoulders. Still panting, Yuri crouched down beside Marie and caught her breath then suddenly sprang up, hugging Marie's arm with eyes full of excitement.
"That was amazing!! Marie-chan, you were so cool! It's my first time seeing a battle like that live it was incredible!"
"H-hey, calm down a little…"
Marie chuckled awkwardly, freeing one arm to dig through her bag. She pulled out some Sitrus and Pecha Berries. The battle had ended too abruptly for them to recover naturally, so berries would have to do the trick.
She handed them out four berries, four mouths and finally exhaled in relief, letting Ralts run over to pester Yi-chan again.
"Alright, let's head out."
Marie glanced around the now-ruined den. The residual energy from their Dynamax battle hadn't completely dissipated, and the lingering energy in the den had thinned significantly. It was no longer a good place to rest.
So, with their motley crew of Pokémon, the group made their way out of the den.
"Raaaargh… (I lost this time.)"
"Hm?"
Marie looked up at Duraludon with a faint smile and shook her head.
"You let us have the first move, and we still only managed a draw. That just means Yi-chan and I still have room to grow."
"Raargh! (No, I lost the moment I tried to settle the match against a one-year-old Eevee with Dynamax.)"
Duraludon's tone was calm surprisingly sportsmanlike. He lowered his head so his eyes were level with Marie's, then continued:
"Raargh~ (Marie-chan, you have something special. The fact that a one-year-old Umbreon held its own against me proves it you're extraordinary.)"
"…Is that so? Thanks."
Marie smiled and reached out to pat his solid, armored head. The two Dreepy perched there squealed in delight, joining in.
"Let's have dinner together. I'll cook up a big pot of mushroom stew how's that sound?"
"Me! Me! I want some!!"
Before the Pokémon could even respond, Yuri shot her hand into the air like a rocket, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm at the mention of food.
____________________
NEXT CHAPTER : The Mysterious Phantom Pokémon
(Around a quiet campfire, Marie and Yuri shared stories some heartwarming, some haunting. As bonds deepened and secrets came to light, Marie revealed her childhood encounter with a caring Drakloak, while Yuri spoke of a chilling run-in with a mysterious, ghost-like wolf Pokémon deep within Glimwood Tangle. Neither knew what it truly was, but one thing was certain: something powerful and unknown was watching from the mist...)
Want to see what happens next? Drop a comment or review to unlock the next chapter!