On the field.
Wisps of smoke drifted toward the clouds.
The unconscious Politoed lay on its back in the scorched grass, its bright green skin darkened by dust.
"Politoed is unable to battle! Aggron wins! The first half is over!"
The referee raised the red flag without hesitation.
The commentator shouted, "A surprise switch-in attack! Aggron ended the first half in a flash!"
The crowd roared.
Spectators leaned forward to look down at Aggron through the rain, cheering wildly for the fearsome steel behemoth.
Several Rotom Drones darted about, capturing the moment.
Baimu recalled Aggron, turned toward the stairs, and spoke to the two Poké Balls:
"Thanks for the effort."
Hesitation was deadly in battle. When an opponent switched Pokémon, you had to decide quickly whether to switch or attack. Otherwise, you couldn't blame them for seizing the chance to strike.
Of course, being at a disadvantage tested anyone's composure, especially against an opponent with such a commanding lead.
On the other side...
"..."
Leon's hands shook so badly he nearly dropped his Poké Ball.
So close.
He had been so close!
He clenched his teeth in bitter frustration. Only when he noticed a Rotom Drone pointed at his face did he dazedly recall Politoed and leave the stage.
Looking back, Leon believed he could have recalled Politoed if he had pulled out its Poké Ball in time.
Why had he hesitated?
Had he seen Aggron's weakness to Water-type attacks and thought he had an opening?
But that single second—or less than half a second—had cost him. By the time he realized something was wrong, Thunder was already falling from the clouds.
He couldn't help it.
Hydreigon had taken down two of his main Pokémon in a row, putting him under tremendous pressure.
He had never been pushed this far