With a sudden leap, Feebas burst out of its inflatable tank, scattering a spray of sparkling water droplets into the air!
At once, a surge of pale-blue Water-type energy enveloped its body, cradling its small frame as though borne aloft by invisible currents. With graceful momentum, it glided in a smooth arc to the center of the battlefield.
Sunlight streamed down through the skylight of the gym, cascading across Feebas' body.
Its purple scales shimmered with a fragmented and luminous brilliance under the combined glow of sunlight and refracted water. As the light rippled across its skin, it carried an almost fantastical beauty.
In Feebas' round, glossy eyes burned an unyielding fighting spirit—its gaze locked firmly and unwaveringly on the opposing Graveler.
Its tiny body, barely half the height of a person, stood in stark contrast to Graveler's massive frame. Yet the Water-type energy swirling around Feebas glowed with a pure azure radiance, like a faint aura surrounding it. In terms of presence, it showed not the slightest hint of inferiority.
Up in the spectator seats, many audience members were seeing a Feebas for the first time. One after another, they leaned forward out of curiosity, their eyes glued to this unusually shaped Pokémon. Whispered discussions spread like ripples through the crowd.
Meanwhile, the livestream's comment section completely exploded, with new and old viewers' reactions forming a sharp contrast——
"Huh?? What is that? Looks kinda weird… Is it some new kind of Magikarp?"
"I thought that thing was just a pet Pokémon. Why is the streamer sending that out? A Pokémon that looks this weak? Graveler could crush it with one stomp!"
"Has the streamer lost it? Sending a weakling fish Pokémon against a Graveler?"
"Probably doesn't want to fight anymore. The Gym Leader already promised the badge anyway."
"Newbies, shut up already! You know nothing! Don't compare it to Magikarp—go watch the Feebas training videos the streamer posted before talking nonsense."
"No matter how strong it is, it's still just a fish."
"Mark my words—you'll eat those words soon. Watch closely. Feebas, show them your strength!"
Different opinions collided violently in the barrage of comments, the dense wall of text almost drowning out the entire screen.
Theo ignored all of it. He simply looked at Feebas in front of him and nodded, his eyes filled with nothing but trust.
[Pokémon: Feebas (Shiny)]
Type: Water
Category: Fish Pokémon
Ability: Swift Swim
Moves: Splash (Mastered), Tackle (Mastered), Flail (Proficient), Water Pulse (Mastered), Icy Wind (Mastered), Whirlpool (Mastered), Hypnosis (Beginner)
Across the field, Gym Leader Roxanne watched Feebas with visible interest, the hem of her dark-gray skirt swaying gently with her movement.
"A shiny Pokémon… that's rare. However…"
Her tone shifted, and she gave her order decisively:
"Graveler, test its strength. Use Smack Down first."
Graveler let out a low, rumbling growl that vibrated faintly through the rocky battlefield.
In the next moment, the scattered stones on the ground rose up as if pulled by an invisible force, gathering rapidly in front of Graveler.
Its two thick, muscular arms extended from behind its body. With precise motions, it grabbed several fist-sized rocks. Its stone muscles bulged, clearly storing immense power.
Whizz! Whizz!
Sharp bursts of air pierced the air as Graveler hurled the stones with tremendous force toward Feebas.
These stones were smaller than the earlier Rock Blast projectiles, but the explosive power packed into them was even stronger. They flew at blinding speed, nearly leaving afterimages as they shot straight for their target.
"Feebas, Whirlpool!"
Theo's command was crisp and direct.
Feebas flicked its tail sharply. A swirling white waterspout erupted upward right in front of it. The rotating water carried powerful suction, pulling every incoming rock into the vortex.
Inside, the stones spun at high speed, scraping and colliding until sparks flashed between them. Under the relentless grinding of the swirling water, the rocks were slowly reduced into fine gravel, which rose upward through the spiral.
The diameter of the whirlpool grew larger and larger, until its highest point nearly brushed the gym's domed ceiling. Sunlight shining from above scattered across the spinning water, creating a dazzling brilliance. The shimmering vortex contrasted sharply against the dark yellow rocky arena, like a vivid and flowing spectacle.
"Th-That… is that really Whirlpool?"
Someone in the audience gasped.
"Whirlpool isn't supposed to be this powerful!"
Roxanne's pupils tightened slightly.
"This level of control… That's no ordinary skill usage."
The new viewers in the livestream were stunned, while the longtime viewers pounced on the chance to flood the chat:
"See that? THAT is the true power of Feebas!"
"Who called it a trash fish earlier? Step forward and get slapped!"
"Holy—!! I didn't know the little fish was this strong!"
"Whirlpool?? Are you sure this isn't some upgraded move??"
"Where are the people who said Feebas was useless? Come apologize!"
Theo watched the sand swirling within the waterspout, and the corner of his lips lifted into a faint smile.
Even though Tyrunt had just lost, the little guy had put up a tremendous fight against a seasoned, battle-hardened Graveler. That already exceeded Theo's expectations.
After all, Tyrunt had been revived barely half a month ago—being able to master Dragon Dance and Ice Fang so quickly was already impressive.
But Feebas was different.
Feebas was Theo's very first Pokémon, the one that had carried all his hopes and companionship.
For nearly a year, its training had never ceased. From basic moves to mastery of Water-type energy, from simple attacks to complex combinations, countless drills had honed its skills to perfection. Every flow of energy was now instinctive, precise as breathing.
And then came the special training in Petalburg Woods.
To prepare for the Contest, Feebas had practiced tirelessly, refining the Whirlpool into a water-ice combination technique. It had mastered control over speed, duration, and stability, turning the move into a dazzling spectacle.
Across the battlefield, Roxanne quickly recognized Graveler's disadvantage in ranged combat. She adjusted her strategy without hesitation:
"Graveler, use Rollout! Move quickly across the field, close the distance, and finish with Heavy Slam!"
Clearly, trading ranged attacks wouldn't work. Only by pressuring Feebas at close range could Graveler make full use of its immense physical power.
The moment Graveler received the command, its huge body curled up into a compact, round boulder.
Its rocky shell scraped harshly against the uneven ground—
Crunch… crunch…
Sparks flew. Pebbles scattered in all directions. The violent motion made for an intimidating sight.
Like an out-of-control heavy stone sphere, Graveler bounced and jounced across the rugged battleground. Its speed wasn't extremely fast, but the sheer momentum packed in each rotation made the ground tremble slightly. It charged straight toward Feebas.
"Feebas, Water Pulse!"
Theo's voice was calm and steady, showing no trace of panic.
Feebas responded instantly. With a gentle flick of its tail fin, Water-type energy surged around it, coalescing into a transparent, crystalline ring of water in front of its body.
With a sharp swish, it whipped its tail, launching the water ring toward the approaching Graveler.
At this moment, Graveler's Rollout had only just begun—its speed had not yet reached peak acceleration.
BOOM!
The water ring struck Graveler squarely.
The azure water energy clung to Graveler like a stubborn parasite, seeping instantly into its rocky exterior, rippling through its entire body.
Graveler's rolling momentum faltered. Its massive form shuddered violently, and a low, pained grunt escaped its throat.
Compared to its ironclad physical defense, its special defense was far weaker.
Not to mention that Water-type moves dealt four-times super-effective damage to Graveler's Rock/Ground typing. That single hit had inflicted significant pain.
Yet Roxanne did not show a shred of panic. Her gaze remained sharp and decisive as she ordered:
"Graveler! Don't stop! Keep rolling—push through it!"
And then—
A shocking scene unfolded.
Despite taking a direct Water Pulse, Graveler did not have its Rollout interrupted. Instead, it forced itself through the hit, its body trembling from the damage but continuing to accelerate once more!
For most Pokémon, if Rollout was struck by an attack, the move would be interrupted instantly.
But this Graveler—
It powered through the pain and continued rolling.
A truly battle-hardened veteran.
(End of Chapter)