The viewers in the livestream were watching with great enthusiasm as well:
"Even though they're all basic moves, every Pokémon has its own unique flair!"
"That Magnemite is so clever—those metal rings were controlled so precisely!"
"When Pichu lit the fire, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. I was afraid it would burn itself, but it stayed totally steady—way too cute, hahaha!"
"When is the streamer going on stage? I can't wait to see Feebas's performance! I have no idea what it'll do this time, I'm so excited!"
Just then, Vivian's voice rang out again, deliberately raised with excitement: "Next up, contestant number 38—Laura! And her partner, Blitzle!"
The backstage area instantly grew much quieter. Even the contestants who had been whispering among themselves subconsciously stopped talking, their gazes snapping toward the stage in unison.
Theo also gathered his focus, his eyes fixed on Laura. She was currently the opponent he was paying the closest attention to.
Laura stepped onto the stage with calm, unhurried strides. Her bright yellow short skirt stood out vividly under the lights, accentuating her wheat-colored skin and making it look even healthier. She didn't bother with any extra opening remarks—she simply tossed her Poké Ball lightly toward the center of the field and said in a clear, confident voice, "Blitzle, let everyone see our Thunder Dance!"
[Pokémon: Blitzle]
Type: Electric
Category: Electrified Pokémon
Ability: Motor Drive (Draws in Electric-type moves, takes no damage, and instead boosts its Speed)
Moves: Quick Attack, Charge, Shock Wave, Thunder Wave, Flame Charge, Stomp, Spark, Discharge, Wild Charge…
The white light faded, and Blitzle landed gracefully on its hooves.
It shook its black-and-white mane, and the electric sparks coursing through its stripes were noticeably brighter than when Theo had seen it backstage earlier, as if countless tiny bolts of lightning were flowing through its hair. Its long limbs stood tall and straight, its neck slightly raised—like a dancer poised to begin a performance, radiating professionalism from every angle.
"Let's begin—Stomp, combined with Electric attacks!"
Laura gently raised her arm, striking a dancer's opening pose.
Blitzle immediately understood. It began trotting lightly around the stage, its hooves striking the ground with crisp tap-tap sounds, each step perfectly rhythmic, as though setting the tempo for what was to come.
Then, in a sudden burst, it accelerated. Its four hooves flew like blurs, and with every stomp, small clusters of electric sparks burst forth—crackle, pop—interweaving with the hoofbeats to form a unique rhythm.
As the tempo quickened, the sparks grew denser, gradually linking together into a blue web of light that enveloped Blitzle entirely, like a luminous veil draped over its body.
"Now—jump! Wild Charge!"
Laura's voice rose sharply, her arm lifting high.
Blitzle leapt powerfully into the air, its body spinning into a black-and-white top. The blue electric web was drawn inward by the centrifugal force, collapsing and being absorbed into its body. As the electricity merged within, its rotation sped up even further, golden arcs of lightning beginning to flash around it.
It was as though it had transformed into a bolt of golden thunder, darting and circling nimbly around Laura.
With a clear, ringing neigh, Blitzle condensed all the electricity into the tips of its hooves. It landed lightly in front of Laura and nudged her gently with its head, lifting her smoothly onto its back.
Then Blitzle carried Laura across the stage in bounding leaps. Streams of golden electricity trailed behind them like flowing silk, the rhythmic tap-tap of hooves harmonizing perfectly with the electric hum.
Standing atop Blitzle, Laura spread her arms wide, her smile confident and radiant. The coordination between trainer and Pokémon was so seamless that it seemed as though they were one.
"WOOO—!"
The audience erupted instantly. Thunderous applause and cheers nearly drowned out the entire stadium, the very air trembling with excitement.
At the judges' table, Mr. Contesta rarely showed such overt approval as he wrote down a high score. "The control of electricity is extremely precise. The progression from dispersion to concentration is very clear, perfectly blending Blitzle's speed and power. It's highly entertaining—especially the interaction between trainer and Pokémon. Very moving."
Chairman Sukizo stroked his chin and laughed. "I love this. 'Thunder Dance' truly lives up to its name—powerful yet rhythmic, a rare and outstanding performance."
Nurse Joy nodded in agreement, admiration shining in her eyes. "Blitzle is in excellent condition—its electricity is abundant yet perfectly controlled, and its coordination with Laura is exceptional. This is exactly the standard a Contest performance should have!"
All three judges gave a score of 9.9.
Without question, Laura claimed the highest score so far.
Backstage, the expressions of the other contestants grew heavy. This was undeniably a rival who would be extremely difficult to surpass—whether in Pokémon strength, move control, or performance creativity, it was nearly flawless.
As Laura walked offstage with Blitzle, she deliberately slowed when passing Theo, stopping beside him with a confident smile and a hint of provocation in her tone. "When it's your turn, don't disappoint me."
Theo met her gaze calmly, his eyes steady and resolute. "Don't worry. I won't."
The Poké Ball in his hand trembled slightly—Feebas was responding.
Time ticked by as performance after performance continued. Judgments of pass and fail alternated, the atmosphere shifting between tension and relief. Some contestants faltered due to nerves and left the stage regretfully, while others won the judges' favor with clever, unconventional ideas.
Finally, after another performance ended, Vivian cleared her throat and announced the number Theo had been waiting for all along. "Next up—contestant number 127, Theo! And his Pokémon, Feebas!"
Spotlights instantly converged on the backstage entrance, two beams outlining Theo's figure with clarity.
Theo took a deep breath.
Standing at the edge of the stage, he gently rubbed the Poké Ball between his fingers, feeling the eager pulse of the little Pokémon inside. Then he raised his hand and tossed the ball forward.
A flash of white light—Feebas leapt out gracefully, a mass of transparent water vapor instantly gathering around it. The mist seemed alive, steadily lifting Feebas into midair as it hovered above the stage, its purple scales shimmering with a faint glow under the lights.
Feebas wiggled its body toward Theo, its round eyes shining with excitement, as if saying, I'm ready.
[Pokémon: Feebas (Shiny)]
Type: Water
Category: Fish Pokémon
Ability: Swift Swim
Moves: …Water Pulse (Mastered), Icy Wind (Mastered), Rain Dance (Mastered), Surf (Proficient), Ice Beam (Proficient), Whirlpool (Mastered), Haze (Beginner)
This Feebas was no longer the slightly awkward little Pokémon that had first stepped onto the Contest stage long ago.
In the dry desert, it had trained alongside Tyrunt, honing its moves under scorching sun and whipping sand, tempering its control over water. Countless mornings and nights had been spent rewatching Wallace's Milotic performances, silently studying the rhythm and flow of water.
With perfected mastery of Water Pulse and Icy Wind as its foundation, it had independently learned Surf and Ice Beam, elevating its control over Water- and Ice-type moves to an entirely new level.
"Feebas, the stage is yours."
Theo's voice carried a smile—and a long-suppressed anticipation. "We've waited a long time for this day. Look at all those people watching—show them your elegance."
Feebas understood. It swished its tail energetically within the mist, responding with determination. Its eyes swept over the sea of spectators below, and instead of shrinking back, they gleamed with excitement. It was as if it had rehearsed this moment countless times in its heart, waiting only for now to shine.
Vivian's voice chimed in at just the right moment, filled with surprise and anticipation as it echoed across the stadium. "I'm sure many of you recognize contestant Theo! Back in Rustboro City, he stunned the audience with Feebas's breathtaking Frozen Whirlpool —a magnificent fusion of water, ice, and aurora that people still talk about today! What kind of performance will we see this time? I'm already excited!"
Theo raised his hand, making a lifting gesture.
Feebas responded immediately. Whirlpool surged forth, the water vapor around it roiling violently as streams of water burst from the stage floor, spinning and rising in an instant into a massive water tornado.
Unlike the one in Rustboro City, this water tornado wasn't wild or violent. Instead, it carried a graceful, unfolding rhythm. The spiraling water was crystal clear, refracting tiny shards of light under the sun, breathtakingly beautiful.
Even more astonishing, as the vortex stabilized, two massive pillars of water suddenly surged up on either side. Like agile water dragons, they climbed and curved upward, eventually joining at the top of the tornado to form a magnificent arched gate.
Then, before everyone's eyes, the flowing water of the arch began to freeze—it was Ice Beam!
Fine ice crystals spread along the water, from base to peak, and within seconds, the entire arch turned icy blue, gleaming brilliantly under the lights. Streams of water continued to flow across its surface, lending the solid ice an illusion of life and motion.
Beneath the arch, the water tornado flowed steadily. Amid swirling mist, the frozen gate sparkled under the sunlight, ethereal and sacred.
The audience rose from their seats, leaning forward in awe. "Look! What is that?"
"A mirage? How is this even possible—this is unbelievable!"
"It's so beautiful… like a dream…"
Feebas flicked its tail and spiraled upward along the vortex. Rings of fine water formed around its body, wrapping its purple form in layers of shimmering halos that trembled gently with every movement.
At the same time, a faint, mysterious light seeped from within its body—not fully unleashed, but forming a soft, golden-edged glow. It was a quiet prelude to what was about to come.
Feebas didn't rush. It ascended slowly along the water's flow, its gaze fixed on the "Dragon Gate" formed of water and ice above. Its perfect control over Water Pulse and Whirlpool was on full display—it wasn't fighting the current, but becoming one with it, part of the tornado itself.
The outline of the Dragon Gate grew clearer and clearer. Feebas's ascent felt like a solemn ritual, every movement infused with focus and resolve. Even the noise of the crowd seemed to fade, leaving only the gentle sound of flowing water.
"Now!"
Theo's voice rang out, charged with long-held emotion. "Leap the Dragon Gate—evolve, Feebas!"
Feebas had been waiting for those words.
It surged upward in a sudden burst, riding the force of the vortex. Its purple form traced a graceful arc through the blue water, like a living ribbon. Just before reaching the icy arch, it snapped its tail hard, launching its body into the air toward the symbol of transformation.
The instant Feebas passed through the ice gate, a blinding white evolutionary light erupted from its body.
At the same time, Feebas unleashed a bright dazzling Confuse Ray.
Evolutionary light and rainbow-hued radiance fused perfectly, exploding into a luminous flower above the stage. The brilliance was so intense that many people could barely keep their eyes open.
As the light refracted through the lingering mist, countless rainbows appeared, draping the entire stadium in a dreamlike glow.
Vivian's voice trembled with disbelief, nearly shouting, "Th-this is—evolution?! Feebas is evolving right in the middle of the competition?! This is unbelievable—absolutely unbelievable!"
The livestream chat exploded instantly, messages scrolling so fast they blurred into white streaks—only the overwhelming shock and excitement were discernible:
"Holy crap! Feebas can evolve?! Am I dreaming?! I pinched myself—it hurts! It's real!"
"What is it evolving into? Gyarados? Doesn't look like it! The light is too bright—I can't see anything!"
"You absolute madman, streamer! Pulling this out in a Contest—this is insane!"
"I knew Feebas wasn't ordinary! Ever since Rustboro City, I could tell—this is unreal!"
The live audience went berserk. Cheers surged like a tidal wave, threatening to lift the open-air stadium itself. Everyone stood, craning their necks toward the radiant light, afraid to blink and miss the birth of a miracle.
At the judges' table, Mr. Contesta, Chairman Sukizo, and Nurse Joy all stood up at once, their faces filled with shock and anticipation. Even the famously composed Contesta couldn't help widening his eyes.
"Is it really… going to succeed?" Nurse Joy covered her mouth, eyes sparkling.
Chairman Sukizo shook his head in amazement, then nodded. "Last time, the Nurse Joy in Rustboro City called Theo 'a little Wallace.' Now it seems she was absolutely right. After Wallace, Juan, and Robert, Hoenn has finally seen another Milotic raised. Wallace even took the time to personally advise him back then—I had a feeling. I just didn't expect it to happen this soon. These new trainers are truly incredible."
Mr. Contesta rubbed his temples. "No wonder Wallace and Juan pushed so hard at the League Conference to officially announce the evolutionary relationship between Feebas and Milotic, promoting Feebas breeding programs, and even invited Professor Oak to collaborate with Professor Birch to update and unify the Pokédex across Hoenn, Kanto, Johto, and Sinnoh. So that's why…"
The three exchanged looks, understanding and anticipation gleaming in their eyes.
At center stage, the light slowly faded.
Feebas's once-purple form elongated and refined, like a carefully carved piece of jade finally revealing its brilliance. The purple scales vanished, replaced by silky, creamy-white skin that glowed with a pearl-like sheen.
Two long fins unfurled from its head, edged with pale blue like delicate ribbons. Four tail fins trailed behind it, their tips adorned with golden specks that shimmered under the lights, exuding noble elegance.
When the glow fully dispersed, a graceful, gentle Pokémon hovered at the top of the water tornado.
It was—a shiny Milotic.
With a gentle flick of its tail, the icy arch melted instantly, transforming into countless sparkling droplets that rained down like a meteor shower, breathtakingly beautiful.
Milotic glided elegantly to Theo's side. The water rings around its body transformed into light, flowing ribbons, glowing in seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and violet—like a living rainbow swirling around Theo.
Then it lifted Theo as well, using water vapor to gently raise him into the air.
Trainer and Pokémon drifted together across the stage—Milotic leading, Theo following—moving through rainbow streams and lingering mist like a living painting.
The cheers erupted again, louder than ever before, echoing endlessly.
The livestream chat completely exploded:
"Am I dreaming?! Is this real?!"
"Feebas evolves into Milotic?! I'm not seeing things, right?!"
"Oh my god—I always thought Wallace's Milotic was some unique form. I never imagined it came from Feebas!"
"Magikarp to Gyarados, Feebas to Milotic—what is with fish Pokémon evolving into absolute monsters?!"
"This performance—I declare it art. Pure art. I'm speechless."
Everyone was utterly stunned by the dreamlike scene above—the creamy-white figure and the calm young trainer—one thought echoing in every heart.
This was, without question, the most unforgettable performance of the entire Contest.
Theo looked down at Milotic beside him. It gazed back with gentle eyes filled with affection and joy, its pearlescent body glowing softly. Unable to resist, Theo reached out and lightly stroked its smooth skin, a brilliant smile spreading across his face.
Feebas—no, Milotic.
This long-awaited transformation had finally bloomed, on the brightest stage of all, shining with the most dazzling light.
(End of Chapter)