Theo chose an open area and released Milotic and Tyrantrum as well.
Milotic did not have much interest in the sand bath. It disliked the feeling of dirt sticking to its body.
So Theo let it go play by the river instead, splashing in the water, while he greeted the fans who were gradually arriving.
Many fans gathered around with excited smiles. Some asked to take photos together, while others voluntarily offered to help dig sand pits.
With a smile, Theo entrusted Tyrantrum, Metang, and Larvesta to everyone, letting the fans play freely with them.
The fans immediately cheered and eagerly took the tools handed out by the staff, working together to dig sand pits for the three Pokémon.
Tyrantrum was the largest, so it required the deepest pit. Several young fans worked together to dig it, while others brought Lavaridge Town's specialty hot spring buns and fed them to the three Pokémon.
Tyrantrum was the greediest of the group. While munching happily on the buns, it clumsily used its claws to help dig, occasionally rubbing its head against the people nearby, causing bursts of laughter.
Soon, several sand pits of suitable sizes were completed.
Tyrantrum curiously leaned forward to look at the pit. After being gently nudged by a fan, it obediently lay down inside.
Everyone buried it in sand up to its belly, leaving only its head and tail exposed. It soon let out comfortable rumbling sounds.
Larvesta was the most active.
Before its pit was even fully dug, it eagerly wriggled its way into the loose sand on its own.
Only its round head remained visible, its small eyes curiously observing the surrounding fans, prompting everyone to take out their phones and snap photos.
Metang, like Milotic, was somewhat particular about cleanliness and did not want to enter the sand pit.
Instead, it floated above, watching the lively scene below. Occasionally, it used Confusion to lift a small pile of sand and sprinkle it onto Larvesta's head, causing the little one to let out dissatisfied grumbling noises, which in turn made everyone burst into laughter.
Theo stood to the side, watching the warm interactions between the fans and the Pokémon, a relaxed smile on his face.
Sunlight, sand, the flowing river, along with the lively chatter of people and the cheerful cries of Pokémon, formed a scene that was both bustling and pleasant.
Viewers in the livestream watched everything through their screens, their comments filled with envy and well wishes.
"The atmosphere there looks amazing. I'm so jealous!"
"Larvesta buried in the sand is so cute, it looks like a giant rice cake!"
"Tyrantrum is actually this well behaved? I thought it would be fierce based on its battles, but it turns out it's clingy and friendly!"
"There's only about an hour left before the Gym battle and the streamer is still this relaxed. That mindset is impressive!"
Theo did not join the sand bath himself.
There was still a Gym challenge coming up, and after a sand bath he would need to change clothes and wash up, which would be too troublesome.
He simply sat under a sunshade, occasionally chatting with fans or taking photos together with his Pokémon when requested.
Before he realized it, two hours had passed.
As it approached eleven thirty, Theo smiled and said to everyone, "It's about time to head to the Gym. If you want to watch the challenge live, you can come along."
The fans quickly packed up their things and followed Theo toward the Lavaridge Gym.
The group moved forward in a grand procession, attracting the attention of many local residents along the way.
Larvesta was still sitting on Metang's back, but now it had an extra accessory.
A pair of sunglasses gifted by a fan sat crookedly on its face, making it look both funny and adorable.
The Lavaridge Gym was located at the center of the town. It was a building filled with volcanic style elements.
The roof was designed to resemble a volcanic crater, and the walls were embedded with dark red stones. From a distance, it looked like a miniature volcano, radiating a steady yet fiery presence.
Theo entered the Gym, while the fans behind him were guided by staff members at the entrance toward the spectator stands surrounding the battlefield, where they took their seats.
At that moment, the Gym Leader of Lavaridge, Flannery, was in the middle of a battle with another challenger.
The fight had already reached an intense stage. The air itself seemed filled with scorching heat.
On the battlefield, facing Flannery was a young trainer dressed in a blue short sleeved shirt.
He looked slightly younger than Theo. Although his face still carried traces of youth, his eyes were filled with a stubborn determination to never give up.
The Pokémon he had sent out was the first evolution of one of the well known starter Pokémon of the Hoenn region.
Marshtomp.
This Marshtomp had a sturdy build. Its gray blue body was covered with fine, moist scales, and the gills on both sides of its cheeks opened and closed gently with its breathing.
Its strong limbs were firmly planted on the ground, exuding a sense of stable power.
[Pokémon: Marshtomp]
Type: Water / Ground
Category: Mud Fish Pokémon
Ability: Torrent (When its health is low, its Water type energy greatly increases, boosting the power of its Water moves.)
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Rock Throw, Protect, Supersonic, Water Pulse, Rock Slide, Mud Shot
The Pokémon sent out by Flannery, however, was not the Hoenn Fire type starter Torchic.
Instead, it was a small Pokémon resembling a weasel.
Its brownish yellow fur was sleek and glossy, and flames burned at the top of its head and the tip of its tail. When it moved, the flames swayed like flowing streams of light.
It was first evolution of the Fire type starter from the Johto region.
Quilava.
[Pokémon: Quilava]
Type: Fire
Category: Volcano Pokémon
Ability: Blaze (When its health is low, its flames become more intense, greatly increasing the power of its Fire moves.)
Moves: Tackle, Leer, Smokescreen, Ember, Quick Attack, Flame Wheel, Defense Curl, Fire Punch, Will O Wisp, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Overheat
The moment Theo saw Quilava, his gaze sharpened slightly. When he noticed its move list, he was even more surprised.
It had not yet evolved into Typhlosion, yet it had already mastered powerful Fire type moves like Fire Blast and Overheat. Its talent was truly remarkable.
Theo suddenly recalled information he had once read on a Pokémon forum.
Although Flannery's grandfather had been one of Hoenn's former Elite Four members, his ace Fire type Pokémon had not been the local starter Blaziken.
Instead, it had been Typhlosion from the Johto region.
That Typhlosion had once turned the tide of battle single handedly during an Elite Four challenge, leaving behind many legendary records.
Thinking about it this way, the exceptionally talented Quilava before him was most likely a descendant of that Typhlosion.
That made perfect sense.
Theo thought to himself.
In the anime from his previous life, Flannery only had two Slugma and a Torkoal. How could that be?
She was the granddaughter of a former Elite Four member. There was no way she would not have a proper Fire type starter Pokémon.
While Theo was lost in thought, the battle on the field had already reached its climax.
Marshtomp's condition was visibly deteriorating.
Its body was dim and scorched, with faint burn marks covering its surface. From time to time, wisps of bluish flames flickered across its body.
This was the appearance of being afflicted with a burn status.
Every movement Marshtomp made was accompanied by visible pain, and its actions had become noticeably slower.
(End of Chapter)