The sky had only just begun to brighten, a faint pale glow creeping along the skyline of Sootopolis City, when Theo was jolted awake by the lively commotion coming from outside the window.
The sounds were a mixture of oars slicing through water, cheerful laughter, and the crisp tinkling of wind chimes. Together they formed a morning melody filled with the warmth of daily life, continuously flowing into his ears.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Theo walked over and pulled back the curtains.
The scene before him instantly drove away all traces of drowsiness.
In the distance, the lakeside was already crowded with boats being launched into the water. These boats came in all shapes and sizes, though most were painted in shades of sky blue. The most eye catching detail was the wooden carvings adorning their prows.
Some were carved into graceful Golduck, others into simple and honest Whiscash, and some into imposing Swampert. Every carving was exquisitely detailed, vividly lifelike, and full of local cultural charm.
The people rowing the boats were dressed in bright festive attire. The men mostly wore short jackets embroidered with wave patterns, while the women wore flowing long skirts with shimmering wave designs stitched along the hems.
Their faces were filled with simple and radiant smiles as they greeted each other across the water. The entire lake was bursting with life and excitement.
Theo turned back to look at Larvesta, Ice Vulpix, Fire Vulpix, and Deino, who were still lazily lying in bed. He walked over and gently tapped their heads, urging them to wake up.
"Time to get up, Larvesta. Hurry, didn't you say you wanted to dress up? If you keep sleeping, you'll run out of time. Come on, wake up."
The moment Larvesta heard the words "dress up," it instantly sprang awake. It dashed over to the cabinet and began rummaging through the accessories it had prepared the day before.
These were items it had specially bought in Sootopolis City just for today.
With practiced movements, it adorned itself with the accessories, then enthusiastically helped the still drowsy little Vulpix pair get dressed as well, tying soft ribbons around their necks into delicate bows.
Seeing Larvesta so full of energy, Theo smiled and turned on his livestream equipment. Such a grand festival naturally had to be shared with the audience.
"Today, I'll leave the hosting to you, Larvesta. Show everyone a good look at this festival."
"Lar!" Larvesta responded confidently, indicating there was no problem at all. It also called over the two Vulpix and Deino, telling them to get ready to greet the viewers later.
Very quickly, the livestream filled with viewers, and the chat began scrolling rapidly.
"Wow, the streamer is up so early today!"
"Larvesta is hosting? So cute haha. The camera is shaking a bit but I love it!"
After finishing their preparations and breakfast, Theo and his Pokémon stepped out of the hotel. The streets were already packed with people.
Many locals dressed in traditional festive clothing carried offerings as they headed toward the lake. Children followed behind, holding blue lanterns and humming ancient songs. The lyrics praised the gifts of the sea and Kyogre's blessings.
There were also countless tourists holding cameras and phones, constantly capturing the rare spectacle, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement.
Following the flow of the crowd, the lakeside scene became clearer.
Near the shore, a massive wooden platform had already been constructed. Its edges were carved with intricate water patterns, perfectly blending with the surrounding scenery.
Standing at the center of the platform were the two Leaders of Sootopolis, Wallace and Juan.
Juan wore a deep blue robe with a silver belt tied at his waist, holding a staff, his expression solemn.
Wallace had also changed into formal attire today.
He wore a sky blue short jacket paired with matching trousers, with delicate white wave patterns embroidered along the collar and sleeves. He looked energetic and refined, shedding his usual flamboyant elegance for a more dignified and handsome appearance.
Theo could not help but praise inwardly. This outfit looked far better than Wallace's usual, somewhat feminine contest costumes.
Around the platform, many Gym apprentices had released their Pokémon, standing guard as if protecting the sacred ceremony.
As Theo's gaze swept across them, aside from the Milotic belonging to Juan and Wallace, he also spotted their other main Pokémon.
One of them was massive, with dark blue skin and two sharp tusks protruding from its mouth. It was one of Juan's ace Pokémon, Walrein.
[Pokémon: Walrein]
Type: Ice / Water
Category: Ice Break Pokémon
Ability: Ice Body (Gradually restores health in hail)
Moves: Ice Fang, Brine, Aurora Beam, Surf, Hail, Blizzard, Sheer Cold, Rain Dance, Dive, Fissure…
Theo was secretly amazed. Juan's main Pokémon truly lived up to its reputation. Not only did it knows numerous powerful Ice and Water type moves, it even knew ultimate moves like Sheer Cold and Fissure.
From what Theo understood, in this real world these moves did not instantly defeat opponents like in games, but their power was still far beyond ordinary moves. Although they required long charging time and were not suitable for competitive battles, in wild combat with proper support they could unleash terrifying destructive force.
Besides Walrein, in the water before the platform floated a gigantic Pokémon that resembled a small island. It was Wallace's Wailord.
[Pokémon: Wailord]
Type: Water
Category: Float Whale Pokémon
Ability: Water Veil (Surrounded by water to reduce fire damage and prevent burns)
Moves: Brine, Water Pulse, Surf, Dive, Rain Dance, Rest, Whirlpool, Hydro Pump, Water Spout, and more
On Wailord's back were piled numerous materials rich in water type energy, including Water Stones, water gems, and various blue plants that Theo could not name. Clearly, these were offerings prepared for the festival.
Wailord occasionally swayed its massive tail, creating ripples across the surface, yet the offerings on its back remained completely undisturbed, showcasing its remarkable stability.
The crowd continued to push forward, but Theo had no intention of squeezing in. Instead, he chose a slightly distant yet elevated spot by the lake and released all his Pokémon.
"Tyrantrum's, I'll leave it to you," Theo said, patting Tyrantrum's hind leg.
Tyrantrum nodded and lowered its body, allowing Theo and the others to climb onto its back.
Seated atop Tyrantrum's broad back, their field of vision instantly expanded. Although they were some distance from the ceremonial platform, Tyrantrum's height advantage allowed Theo to see even more clearly than many people closer to the front.
Larvesta excitedly controlled the camera, broadcasting the lively scene of the platform and the festive atmosphere to the viewers.
"Wow! It's Gym Leader Juan and Champion Wallace!"
"Wallace looks so handsome today! I'm officially a fan now!"
(End of Chapter)