With a sudden leap, Feebas burst from the Inflatable Fish Tank, sending a spray of crystal droplets into the air!
Pale-blue water energy instantly rippled around its body, cradling the little Pokémon like an invisible cushion and gliding it in a smooth arc to the center of the battlefield.
Sunlight poured through the Gym's skylight and spilled across Feebas.
Its purple scales shimmered with countless flecks of light where water met sun, giving the fish an almost fantastical glow.
Round eyes blazed with unyielding fighting spirit as Feebas locked its gaze on the opposing Graveler.
Barely half a human's height, the tiny Pokémon stood in stark contrast to Graveler's massive bulk; yet the clear blue aura of water energy wrapped around it like a halo, letting it hold its ground in aura alone.
In the spectator stands, many had never seen a Feebas before; they leaned forward, riveted by the peculiar Pokémon, murmurs of curiosity rippling through the crowd.
Meanwhile, the livestream's chat exploded, veteran and rookie viewers clashing in stark opposition—
"What is that? Looks kinda weird—some new kind of Magikarp?"
"I thought that was just a pet Pokémon. Why send something so weak? Graveler could stomp it into dried fish with one foot!"
"Has the streamer lost it? Sending a trash-tier fish against Graveler?"
"Probably given up; the Gym Leader already promised the Rock Badge anyway."
"Newbies, shut it! Don't compare it to Magikarp—go watch the training vids the streamer posted earlier."
"No matter how strong, it's still just a fish."
"Remember those words—don't come crying later. Go, Feebas! Show 'em what you've got!"
…"
Opposing opinions collided, a dense flood of text nearly burying the screen.
Lionel ignored it all, simply nodding at Feebas, trust shining in his eyes.
[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 (Proficient), Hypnosis (Beginner)]
Across the field, Roxanne studied Feebas with interest, her charcoal-gray skirt swaying as she shifted her weight.
"A shiny Pokémon—rare indeed. However…" Her tone sharpened, "Graveler, test it with Smack Down."
Graveler let out a low, rumbling roar that trembled the rocky floor.
An instant later, tiny stones scattered across the arena lifted as if pulled by invisible strings, converging in front of it.
Its two long, powerful arms shot out, snatching fist-sized rocks; the muscles of its stone arms bulged, clearly charged with force.
"Swoosh—swoosh—"
Sharp whistles cut the air as Graveler hurled the rocks straight at Feebas.
Though smaller than the earlier boulders, these stones packed greater explosive power, streaking forward so fast they left after-images, bearing down with lethal momentum.
"Feebas, Whirlpool!" Lionel's order was crisp.
With a flick of its tail, Feebas summoned a white waterspout that rose before it; the spinning current sucked every flying rock into its vortex.
The stones whirled at high speed, striking one another in flashes of sparks until they were ground into fine sand, slowly rising within the spiral.
The waterspout widened until its crest brushed the Gym's dome; refracted sunlight danced through the crystal-clear column, a stark, flowing spectacle against the yellow-brown rock.
"T-that's Whirlpool?" someone in the stands gasped. "Whirlpool isn't supposed to be this strong!"
Roxanne's pupils contracted. "Such skill control… not simple."
New viewers froze in shock; veteran fans instantly flooded the chat:
"See that? That's Feebas's true power!"
"Who called it trash-tier? Step up and take your slap!"
"Holy—this little fish is that strong?"
"Whirlpool? Is that skill level even legal?"
Everyone who mocked Feebas, come apologize!"
…"
Watching the sand swirl inside the waterspout, Lionel smiled.
Tyrunt had fallen, but managing to trade blow for blow with the veteran Graveler had already exceeded his expectations—
after all, the little guy had only revived half a month ago; mastering Dragon Dance and Ice Fang was already impressive.
Feebas, though, was different: Lionel's starter, bearer of every hope and day spent together.
For nearly a year, training had never ceased—basic moves, water-energy control, complex combinations—until every flow of energy felt instinctive.
Not to mention the special training in Petalburg Woods!
To perfect the water-ice combo for the Pokémon Contest, Feebas had drilled Whirlpool until controlling current speed and duration was second nature.
On the other side of the field, Leader Roxanne saw the disadvantage of a ranged duel and switched tactics at once:
"Graveler, use Rollout—move fast around the field, close in, then hit with Stomping Tantrum when you see the chance!"
Clearly, long-range exchanges favored Feebas; only close-quarters pressure could exploit Graveler's strength.
At the command, Graveler's massive body instantly curled into a perfect boulder sphere.
Its rough grey hide scraped across the uneven rock floor—screech, screech—sparks and chips flying in its wake.
Like a runaway wrecking ball it thundered forward, each impact a minor quake, bearing down on Feebas.
"Feebas, Water Pulse."
Lionel's voice stayed calm, unhurried.
Feebas flicked its tailfin; pale-blue water energy condensed into a crystal-clear ring before it.
With a sharp swish, the ring shot forth and struck the rolling Graveler dead-on.
Graveler's Rollout had only just begun, its speed not yet peaked.
A dull thud echoed as the watery ring burst against its stone hide.
Blue water energy clung like corrosive mist, seeping through cracks and racing across its body.
Graveler's momentum faltered; the huge sphere wobbled, a pained grunt rumbling from its throat.
Its special defense had always been its weak point, and a Water-type move dealt four times the damage to a Rock/Ground Pokémon—this hit hurt.
Yet Roxanne showed no alarm, eyes still sharp as blades as she ordered:
"Graveler, don't stop! Keep rolling—power up!"
An astonishing scene followed—
Instead of interrupting Rollout, Graveler endured the Water Pulse; after a brief shudder, it actually accelerated again!
Any other Pokémon would have been forced to stop once struck, but this Graveler pressed on, gathering even greater speed.