"So that is how it works. I have some understanding of Gardevoir, but I know much less about Gallade. I always thought it was the same as Gardevoir."
Theo spoke about his curiosity toward Gallade as he looked at Grace.
"Compared to Gardevoir, Gallade is indeed a bit rarer," Grace said with a soft smile. "Actually, I can tell you that quite a few Gardevoir are evolved from male Kirlia. They look beautiful and elegant, but in fact, they are boys.
Pokémon evolution always hides many unexpected secrets. Just like your Milotic, which evolved from Feebas, that transformation is also something quite magical."
When Milotic was mentioned, both Theo and Grace turned their gazes toward the graceful figure swimming leisurely near the lakeshore.
Indeed, the transformation from Feebas to Milotic was a truly wondrous metamorphosis.
Milotic seemed to sense their attention. It turned its head and gently swayed its tail toward them, splashing a string of sparkling droplets into the air as if playfully responding.
Time passed quietly.
There were still two days left before the Fallarbor Town Contest began, and during this time, Theo and Grace spent nearly every day together.
They engaged in deep discussions about the coordination and combination of Pokémon moves. Sometimes they argued so passionately that their faces turned red, while at other times they applauded each other's ingenious ideas.
Grace enthusiastically shared a combination move she had specially designed for Medicham and Gallade, which she called the Ice Fire Psychic Blade Dance.
"Look, let Medicham first use Psychic to control the energy of Ice Punch and Fire Punch, and then have Gallade launch its attacks. Not only can this add ice and fire effects to Gallade's blade like arms, but the contrasting colors of ice and fire can also serve as a backdrop for Gallade's performance."
As she spoke, Grace had the two Pokémon demonstrate.
The icy blue and fiery red light intertwined around Medicham's fists, gradually merging with Gallade's swift and elegant movements. The result was so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
Theo also brought out Larvesta and Tyrantrum to demonstrate his own ideas.
Grace's eyes lit up as she watched, exclaiming repeatedly,
"My goodness, I did not expect their coordination to be so creative. Aside from Milotic, these two Pokémon of yours also hold so many surprises."
Encouraged by the praise, Larvesta excitedly circled around Tyrantrum, the flames on its antennae glowing even brighter.
Tyrantrum lifted its head proudly, occasionally casting somewhat smug glances toward Milotic and Metang.
Milotic and Metang could only exchange helpless looks, their eyes filled with silent complaints about Tyrantrum's childish behavior.
During this time, Medicham became interested after seeing that Metang could use Ice Punch and Thunder Punch.
It took the initiative to step forward, its hands glowing faintly with white light as it demonstrated its signature move combination, the Frozen Lotus.
Using Psychic to adjust the release of Ice Punch, it gathered the cold energy around itself, forming lotus shaped patterns of frost.
Metang watched carefully and began imitating Medicham, trying to control its own energy in the same way.
At first, the frozen shapes it formed were crooked and uneven, but with Medicham gently guiding it using Psychic, they gradually began to resemble the shape of lotus flowers.
Gallade also joined in, sharing its experience of using Psychic to assist close combat, offering Metang valuable insight.
All three Pokémon excelled in close combat and possessed Psychic typing, using their psychic power to enhance their techniques.
It was as if they had found kindred spirits. From time to time, they exchanged thoughts through subtle psychic waves, and the air around them was filled with a harmonious atmosphere.
Time flowed quietly through such fulfilling exchanges, and as the days passed, Fallarbor Town grew increasingly crowded.
Trainers could be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys. Shops displayed posters advertising the Contest, featuring silhouettes of past champions' Pokémon.
The faint scent of volcanic ash lingered in the air, blending with the sounds of laughter and chatter, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation.
At last, the day of the Contest arrived.
The lakeside in the early morning still carried a hint of coolness, with a thin mist drifting gently over the water.
Theo and Grace's Pokémon were making their final adjustments.
"Do you mind appearing on camera together?" Theo asked Grace with a smile.
After receiving her nod of agreement, Theo started his livestream.
The moment the broadcast began, viewers flooded in like a tide, and the comment section was instantly filled.
"Finally, the streamer is live again. The previous clips were nowhere near enough."
"Exactly, the Steel Gorge stream was way too short. I miss Steelix and Tyrantrum's headbutt showdown."
"Is that Grace beside him? Wow, she is just as beautiful as ever."
"This time the Contest requires two Pokémon to cooperate, right? Who will the streamer send out? Milotic definitely has a spot."
"Metang, Tyrantrum, or Larvesta. Let's guess. I bet Metang will be chosen."
Theo waved at the camera, his expression relaxed.
"Hello everyone. Today is the competition day for the Fallarbor Town Contest. Let me introduce someone to you. This is Grace, an experienced coordinator who has earned four ribbon medals."
Grace gave a slight bow toward the camera, her smile elegant.
"Hello everyone. I am Grace. Today I will be participating with Medicham and Gallade."
Beside her, Medicham immediately brought its hands together and bowed, while Gallade performed a standard knightly salute, drawing another wave of admiration from the comments.
"Gallade looks so cool. That knightly salute is perfect."
"Where is Gardevoir? Gallade is performing with Medicham. Won't Gardevoir get jealous? I remember Grace used to pair Gallade with Gardevoir in double performances."
As the sun gradually rose, the mist over the lake dispersed, and it was time to enter the venue.
Theo and Grace recalled their Pokémon and joined the flow of people heading toward the Contest Hall.
The Contest Hall was located in the center of town. Its white dome shimmered softly under the sunlight, and the exterior walls were decorated with meteor shaped reliefs, reflecting the unique characteristics of Fallarbor Town.
A long line had already formed outside. The contestant entrance and audience entrance were separated by railings, and staff members in uniform guided the crowd in an orderly manner.
Theo and Grace queued in the contestant line.
When it was their turn, the staff checked their identification and handed them numbered cards.
Theo glanced at his card. His number was 66, while Grace received number 28.
"Number 28, that sounds quite smooth," Grace said with a smile, lightly brushing her fingers over the number on the card.
"66 is not bad either. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and I can advance," Theo said as he pinned the number onto his chest.
Together with Grace, he walked into the contestant waiting room.
There were already quite a few people inside. The room was spacious and bright, and a large screen on the wall displayed a live broadcast of the situation inside the arena.
Contestants gathered in small groups.
Some were grooming their Pokémon with brushes, some were repeatedly rehearsing move sequences with strategy boards in hand, while others took deep breaths to calm their nerves.
A faint sense of tension lingered in the air, yet it was mixed with anticipation for the competition, forming a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
(End of Chapter)