When the host called out "Contestant Number 86," Lionel didn't climb the stage steps like everyone else.
He stopped beneath the stage, flicked the Poké Ball at his waist, then flung it hard toward center stage.
Bang!
The Poké Ball carved a clean arc, burst in a flash of red light the moment it landed, and Feebas appeared.
Huh? Only the Pokémon's up there?
Hey, what's going on? Isn't the Trainer supposed to introduce themself?
Where's the Trainer? Not coming up?
That entrance... sure is different!
A ripple of puzzled whispers swept the audience; even Wallace and Contest on the judges' row raised brows, curiosity sparking in their eyes.
While everyone wondered what Lionel was up to, Feebas flicked its tail-fins and a pale blue shimmer spread—Whirlpool!
In moments water gushed across the stage, swirling faster and faster until it formed a towering, several-meter water spout.
The spiral of water glittered under the lights, cradling Feebas dead center.
Even more amazing, the hollow core of the spout seemed to ride an unseen current, lifting Feebas until it hovered in mid-tornado.
Its violet body flickered in and out of sight within the spinning waters like a living fantasy scroll.
Whoa—!
That's incredible! That little fish is awesome!
That water spout—so cool!
The crowd burst into applause; even the seasoned Contest straightened up, eyes locked on Feebas.
But the surprises weren't over.
As the audience reeled, Feebas flicked its tail again and a ring of water formed—Water Pulse!
Yet this time it used the move in a way no one had ever seen.
No blasting spray; instead the ring came alive, gliding gently toward Lionel below the stage.
The flow wove a crystal-clear water path, glowing faintly blue like a ribbon of crystal linking stage and Trainer.
Smiling calmly, Lionel stepped onto the water-made walkway under the gaze of the entire hall.
The path seemed sentient, rippling with each footfall and ferrying him steadily toward the central spout.
When he reached the edge, the spinning column parted like it had been ordered, opening a passage.
Lionel walked into the eye of the Whirlpool, lifted Feebas into his arms with his left hand.
He turned to the crowd and raised his free right hand skyward.
Feebas burst into brilliant light, and a multicolored orb appeared—Confuse Ray.
Under Feebas's control the orb drifted around Lionel, its hues dancing across his white suit in a dazzling glow.
The orb climbed higher until it settled on the tip of his upraised finger.
With a slight sway of his hand the orb twinkled like a star in the night sky.
The audience was transfixed, murmuring in awe.
So handsome!
How did he even do that?
Water you can walk on—unreal!!
Suddenly!
Lionel's fist clenched; the orb exploded in a burst of light that filled the entire hall. Everyone instinctively squinted.
A few seconds later the glow faded.
Center stage was calm; the mighty water spout had vanished, leaving only a faint mist that caught the lights in a dreamy halo—as if it had all been a dream.
Feebas nestled happily in Lionel's arms, gazing up at him.
Cradling Feebas, Lionel stepped to the front, right hand behind his back, and bowed with refined Grace.
"Hello everyone, I'm contestant number 86, Lionel. This is my partner Feebas. Pleased to meet you all."
The instant he finished, the hall erupted in thunderous cheers and applause.
Some leapt up waving, others snapped photo after photo, while many chanted "Lionel! Feebas!"
The roar rolled on, threatening to lift the roof off the venue.
That was insane—absolute perfection!
Ahhh, mind-blown, so beautiful!
Lionel! Feebas, I love you!
...
The live-chat exploded; rainbow support text and emojis scrolled so fast it was dizzying.
From the contestant prep area every rival stared at Lionel on stage, eyes sharp with open vigilance.
No one had expected a dazzling newcomer this strong to burst into the highly anticipated Pokémon Contest.
Lionel's sudden rise hurled a boulder into still water, tightening the arena's tension until the air crackled.
Armani and Grace in particular locked their gaze on him, pupils narrowed, faces stunned speechless.
The first round was meant to be a steady warm-up—yet Lionel had already thrown out a trump card. What could he possibly unveil in the second?
At that moment host Kotaro's voice rang through the hall, amazement spilling from the speakers.
"Hard to believe! Contestant No. 86, Lionel and his Feebas, are stepping onto the Contest stage for the very first time!
Such a magical, dream-like performance—honestly incredible. Judges, what did you think of that appeal?"
As the words fell, every eye swung to the judges' table; even the cheers quieted in anticipation of the verdict.
Wallace lowered his applauding hands, delight still bright in his eyes, and spoke warmly.
"Stunning, Lionel. I saw your skill control with Feebas back at Roxanne's Gym challenge and already thought it excellent.
But I never imagined you could twist moves like this—turning flowing water into a bridge between stage and Trainer, gorgeous and ingenious. I love it."
Mr. Contest adjusted his glasses, a rare smile breaking across his usually stern face as he inked a high score.
"Lionel, is it? Remarkable. Setting the dazzling creativity aside, your Pokémon's move control is astonishing.
To reach this level at your age speaks of countless hours of effort from both of you. Thank you for the fantasy show."
Mr. Sukizo could barely contain himself, laughing and clapping loudly.
"I love it! The unconventional entrance, the perfect synergy—nothing to fault. It's thrilling—full marks from me, absolutely full marks!"
Finally Nurse Joy, eyes curved in a gentle crescent, beamed at the stage, her voice sweet and soft.
"They've already said it all—creativity, technique, harmony, flawless."
But I'd add: from start to finish, the way you looked at Feebas was pure cherish. Beauty isn't just dazzling moves; it's the bond you share. Wonderfully done!"
"Well—looks like Lionel and Feebas have earned unanimous praise from our judges~"
Kotaro's elated voice carried through every speaker, his last syllables dancing upward.
"Getting all four judges nodding and commenting is a rare sight in Contest history!" He swept an arm toward the crowd.
Let's give another huge round of applause for Lionel and Feebas, and look forward to what comes next!"
Before the echo faded, applause and cheers slammed like thunder, shaking the very air.
Meanwhile, Lionel's stream chat was equally flooded.
"That entrance was perfection! I'm obsessed!"
"Lock the anchor and Feebas together forever—best show ever!"
"Champion! Feebas will be Champion!"
Lionel lifted Feebas high above his head; the little Pokémon shimmered under the lights, sending the crowd wild again.
After a quiet moment to savor the ovation, he recalled Feebas with a smile.
Walking off stage to continuous cheers, basking in countless admiring stares, he wore a calm, proud grin.
He knew his debut in the Pokémon Contest had hit its mark!