"Roar!!"
Intimidating Trait activated!
The two Pokémon remained unfazed.
Firstly, Intimidation had no effect on the Shiny Feebas with the Sluggish trait, and secondly, their mindsets had already undergone a qualitative transformation, so even when the affected Blissey looked at Gyarados again, there was no fear or panic in its eyes, only caution and vigilance against a formidable enemy.
Baimu's score was deducted.
However, due to the unwavering mental state of the two Pokémon, the deduction was so minimal it was almost nonexistent, inversely causing Ling Juan's score to suffer a small deduction.
On the other side, the audience, seeing the Shiny Feebas, started to clamor loudly.
Vivian also shouted in amazement, "Unbelievable! In this final, Baimu actually brought out a Feebas that has never appeared before! And it's a Shiny! Could this be one of his secret weapons?"
The three judges all gazed at the Shiny Feebas, discovering beneath its seemingly shabby exterior were extremely healthy and clean scales, and the fins, which appeared sparse, were actually neatly arranged along with its bright and full body.
Of course, the most captivating were those eyes sparkling with intelligence, fundamentally different from the dull ordinary Feebas, swimming with extraordinary liveliness, emitting an indescribable special charm.
Anyone who saw it would think it was both ugly and cute.
The judges exchanged satisfied glances.
Many Coordinator Trainers use what is called the "ugliest and shabbiest" Feebas in Gorgeous Competitions, hoping to achieve a contrast effect.
But in the eyes of them, who are experienced, many Feebas fail based solely on appearance.
Do wild Feebas, ugly as they may be, still look so after careful nurturing?
Not necessarily.
At least Patistan and others believe Baimu's Feebas truly embodies what a turnaround transformation is.
"I really like the light in its eyes!"
"Subarashii~"
The former two couldn't help but express themselves.
Ling Juan's command was drowned out by the commentary blasting from the speakers, but with sharp hearing, Baimu still gleaned the answer.
"Tornado! Water Fluctuation!"
Only to see Gyarados' crown-like dorsal fins glowing azure, it inhaled deeply before spewing forward a swirling vortex of azure airflow, colliding with the giant aqua-colored waterball Pelipper spit downward cooperatively. Instead of bursting, the divergent attribute energies merged together!
In an instant.
A cross-shaped Vortex Water Bullet rumbled forward, splitting the water's surface and creating waves like splashes as the rain seemed to be drawn and intertwined with the azure airflow to form a tail-flame-like airstream, possessing power far superior to the separate attack of the two moves.
Without a doubt, it was a highly matured Combined Skill, with a technical level far superior to the same attribute combination techniques demonstrated by Ge Mann in the previous round!
"What an astounding Water Wave Bullet, Gyarados has fully showcased its grandeur!"
Vivian's voice echoed.
Baimu's score beneath his avatar swiftly deducted nearly a sixth, and this was only from the attack execution. If damage were inflicted on the Shiny Feebas and Blissey, the deductions would be even higher!
"Don't panic! Blissey, Light Wall! Feebas, freeze the Light Wall with the Frozen Beam then attack its lower side!"
He commanded loudly.
Blissey swiftly raised its hand, constructing a semi-transparent, phantom wall in front of the pair, the Shiny Feebas followed closely, shooting an icy-blue lightning with its mouth.
However, the Frozen Beam didn't pierce through the Light Wall as usual but turned it into a snow-white glass, which the Shiny Feebas struck the lower half forcefully with its powerful tail fin.
Bang!
The snow-white glass shuddered and tilted, perfectly blocking the incoming Vortex Water Bullet.
Sss—Boom!
The Vortex Water Bullet, following the angle of the snow-white glass, flew past above the Shiny Feebas and Blissey, shooting straight into the sky, exploding into numerous dazzling particles of light.
Ling Juan's expression faltered as her Combined Skill was neutralized, causing her score to also be deducted by over a sixth.
It succeeded!
The Shiny Feebas was elated.
Aware that its own strength was far inferior to Mawile, it found little solace in the Trainer's repeated reassurances, yet the scene before its eyes proved that, even with lesser strength, it too could battle against the mighty!
It truly transformed.
Everything it had endured over these days was not in vain.
"Bloop~"
The Shiny Feebas gazed at the Gyarados and Pelipper afar, too cautious to make any rash moves. It had no more bewilderment, only the desire to repay the Trainer's faith by defeating the opponent.
Just like the Trainer said, it wanted to commemorate its transformation with this battle!
"I told you, you've got this."
Sensing the emotional shift in the Shiny Feebas, Baimu and Blissey exchanged smiles, and with their partner regaining its confidence, it was time to sound the horn of counter-attack!
"Black Mist! Use Trait Exchange on Gyarados!"
The Shiny Feebas spewed a thick Black Mist, shrouding its side of the field in an indistinct haze, while Blissey's eyes glowed blue. An unknowingly affected Gyarados felt as though it had lost something essential.
Witnessing Baimu's move, Ling Juan swiftly issued a command.
"Pelipper, Gale! Gyarados, Dragon's Fury!"
Evidently, having learned from previous mistakes, she realized her opponent excels in reactive tactics, thus refrained from futile offensives that would merely reduce her own score.
Counteracting, everyone knows how!
Pelipper beat its wings rapidly, conjuring a vast expanse of blistering ivory wind, while Gyarados spewed azure Dragon Flame, their skills merging once more to form a Dragon Flame Storm sweeping across the entire field!