What a Small World

"Azumarill!"

The kid cried out in panic. "Use Aqua Jet!"

Crackle!

Electric sparks flashed through the smoke. Baimu snapped back to his senses. "Dark Pulse!"

The next instant.

A beam of countless black rings pierced the smoke. Azumarill was caught at its tip and slammed into the railing before dropping limply to the ground.

"Azur..."

Its eyes had turned to spirals, and tiny arcs of electricity flickered across its body.

It was unmistakably paralyzed.

That was why it had failed to use Aqua Jet. Still, Azumarill was tougher than Baimu had expected. Deino had Hustle, after all, which boosted his attack.

Was Azumarill at a higher level?

Maybe, but no level advantage could withstand Thunder Fang followed by Dark Pulse.

"Azumarill!"

The kid hurried over and scooped up the unconscious Azumarill.

"It's okay. It's just paralyzed. A little paralysis cure and Potion on the wound will do." Baimu petted Deino, who had run over looking for praise, then pulled two spray bottles from his pocket and held them out. "Can you manage?"

"..."

The kid looked hesitant.

Seeing that, Baimu crouched down and picked up Azumarill, then sprayed paralysis cure on the clear bite marks on its back.

Within a couple of seconds, the sparks stopped.

He sprayed Potion over the wound, taking care to coat it evenly. Azumarill soon woke up.

"Azur! Azur!"

The plump water rabbit was full of energy again.

The kid broke into a delighted grin at the sight. "Azumarill! Thank you, mister!"

"No problem. I should thank you for inviting me to battle."

Baimu patted the kid on the shoulder.

He had been unsure what theme to choose for the Pokémon Contest, but Azumarill's Ice Beam had given him an idea. If he could pull it off the way he imagined, passing the first round