Pokémon: Above the Top

"I now officially announce that the champion of this year's Young Elite Tournament is... Phoebe!"

On the winners' podium, Phoebe enthusiastically waved her left hand at the audience, while her right hand struggled to hold up a massive trophy.

No one had expected this little girl to be the final victor!

In the Top 8, Phoebe defeated the tournament favorite, Volkner.

In the Top 4, she overcame Norman, her fellow Hoenn region competitor.

And in the final match, a full 6v6 battle against Flint, she used her Ghost-type Pokémon's unpredictable strategies to secure a flawless 2-0 victory!

Sato looked at the future Hoenn Elite Four member standing on the podium, a glimmer of ambition flashing through his mind.

"Don't worry, next time you'll be the champion!"

Sato rolled his eyes at Howard, who stood beside him. Just say you want me to represent Goldenrod Gym again!

"Next time is next time," Sato said, turning away from the arena, completely ignoring the recently unhinged old man.

------

Back in his Pokémon Center room, Sato shouldered his packed backpack, preparing to depart.

He transferred Pupitar back to Ecruteak City, allowing it to rest in the Advanced Mimicry Space. Then, he retrieved Eevee, swapping out his team.

Since he had finally made it to Hoenn, Sato planned to explore the region a bit more.

After all, Hoenn was home to many excellent Dark-type Pokémon, just like Sharpedo.

Mauville City was situated at the very center of Hoenn, a major hub with easy access to various routes.

But precisely because of that, Sato found himself unsure of which direction to take.

In the end, after considering his Pokémon's training needs, he decided to head north. A route that featured a variety of landscapes: Mountains, deserts, plains, lakes… even a volcano!

"This is for you."

Sato tied a silver-gray bell around Eevee's neck.

"Eevee?"

Eevee plopped down on its rear, raising its tiny front paws to curiously scratch at the Soothe Bell on its chest.

Ding-a-ling~

"Eeveeee!"

Ding-a-ling~ Ding-a-ling~

Eevee's long ears twitched excitedly, happily shaking the Soothe Bell over and over. Clearly, it loved the gift!

"As long as you like it."

Sato smiled, gently rubbing Eevee's fluffy head as it jumped up to nuzzle him.

Not bad... the texture feels great!

The Soothe Bell had a subtle yet continuous effect on strengthening the bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon.

Previously, Sato had already discussed with Eevee his plan to train it into an Umbreon, so maximizing friendship was essential.

Rustle- Suddenly, a pink head poked out from the tall grass ahead. Its squinted, smiling eyes and round face gave it an almost comical appearance.

"Meow~"

A moment later, a pink feline Pokémon trotted out. With its short legs, it ran straight up to Eevee and then... Whoosh!

Its tail flicked, and in an instant, Eevee's Soothe Bell was gone!

It was now dangling from the tip of the Skitty's tail, jingling loudly as the cat waved it around!

"Eevee!"

Eevee was furious!

Sato had just given it that gift—and before it could even warm up to it, this annoying little furball had stolen it!

Fueled by pure rage, Eevee lunged forward. Its most basic move, Tackle, was used with the force of a full-on Giga Impact!

And then-

It missed.

"Eevee!"

Eevee turned around, teary-eyed, looking at Sato, begging its Trainer to get revenge for it!

"Listen to me, use Swift!"

"Vee~~"

Eevee sniffled pitifully, then quickly composed itself. It swung its tail, sending out a shower of golden stars toward Skitty!

"Meow!"

And then, something bizarre happened.

Skitty, seemingly entranced by the sparkling stars, ran straight toward the attack!

Boom!

Skitty was sent flying, and the Soothe Bell tumbled to the ground.

"Vee Eevee!"

Eevee rushed over, quickly grabbing the Soothe Bell in its mouth before happily trotting back to Sato.

Swift wasn't a particularly powerful attack, so Skitty simply shook its head, blinking a few times before fully recovering.

"Meow!"

Suddenly, Skitty let out a loud cry toward the sky, before smugly swaying its tail. But this time, it didn't go after the Soothe Bell again.

Sato finished reattaching the bell around Eevee's neck, then glanced at the oddly familiar scenario in front of him.

Wait a second…

"Did I just hit the kid… and now the parent's coming?"

"Meow!"

A low, magnetic feline call echoed through the area, and Sato's expression turned strange.

…I was right!

Moments later, a larger, more elegant feline Pokémon gracefully strode out, affectionately rubbing against Skitty.

And it wasn't alone. A sleek, yellow-and-blue Pokémon leaped from the grass.

Manectric!

"Meow meow meow!"

Skitty escaped the affectionate rubbing of Delcatty, dashing over to Manectric, excitedly complaining about something!

"Manectric!"

Manectric nodded slightly at Skitty, then calmly stepped forward, its sharp eyes locking onto Sato.

One of the most fascinating things about Pokémon was their ability to crossbreed between species, as long as they belonged to the same Egg Group.

Looking at the Manectric, Delcatty, and Skitty standing together. It was obvious.

They were a family.

While Delcatty and Skitty weren't threats, Manectric was a different story.

Sato narrowed his eyes. This wild Manectric was no joke!

"Peak Elite!"

Running into a Pokémon of this level just outside the city was extremely rare.

But after glancing at the young Skitty, Sato immediately understood why Manectric was here.

"A responsible father, huh? But being overprotective isn't good either."

Sato chuckled, releasing Houndoom! A rebellious kid needs discipline!

"Houndoom, Flamethrower!"

The blazing inferno roared forward. Only to be met by a powerful Thunderbolt!

"Boom!"

Lightning and fire, both explosive elements, collided, triggering a massive explosion!

"Odor Sleuth!"

Houndoom sniffed the air, then suddenly leapt aside!

A moment later- Manectric, cloaked in wild electricity, dashed through the spot Houndoom had just been standing!

"Houndoom, Fire Blast!"

A massive kanji-shaped 大 firestorm surged toward Manectric!

It tried to dodge, but still got clipped by the attack! And for a Pokémon with fragile defenses like Manectric, that single hit was already devastating!

"Houndoom, Dark Pulse!"

Dark energy rippled toward Manectric, but despite its hind legs being burned, it gritted its teeth and countered with Discharge, nullifying the attack!

"Meow!"

Seeing Manectric injured and struggling, Delcatty panicked!

It suddenly rushed forward, extending its long forelimbs, and with a gentle slap ,an invisible shockwave erupted, interrupting Houndoom's assault!

Fake Out!

Sato turned. Just in time to see Manectric biting down on a thoroughly confused Skitty, before darting back into the tall grass!

Delcatty took a few swift steps back, then turned and bolted in the opposite direction, within seconds, it had vanished from sight!

"Grr…"

"Forget it. Let them go."