Pokémon: Above the Top

Eevee ran while calling out to the Shiny Cacnea, but the latter ignored it completely, burying its head and sprinting forward.

Eevee was weak, and even though they were still within the Cacturne's territory, Sato wasn't at ease. He could only follow in silence.

There was nothing Sato could do about the fact that the Shiny Cacnea had been rejected by its own kind.

As for capturing it, Sato wouldn't mind having one, but judging by its small and frail body, it was clear that it had never been properly cared for.

Even if it had decent talent, the hardships of survival might have gradually worn it down over time.

Being Shiny only meant it was rare, it didn't mean it was strong!

Feeling sympathy was fine, but capturing a Pokémon out of mere pity wasn't an option.

The Shiny Cacnea finally stopped, running to a large boulder outside the oasis, avoiding the scorching sun, and curling up motionless in the shade.

Eevee followed closely, arriving at the Cacnea's side. It looked up at the blazing sun, thought for a moment, and then curled up into the small patch of shade as well.

Eevee patiently tried to comfort the Shiny Cacnea; one moment shaking its head sympathetically, the next grinding its teeth in anger as it criticized the other Cacnea for their treatment.

Surprisingly, at first, the Shiny Cacnea ignored Eevee completely, not even sparing it a glance.

But after Eevee's passionate rant, the Shiny Cacnea finally responded.

Then, the two Pokémon started chatting endlessly, their heated discussion filling the air, completely forgetting about Sato, who was enduring the relentless sun nearby.

Eevee had a remarkable ability to console others. Before long, the Shiny Cacnea's gloomy expression faded into a smile as it followed Eevee back to the oasis.

"Eevee!"

Eevee ran to Sato's side, letting out a cheerful cry before eagerly asking for some Pokéblocks.

After receiving them, it ran off joyfully to share with the Shiny Cacnea.

"You've eaten better Pokéblocks before, and I've never seen you this happy," Sato shook his head helplessly.

"Cacturne…"

A deep voice suddenly sounded from behind Sato. He turned around to see a group of Cacturne standing there.

Leading them was an aged Cacturne, its back slightly hunched from years of wear.

"Cacnea!"

The Shiny Cacnea suddenly clenched the Pokéblocks in its hands and dashed past Eevee, stopping in front of the old Cacturne.

"Cac! Cac!"

It presented the Pokéblocks as if they were a precious treasure, looking up at the elder Cacturne with admiration.

The old Cacturne gently patted the Shiny Cacnea before pushing the Pokéblocks back toward it, signaling for it to eat them itself.

A hint of surprise flashed through Sato's eyes. This was the only Cacturne that didn't reject the Shiny one.

Even the other Cacturne surrounding the elder completely ignored the Shiny Cacnea's existence.

Perhaps this was the true reason why the Shiny Cacnea had been able to survive within the tribe.

---

The group slowly returned to the lakeside, where the offering of fruit remained untouched.

Sato sat down once again as Eevee and the Shiny Cacnea happily shared their Pokéblocks, whispering to each other.

The elder Cacturne also took a seat opposite Sato, its mannerisms strangely human-like.

"Cac… Cac…"

"Are you thanking me… for saving your companion?" Watching the elder Cacturne's exaggerated gestures, Sato barely managed to guess its meaning.

The two sides struggled to communicate, but despite the difficulty, Sato found it fascinating.

It was clear that this elder Cacturne was quite old and held considerable influence within the tribe; strong enough to protect the Shiny Cacnea despite opposition.

Then, unexpectedly, the elder Cacturne shifted the conversation toward the Shiny Cacnea.

"You want to find it a partner?"

The elder Cacturne shook its head and then pointed at a Poké Ball before motioning toward Sato himself.

"You want me to find it a Trainer?"

The elder Cacturne nodded and then simply stared at Sato.

It had been watching from the shadows this entire time.

When the Shiny Cacnea first appeared, the elder had observed Sato's reaction. Aside from a fleeting moment of surprise, there had been no greed in his eyes.

The elder Cacturne's health was deteriorating, and the Shiny Cacnea had only survived under its protection.

Once the elder Cacturne passed away, the Shiny Cacnea would undoubtedly be driven out. In the harsh desert environment, its chances of survival were slim.

Sato understood the elder Cacturne's intentions. He felt sympathy for the Shiny Cacnea, but he wouldn't capture a Pokémon lightly.

No one understood the importance of strength better than he did!

If the Shiny Cacnea lacked talent, disliked battling, or couldn't keep up with Sato's pace, then capturing it would only be a disservice to them both.

"Cac…"

Sensing Sato's silence, the elder Cacturne spoke a few words to a companion beside it. The other Cacturne turned and left.

Moments later, a healthy and well-built Cacnea came bounding over, standing obediently beside the elder Cacturne.

The elder Cacturne then called over the Shiny Cacnea. After giving some instructions, both Cacnea froze.

Sato watched with cold eyes, slowly realizing what the elder Cacturne intended.

A battle would reveal the truth!

Sure enough, though neither Cacnea understood why they were being ordered to fight, the stronger Cacnea showed no hesitation. It even seemed eager for battle.

The Shiny Cacnea hesitated, glancing at the elder Cacturne. Only to receive a sharp, unwavering glare in return.

The battle began!

The strong Cacnea dug its small feet into the sand, launching forward at high speed, its two spiked arms glowing brightly!

"Needle Arm!"

The Shiny Cacnea didn't move. However, its right arm lit up with the same white glow: Needle Arm!

Boom!

The two Pokémon clashed, but the outcome left Sato stunned!

A double-handed attack against a single-handed block, a charging strike against a stationary defense—and yet, the seemingly stronger Cacnea was sent flying with a single punch!

Unbelievable!

Sato's expression shifted slightly. Fortunately, he hadn't outright rejected the elder Cacturne's offer. He had to admit, he was now interested in this Shiny Cacnea!

The strong Cacnea struggled for a long moment before finally climbing back to its feet, staring at the Shiny Cacnea in shock.

When had this companion, whom they never acknowledged, become so powerful?

The elder Cacturne dismissed the strong Cacnea, then called the Shiny Cacnea to its side.

Eevee climbed back onto Sato's shoulder. Though the battle had been short, it had seen everything.

It gazed at its new friend in awe, realizing just how strong the Shiny Cacnea truly was.

For the first time, Eevee became aware of its own weakness.

The elder Cacturne seemed to be giving the Shiny Cacnea instructions. The young Pokémon clung to the elder tightly, its eyes brimming with tears.

Then, the elder Cacturne pointed toward Sato.

The Shiny Cacnea hesitated before looking at Sato, as if suddenly realizing something.

It gently... shook its head.

Sato: "…"