----
Kai gently accepted the Poké Ball from Koume.
The moment it touched his hand, it became official that the energetic little Eevee was now one of his own.
After saying their goodbyes, Kai and Erika didn't leave Ecruteak City immediately. Instead, they made their way to the Pokémon Center to take care of something important.
Now that Eevee was officially on his team, his current roster had exceeded twelve Pokémon. If he didn't adjust it, Eevee would automatically be transferred away.
And that wasn't something he wanted.
From behind them, Koume called out with a smile and a wave, "Kai! I hope you win the Silver Conference too! We'll be cheering for you!"
Kai and Erika turned back and waved in return.
Their time in Ecruteak had been brief, but meaningful. The friendships forged over just a day and a half felt genuine. Even Erika had promised to return after the tournament ended to reunite with the Kimono Sisters.
That promise made the farewell feel less final.
—
At the Pokémon Center, Kai greeted Nurse Joy and headed toward the PC station.
He stared at the screen thoughtfully, fingers hovering over the digital interface.
Which Pokémon should he temporarily transfer?
After some deliberation, he made a decision and dialed a private number.
The call connected.
He was sending the Legendary Birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres to Sabrina.
With Suicune already accompanying him and the other three mostly inactive, it made more sense to entrust them to someone he deeply trusted.
Sabrina wasn't just his partner; she had a bond with the birds already and a discreet location at Saffron Gym. It was far safer than a public park like Cerise Park.
And definitely more secure than leaving them under Spring's supervision, who, while reliable, didn't have the power or privacy to keep them hidden from prying eyes.
Besides, the birds were already familiar with Sabrina. They'd spent time with her. They respected her.
The call didn't last long. Erika was standing nearby, and Kai didn't want to make things awkward, so he got straight to the point.
—
Meanwhile, in Saffron City...
The Saffron Gym's battlefield was alive with energy.
Sabrina's Alakazam was locked in battle against a challenger's Blastoise. Psychic waves and hydro blasts clashed midair, filling the gym with dazzling flashes.
But Sabrina wasn't watching.
She stood silently in the trainer's box, phone to her ear.
As soon as the call ended, she turned and began walking toward the exit without a word.
On the battlefield, the confused challenger stared after her. "Wait, what?"
Even the judge, Sabrina's father,, was caught off guard. "Sabrina! Where are you going?!"
"Pokémon Center," she replied, emotionless.
"But you're in the middle of a match!"
She didn't respond.
He let out a long sigh, shaking his head.
This kind of behavior would definitely cause problems with the League if word got out. As a Gym Leader, abandoning a battle was a major breach of duty.
But as her father, there wasn't much he could do. Ever since she returned from her journey, Sabrina had mellowed a bit, but one wrong move, and you could still feel the full force of her psychic presence.
Watching her walk off after a phone call?
He knew exactly what that meant.
Someone was pulling her heartstrings.
That bastard… who is it this time!?
With no answers, he turned back toward the bewildered challenger and gave an apologetic smile.
"Ah… well, looks like I'll be your stand-in opponent."
—
Back in Ecruteak, Kai exhaled in relief once Nurse Joy confirmed the safe transfer of the three Poke Balls.
Losing those Legendaries due to a tech error would've been catastrophic. Thankfully, the system had worked perfectly.
Now, with those three safely stored and Eevee on his team, Kai had two empty slots more than enough.
He never caught Pokémon at random. His standards were high, and his team was carefully curated. Two slots were plenty for what lay ahead.
After thanking Joy, he and Erika exited the Center and began heading southwest, toward Olivine City and its Steel-type Gym.
While the two cities weren't far apart as the Pidgeotto flies, the path was less direct.
From Ecruteak, they had to follow Route 38, then turn south down Route 39, a journey that added several hours on foot.
As they walked along a narrow country path, the scenery shifted to wide-open fields of green. The air was clean. The horizon stretched endlessly, lined with hills and distant mountains.
The sun was warm, but the breeze kept it comfortable.
Eevee darted happily around them, full of energy. She sniffed flowers, rolled through the grass, and occasionally leaped up at passing Butterfree, her curiosity endless.
Seeing her so full of life, Kai called out his Gengar to keep an eye on her, just in case.
The ancient Ghost-type looked like a grumpy old man forced to babysit. He followed her reluctantly, floating sluggishly while Eevee raced around like a sugar-powered blur.
Erika laughed gently. "Have you thought about what she'll evolve into?"
Kai glanced at Eevee and shook his head. "Not yet. She was a gift from Koume, and I think… I'd rather let her choose. It wouldn't feel right forcing that decision."
----
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