Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Return to Saffron City
The next morning, Gary set off with Gengar, Haunter, and Gastly, heading back to Saffron City.
Since he didn't capture them, the three Ghost Pokémon stayed hidden in Gary's shadow—a unique, stealthy method of concealment often used by Ghost-type Pokémon. It allowed them to follow without drawing attention to themselves.
Gary galloped through the plains, making his way toward Saffron City. The journey was relatively short because the road between Saffron City and Lavender Town was quite flat. It took only half a day to travel, and by noon, they had reached the bustling city.
As Gary approached the outskirts of Saffron City, a familiar voice called out to him from behind.
"Gary, you're back already?"
Gary turned to see Najun walking toward him.
"Mr. Najun... have you been waiting for me?" Gary asked in surprise.
"I came by to see you on the way," Najun explained, "but you're back so quickly. Did you really capture a Ghost Pokémon?" His voice was filled with confusion. After all, catching Ghost Pokémon was notoriously difficult, and Gary had only been gone for a night.
Gary smiled. "It's not exactly capturing. I asked them to help me, and they agreed to come along."
"Asked them to help?" Najun raised an eyebrow, perplexed. "You can just ask Ghost Pokémon to help you?"
Gary didn't hide anything and explained the situation, telling Najun about his encounter with Gengar, Haunter, and Gastly in the Pokémon Tower. He also shared how the three Ghost Pokémon loved performing comedy instead of scaring people.
"I didn't expect that the Ghost Pokémon in the Pokémon Tower were scaring people because they love comedy," Najun said, surprised by the revelation. Ghost Pokémon were often seen as menacing, and it was hard to believe they had a lighter side.
"No problem," Najun said after a moment of thought. "As long as you can save my daughter, I'll build a stage for you in the Psychic School and let you perform there every week. If your performance is good enough, I can even arrange for your show to be broadcast on TV."
Gengar, Haunter, and Gastly's eyes lit up at the mention of TV. The idea of performing for an audience was enough to spark their enthusiasm.
"Gengga!" Gengar cheered.
"Sssss!" Haunter added eagerly.
"Gas!" Gastly joined in, thrilled by the opportunity.
The Ghost Pokémon immediately promised to help Najun save his daughter.
With the plan set, the group began to strategize. The plan was simple: Gary would challenge Sabrina, and while he battled her, Gengar, Haunter, and Gastly would sneak up to Sabrina's side. Once Najun teleported into the battle, Gengar and the others would act.
Their target would be the doll beside Sabrina, a key element in her psychic powers. Gary knew that Gengar and the others had a reputation for being unpredictable, and it made him a little nervous, but he was willing to take the risk. After all, if he wanted to capture an Abra, this was his best chance.
With the plan discussed, Gary and Najun had lunch together before heading to the Saffron Gym.
As they arrived at the gym, Gary noticed a notification pop up on his Pokédex.
Ding!
Post a task: Get Saffron Gym Badge / Rewards:
Intermediate Rare Candy x10, Permanent Skill Learning Device (Dream Eater), Top-quality Twisted Spoon (Psychic Skill Power +50%) x1
Gary was taken aback. The rewards had changed since his last gym challenge. Instead of the usual low-level Rare Candies, the Saffron Gym now offered Intermediate Rare Candies, indicating that Sabrina's gym was on a higher level than before. The additional rewards, like the Dream Eater skill and the Twisted Spoon, were also a huge boon for his current Pokémon, including Butterfree, Exeggutor, and the Abra he intended to catch.
"This will be interesting," Gary muttered to himself. "Let's see what Sabrina's really capable of."
With determination in his eyes, Gary walked up to the gym and rang the doorbell.
A male apprentice opened the door and looked at Gary with mild surprise. "Who are you?"
"My name is Gary, from Pallet Town," Gary introduced himself confidently. "I'm here to challenge the gym."
The male apprentice stared at Gary, who was clearly younger than he expected. "Challenging the gym? I suggest you go back and practice first. Our Gym Leader is very strong," he advised. The apprentice couldn't help but feel that a ten-year-old trainer might not be ready for such a challenge.
Gary smirked. "If you want me to leave, let Sabrina defeat me herself."
The apprentice hesitated for a moment, but realizing Gary wasn't backing down, he sighed. "If you're determined, then follow me."
The apprentice led Gary through the gym and to the battle arena, where a curtain-style door separated the battlefield from the rest of the gym. The apprentice knelt before the door and respectfully announced, "Miss Sabrina, someone wishes to challenge you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the curtain slid open, revealing a shadowy figure behind it. A long-haired girl, wearing a white skirt and top hat, sat on a chair. Her eyes gleamed with an eerie red glow, and she immediately locked onto the apprentice.
With a flick of her wrist, Sabrina's telekinetic powers bound the apprentice's body, crushing him under her mental pressure.
The male apprentice screamed in pain, as if his body was being slowly squeezed. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said too much. Please forgive me!" he begged, his voice frantic.
Seeing his distress, Sabrina seemed to reconsider. The crushing pressure disappeared, and the apprentice quickly fled, terrified and visibly shaken.
Gary was left in stunned silence. Sabrina's power was as formidable as her reputation suggested.
Now, standing alone in front of Sabrina, Gary felt a mix of respect and determination. This would be a battle to remember. He had prepared himself for this challenge, but he wasn't sure what Sabrina's next move would be.
The atmosphere in the gym was tense, and Gary knew that this would be more than just a typical Gym battle. He would need all his wits and strategy to come out victorious. The challenge had just begun, and Gary was ready to face it head-on.
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