Kanto Region, Saffron City.
The grandeur of the magnificent Silver Tower, standing as the landmark in the heart of Saffron City's bustling business district, commands attention. The logo atop the tower pierces the sky, radiating a dazzling gold brilliance.
A panoramic view captures the essence of the city center, with the two Gym buildings nestled in the northeast corner of Saffron City. These two Gyms, Psychic Gym and Fighting Gym, have been engaged in a prolonged rivalry. Ultimately, Sabrina, the prodigious psychic, triumphed over the Fighting Gym, led by the Karate King.
Following her victory, Sabrina, uninterested in managing the Gym herself, delegated Gym matters to her father. He established a Psychic training class within the Gym, attracting trainers seeking challenges. Sabrina, being a film celebrity, only occasionally returns to check in on the Gym.
Inside the Gym Leader's room at Saffron Gym, an uncle in a hat meditates with closed eyes, only to be interrupted by his daughter's voice.
"Any challengers today?" he hears.
Opening his eyes, the uncle witnesses the entrance of Sabrina, an ice beauty with straight black hair and an indifferent demeanor. She uses Alakazam's Teleport to materialize in the Gym Leader room.
"The apprentices in the Psychic training class have already dismissed the challenger," the uncle informs her. "With the training class and Dojo, it will be easier for you to manage the Gym."
Gazing at her father, Sabrina leans against the wall, crossing her arms. "Being a Gym Leader is not my intention. I still prefer filming."
Compared to the mundane life of a Gym Leader, Sabrina finds greater satisfaction in portraying various roles in films. This may also serve as a way to compensate for past regrets, or perhaps it's her way of guiding destiny.
"With your innate talent, it's not impossible to become a Psychic Type Elite..." the uncle begins, but he stops, realizing the futility.
"That's all; you should continue to pursue your dreams. I will always support you," he conveys with a helpless smile.
Sabrina's eyes flicker, briefly capturing glimpses of her past—her anxious, departed mother, and her father who pursued strength to the point of abandoning his family. Raised surrounded by Pokémon, she experienced the fear and pain inherent in Psychic abilities, shaping her stoic character. Joining Team Rocket was, in a way, a response to seeing shadows of her father in Giovanni.
Sighing faintly, Sabrina states, "I'll take a look outside." With a flicker of blue light, she Teleports.
Reappearing outside the Gym Leader room, Sabrina neatly arranges her black hair. Over the years, she has come to understand her father. Becoming a movie celebrity is her way of finding solace. People cannot dwell indefinitely in the past. Red, the harbinger of change, the new Team Rocket, and a figure known as the Mentor—all are novel and meaningful experiences.
A cold smile graces Sabrina's delicate face as she heads towards the Dojo. The blue light envelops her, and Poké Balls levitate on either side, heralding her declaration: "Today, I will accept the challenger of Saffron Gym!"
dong dong!
Unexpectedly, the gate of Saffron Gym is knocked. The receptionist opens the door with a business smile, only to be taken aback upon seeing Gengar.
"Where is your Trainer?" the receptionist inquires, bewildered.
"Jie jie~ ~," Gengar scratches his head playfully, making sure not to reveal his Trainer's whereabouts.
With jumps and gestures, Gengar conveys his purpose, pointing to the recruitment notice behind the receptionist.
"You mean… you are here to apply for a coach?!" the receptionist exclaims with a mix of surprise and amusement.
"Jie jie~!" Gengar grins, confirming his intention.
Not only can he venture out to work, but he can also independently seek employment? This Gengar is quite extraordinary!
The receptionist, attempting to maintain composure, adds with a stern face, "The Psychic Gym's evaluation is stringent... unlike the mediocre Fighting Type gym next door. Do you understand?"
"Jie jie~?" Gengar responds with a quizzical expression.
"...you don't understand. Let me demonstrate the strength of our Gym!"
With a grin, the receptionist releases a Poké Ball, summoning Hypno, who begins swinging its pendulum, casting Hypnosis. The ensuing battle catches the attention of the apprentices.
"Are you dissuading the challenger again?"
"Where is the Trainer? Why haven't we seen them?"
Amid the spirited discussions, everyone freezes. Hypno's Hypnosis, initially displayed with pride, not only gets countered but leaves Hypno fast asleep!
The blue light fades from Gengar's eyes as he drowsily waves his paw.
"Jie jie~ (￣▽￣)~*," Gengar joyfully exclaims.
"Is there a new challenger?"
Among the crowd, Coach Clancy, a taller figure, rises and declares calmly, "Leave it to me!"
...
The commotion in the Dojo disrupts Sabrina's calm, and she stretches out her hand, using Psychic to open the door. To her surprise, a shadow flies in, and a pitch-black Shadow Ball explodes, sending Alakazam flying.
dong!!
Alakazam collides with the edge of the Dojo, its abdomen darkened, instantly fainting.
The apprentices, kneeling on the tatami, look on with wide eyes.
"Did Coach Clancy's Alakazam just get defeated in one second?"
"How can it be so powerful without a Trainer..."
"And this Growlithe is formidable too!"
Sabrina is momentarily taken aback, moving towards the Dojo to witness the ongoing battle.
Coach Clancy, responsible for Psychic training, is visibly sweating, having already brought out the second Pokémon.
"Jie jie~!"
Gengar tosses a Poké Ball in a pitcher's fashion.
"Ao wu ~~"
The robust Growlithe jumps, hurling Baltoy to the ground.
ka-cha!
Growlithe opens its mouth wide, biting Baltoy's head with a crisp sound.
The apprentices wear complicated expressions.
Is it really going to break so easily this time?
Coach Clancy, looking embarrassed, is forced to send out his third Pokémon.
"Jie jie~!" Gengar proudly puts hands on hips.
Having practiced this scenario during the encounter with Tang Hui in Magic City, Gengar now seems to have perfected the act of playing the role of trainer in the Psychic Gym once again.
"Jie jie~!" Gengar nods in satisfaction.
With absolute silence reigning in the venue, even Sabrina, the composed Gym Leader, blinks in surprise.
Today's challenger... is a Gengar?
dong!
The gate of the Gym is suddenly pushed open. All eyes turn toward a Trainer gasping for breath, backlit by the sun.
"I should be regarded as..."
Holding onto the gym door, Luke catches his breath and cautiously adds, "caught up?"