"Hello." normal speech

"Hello." Ash/Pikachu/Charmander mental link, telepathy

"Hello." Pokémon speech

After the whole Tentacool and Tentacruel thing, Ash and his friends had had some adventures. On an island, a Ghastly had made Brock and James from Team Rocket fall in love with the ghost of Maiden's Peak. They had managed to stop the Ghastly, but Ash had been unable to catch him. The good part about that adventure was that they had finally found a use for the Team Rocket motto. It really helped finding James and Brock when they disappeared. Also Ash couldn't help but think the best part was seeing Misty in that dress after everything was over and dancing with her. Even if he had stepped on her feet.

Afterwards, the group had ended up seeing a pink Butterfree during some type of mating thing for Butterfree. That had been shocking since even what was considered the shiny versions of a Butterfree wasn't pink. Brock had shrugged and said there were many things about Pokémon we don't know.

Now they weren't too far from Saffron City. Ash knew Misty was excited to get there and get her Pokédex that Oak said he sent to the Pokémon Center there, but he had asked her to stop to train for a while. Misty agreed, wanting to train some more as well.

From the Gym Rater site, the two knew Sabrina was considered one of the harder gyms in Kanto. She had one of the best defenses of the badges rates. They also knew it was a two on two battle and that Sabrina usually used two Pokémon from the Abra evolutionary line.

Misty had right away chosen Squirtle and Gyarados to battle in the gym. It hadn't been a hard choice for her at all. Misty had been working on strategy more then learning new moves since she figured she needed a good one to beat Sabrina. One part of the strategy had been teaching Gyarados Twister and Crunch since it was a dark type move that was stronger than Bite that Gyarados could learn. He had taken up on both moves quickly. She had borrowed Ash's pokemon and discovered Squirtle could learn Zen Headbutt and started him on that. It didn't seem like he would have is mastered in time for the battle. Her other pokemon were all training as well, wanting to surprise their trainer with new moves, all except for Tentacool who watched, annoyed that he had been caught.

Ash, on the other hand, knew he was using Sarge. The bug Pokémon had mastered X-Scissor and was starting to learn Bug Buzz. Unfortunately, he was having some problems that involved falling flat on his face during training. This made the other Pokémon laugh. He was having a problem figuring out who his second Pokémon should be though.

Peter and Nidorino were still hanging out at the lab and Ash had decided a while ago he wouldn't use either of them for this battle anyway. Charmander was itching for a battle, but Ash wanted to use him in the grass gym and possibly the poison gym afterward. He was trying to be fair with the gym battles, giving all his Pokémon a chance to fight and besides that Charmander didn't know and couldn't really learn any effective moves against psychic types so Ash told him next time.

That left Krabby, Bulbasaur, Shellder, and Pikachu. Shellder had had two gym battles already and had the same problem as Charmander with moves so Ash shook his head. Shellder was out. Bulbasaur had officially learned it's egg move and Ash was looking for another move to teach him. He hadn't been in a gym battle yet, but once again the moves were not there. Krabby and Pikachu also had the same problem, which means Ash had a problem.

"Use me," Ash suddenly heard from his starter as he sat there thinking. "I know I can't learn anything that useful, but I am quick and have some powerful moves. I've only been in one gym battle since I chose not to fight Misty and I know you don't really have a plan to use me in any upcoming gym battles. I can do it."

"You sure?" Ash thought back and got a positive answer from Pikachu.

"Ash, it's not all about type and moves. Look at Misty. She defeated Surge using Squirtle. I'm sure we can figure something out to defeat Sabrina," Pikachu said and Ash smiled. He knew sometimes he got too caught up in thinking about moves and types.

"Okay, let's do it," Ash said back with a smile. That smile faded when he heard someone yell "Help!" in his mind. He knew it wasn't Pikachu or Charmander and it didn't feel like it came from one of his mental links. It felt different but was definitely a call for help.

Ash got up and ran in the direction he could feel the call coming from with Pikachu and Charmander not far behind him; the two of them also having heard the call. The others were confused for a minute, but followed soon after.

It wasn't long later that Ash saw a very injured Abra laying on the ground. "You came, young psychic," Ash heard in his mind but he knew he hadn't created another mental link. This was different. It felt like it was being forced into his mind while the mental links felt more natural. Just like hearing someone talking. This must be Abra using telepathic abilities.

"We have to get her to a Pokémon Center,' Ash said, picking up the Abra, and the group didn't waste time as they ran to Saffron City and the Pokemon Center there.

The group ended up very out of breath as they put the Abra into the arms of Nurse Joy. "We found… her in the woods," Ash explained, pausing in the middle to take a deep breath.

Nurse Joy jumped into action right away, calling for Chansey and bringing the Abra into the back. "She'll be fine," Misty told Ash. "We got her here in time." Misty decided not to ask how Ash knew where she was. There was time for that later.

It felt like hours before Nurse Joy had reappeared. "She's resting and will be fine," Nurse Joy said. "This was definitely the work of Pokémon poachers though. I'm going to give Officer Jenny a call and let her know. You may go back if you want."

The Joy didn't even wait for them to answer as she went to the phone and the three went back into the room Abra was laying in. "Young psychic," Ash heard the same voice again. "As you have guessed, you have not made another mental link. I am putting my thoughts in your mind so I can talk to you. I sense great power and great things ahead for you and your red haired mate." Ash paused, unsure why this Abra would call Misty his mate. "I wish to join you."

At that time Nurse Joy came over. "Nurse Joy, I want to ask this Abra to join my team. If she agrees, may I catch her?" Ash asked.

"Yes, but she will be unable to train or battle for a while," Nurse Joy said.

"When I catch her, she'll be transferred directly to Professor Oak's," Ash told Nurse Joy. "I'll leave her with him until she's ready."

Nurse Joy nodded, trusting Professor Oak with Abra's care and already planning on sending him instructions on how to care for her. Ash held out an empty Poké Ball and made a show of asking Abra. Abra pushed the button and was instantly caught and transferred to Oak.

Nurse Joy went to her computer to email the instructions and how she treated Abra to Oak. "By the way, are you Misty Waterflower?" Nurse Joy asked when she was done and Misty nodded. Nurse Joy took out a package and gave it to Misty. Misty opened it to find her Pokédex inside. Hers was blue instead of red, but she couldn't help but smile as she held it.

The next day, the three had decided to head over to the gym. Before they entered, they were shocked by a guy appearing out of nowhere. "Welcome," the man said with an amused smile on his face from the shock he had caused. "Do you three wish to challenge my daughter for a badge?"

"They do. I don't," Brock said.

"Well, welcome to the Saffron Gym. We double as not only a gym, but a psychic school for those who wish to attend," the man now known as the gym leader's father said. "I will show you to my daughter."

The man started walking and Ash, Misty, and Brock followed him to a large gym area.

"Daughter of mine," the man said as he entered and a woman appeared out of the darkness of a corner.

When she showed you could almost see the hearts in Brock eyes. He went to run up to her, about to declare his undying love, but before he got there he was picked up into the air and Sabrina's eyes glowed. "I will not date you and you will not touch me, understand?" Sabrina said in a cold voice and Brock merely nodded as he was put down.

"That was unnecessary, Sabrina," her father said.

"I actually don't blame her on that one," Misty whispered to Ash, making the boy giggle.

At that point Sabrina finally looked over at the two and paused. A small look of shock came over her face that no one besides the people who knew her best would be able to see.

"My challengers, I assume," Sabrina said, getting herself back into gym leader personality. "Misty Waterflower of the Cerulean Gym. I heard you were taking on the league. Many gym leaders are rooting for you and hoping you will one day bring back the pride to the Cerulean Gym. Don't think that means we're going to be easy on you."

Misty nodded, shocked, and then Sabrina turned over to Ash. "Ash Ketchum," Sabrina said. "A young psychic, I can see. You made mental links with two of your Pokémon. That Pikachu on your shoulder and a Charmander who is resting peacefully in his Poké Ball at the moment."

The statement shocked Misty and Brock, both looking at Ash. Ash for himself looked embarrassed. "Busted," Pikachu commented, taking a little pleasure in this since he had been telling Ash for a while to tell Misty and Brock about the mental links.

"That actually makes a lot of sense," Brock said after the shock wore off.

"I suggest you don't make any more," Sabrina continued. "Making more then three mental links can be dangerous to your mind. Now who shall go first?"

Misty stepped forward. "I will," Misty said, already taking out her Poké Ball.

Sabrina nodded and released an Abra. Misty let Squirtle out of his Poké Ball not long after. "Water Gun," Misty called, taking the first move and the water came out of Squirtle's mouth to be dodged easily by Abra using Teleport.

Every time Squirtle tried to attack, Abra teleported out of the way. Squirtle was getting frustrated. "Calm down. Take a deep breath and listen to me," Misty said. "I want you to use Rapid Spin along the whole field." Squirtle stood for a second taking a deep breath to calm down and then started using Rapid Spin along the battlefield. "Keep it up."

Sabrina was confused, wondering what Misty was doing since Abra continued to evade the attack using Teleport. Of course, Sabrina could find out very easily, but she didn't use her powers during battles. It would be unfair.

It was a couple of minutes later that Squirtle hit Abra with the Rapid Spin once Abra had reappeared. The hit caused Abra to fly up, unable to teleport. 'Bite, now!" Squirtle popped out of his shell, jumping up into the air and biting Abra right in the stomach. The dark type move caused a lot of damage on the tired out Abra.

"Finish it with Water Gun," Misty said when both Pokémon were on the ground. Abra was hit and then fainted.

"Very good, Misty," Sabrina said, returning her Abra. "With most trainers, both Pokémon are taken out with just Abra using Teleport. They and their Pokémon get frustrated and knock themselves out. You managed to keep your cool and keep your Pokémon calm."

"Thank you," Misty said, waiting for Sabrina to release her next Pokémon.

Sabrina took out a pokeball and released an Alakazam. "Squirtle, Rapid Spin," Misty said and Squirtle went for the attack.

"Confusion," Sabrina said and Alakazam's eyes glowed and Squirtle was lifted into the air and thrown away. "Psycho cut." A psychic beam came out and hit into Squirtle.

"Water Gun!" Misty called and Squirtle sent out a beam of water.

"Psybeam," Sabrina said and the beam came out and went right through the Water Gun and hit into Squirtle, knocking the Pokémon out.

Misty took out Squirtle's Poké Ball, returning him and mumbled a thank you to the ball. She then took out another Poké Ball and released Gyarados. Sabrina raised an eyebrow at the choice since it would be a very slow pokemon on land. It was clear Misty was going for power here.

"Dragon rRage," Misty said and Sabrina used Psybeam. The two attacks hit each other and caused an explosion cancelling both out.

"Teleport and Psycho Cut," Sabrina said and Alakazam started teleporting and using Psycho Cut the minute he appeared to attack Gyarados.

It was starting to drive Gyarados crazy. "Gyarados," Misty said as she saw Gyarados starting to go into Thrash. The sound of his trainer's voiced calmed him down. "Use Twister as a shield."

Gyarados let out a couple of twisters and they whirled around him, protecting him from the Psycho Cut and one knocked over Alakazam as he appeared. "Crunch," Misty said and Gyarados went in for a larger bite attack causing a lot of damage.

"Disable," Sabrina said not wanting that move to be able to be used again this battle. Alakazam eyes glowed and Gyarados was unable to use Crunch again for a while. "Confusion."

Alakazam eyes glowed with the attack hitting Gyarados. "Dragon Rage," Misty said and Gryarados let out the Dragon Rage and it hit Alakazam. After the two attacks were done, the two tired Pokémon stood there looking at each other, breathing heavily. For a second it looked like Gyarados was going to faint, but he fought the urge and lifted himself back up at the same time Alakazam fell.

"The winner is Misty," Sabrina's father announced as the two trainers returned their Pokémon.

"Very good," Sabrina said, taking a badge out of her pocket. "You deserve this one. It was a good battle. You came up with some very good strategies."

"Thank you," Misty said, taking the badge with a smile.

Sabrina nodded as she turned to Ash. "Give me an hour and then you can have your battle," Sabrina said and turned to walk away, her father following not long later.

The group left the gym and went to the Pokemon center where Misty dropped off Squirtle and Gyarados with Nurse Joy. The trio sat down to lunch and Brock and Misty looked at Ash. "So… metal links?" Misty started.

Ash laughed nervously as Pikachu smirked and Charmander asked to come out of his Poké Ball to eat. Ash released Charmander. "Well you see…" Ash started and then explained about Pikachu and then all the way to Charmander. "I didn't know how to tell you all this without sounding crazy."

The two looked at each other. "Okay," Brock said and Misty agreed.

"That's it? I kind of expected the Misty mallet for keeping such a large secret," Ash said.

"I would have thought you were crazy without Sabrina telling us first," Misty said. "Just.. no more secrets, okay?" Ash nodded with a smile, glad he such great friends.

Sabrina looked through her bookcase feeling her father approach from behind. "Why did you tell that boy's secret?" her father asked. "It's unlike you to tell a secret."

"He wanted it out,' Sabrina said, not even turning around to face her father as she picked out a book and gave it a look- through.

"Are you going to invite him to our school?" her father asked.

"He won't want to put his journey on hold long enough to master his abilities here," Sabrina said, knowing full well how that conversation would turn out. "I am going to give him the help I can." She still didn't look at her father.

"And what was that look?" her father asked. That time Sabrina didn't even respond, just made a noise indicating she didn't know what her father meant. "When you looked at Misty and Ash. There was a look like you were shocked. A young psychic with mental links walking in might be weird but not that uncommon for you to be shocked."

Sabrina sighed and closed the book, turning around to face her father finally. "This book is perfect to help Ash," Sabrina said, trying to change the topic but she knew from her fathers face that it was not working. "There is something forming between them."

"Between who?" her father asked.

"Ash and Misty. It's something I have never seen before. I can sense it's something good but it is also something they cannot know yet. It needs to form on its own without interference," Sabrina told her father. "Now I believe it's almost time for Ash to return for his battle. I will go check on my Pokémon with our healer." Sabrina left the room, the book she had chosen in hand, leaving her father there shocked.

Ash waked into the gym with Pikachu on his shoulder and Charmander beside him. Misty and Brock followed behind. "Well on time, I see," Sabrina said, appearing in the room not long after the trio arrived, her father not far behind.

"Yeah I'm ready," Ash said.

"I see you have your other link partner out,' Sabrina said, looking at the Charmander. Her eyes glowed and the book in her hand floated over to Ash. "For you. You need to learn more about your own powers. I believe an Abra you caught can help too, when she is better of course. Now, lets battle."

Sabrina took her spot on the battlefield and released her Abra. Ash gave a look to Pikachu who jumped off his shoulder to stand in front of him, letting a spark out of his cheek. "Quick Attack," Ash said and Pikachu ran off towards Abra who avoided it with Teleport. "Don't let it get to you. Continue Quick Attack. Run around the field and use Thunderbolt as you go."

Ash realized he was kind of copying Misty's strategy, but it had been a good idea. He used Misty's idea with his own twist to it. As Pikachu ran using his Thunderbolt the field looked like it was lighting up in electric. When Abra reappeared, he was hit. "Iron Tail," Ash ordered and Pikachu switched into Iron Tail real fast using the energy from the Quick Attack he had been doing and the Thunderbolt to deal an extra large hit.

It almost looked like Abra was down, but then he stood up and began to glow, surprising even Sabrina. When the glow was gone, Kadabra was in Abra's place. "Interesting,' Sabrina said. "Confusion." Kadabra's eyes glowed and Pikachu was lifted off the ground and hurt. When Pikachu was put down Ash could tell right away he was confused.

"Pikachu come on," Ash shouted his voice not seeming to get through to his buddy, so he tried the link. By the time Pikachu was able to fight off the confusion he had hurt himself badly.

"Psybeam,' Sabrina said before Ash could order a move or return Pikachu. The Psybeam hit and Pikachu was out.

"Pikachu!" Ash called, running to his starter and picking him up.

"I'm sorry Ash," Pikachu said, clearly upset.

"You did great. Let me and Sarge take care of this for now," Ash thought back, handing Pikachu over to Misty and getting back to his side of the battlefield, taking out Scyther's Poké Ball.

"Sarge, come on out," Ash said, throwing the Poké Ball and releasing his Scyther. "It's all up to me and you now, Sarge." Scyther turned his head and nodded at Ash ready for battle.

"Psybeam," Sabrina said and Kadabra let out a Psybeam.

"Use Razor Wind as a defense," Ash said and Scyther used the move Razor Wind to kick up a wind in front of him that blocked the Psybeam.

"Impressive," Sabrina complimented and then gave her Kadabra the order to teleport and then use Psybeam.

Kadabra teleported behind Scyther and used Psybeam. Scyther was quick and managed to dodge most of the attack but still got a little hurt. "Focus Energy and False Swipe."

Scyther used Focus Energy and then went charging at Kadabra to use False Swipe, but at the last second before the attack hit, Kadabra teleported out of the way. "Pursuit," Ash said and Scyther switched to the dark type move, finding Kadabra in his new location and hitting him with it.

"Confusion," Sabrina said and Kadabra used Confusion hurting Scyther.

"X-scissor now," Ash said, happy they had mastered the bug type move. Scyther put his arms in an x and charged at Kadabra, who didn't get away this time.

Sabrina knew Kadabra wouldn't last much longer and ordered another Psybeam. The move was weaker then normal, showing how tried Kadabra was. "Finish this off with Razor Wind," Ash said and Scyther used the Razor Wind, this time hitting Kadabra with it. Kadabra fell and fainted.

Sabrina took out her Poké Ball and returned her Kadabra and then released Alakazam. "Future sight," Sabrina said, deciding to start this way again. Alakazam used the move and Ash and Scyther prepared for an attack, but were surprised when nothing happened.

Ash shrugged, ordering a Quick attack and Slash combination. The move barely hit Alakazam though. "Razor Wind," Ash said and Scyther used his Razor Wind attack.

"Confusion," Sabrina said, and this time instead of the Confusion hitting Scyther, it was used on the Razor Wind. The wind moved away from Alakazam and formed a face in the air before hitting Scyther.

Ash knew Scyther was getting tired and had taken a lot of damage. "Use X-scissor," Ash said, knowing he had to finish this.

Scyther ran towards Alakzam who just stood there. When Scyther got really close, Sabrina said "Fire Punch now." Alakazam's fist was engulfed in flames and hit into Scyther's side at the same time the X-scissor hit Alakzam.

Ash watched as Scyther fell to the floor but then struggled his way back up, not ready to give up. "You're sure your good to go, Sarge?" Ash asked and Scyther nodded.

"Your Scyther is very determined. Unfortunately, this battle is over," Sabrina said as a wind picked up, confusing Ash since Sabrina didn't order an attack. Then a powerful psychic attack hit Scyther and that was it for the bug type pokemon. He was down.

Ash took out his Poké Ball and returned Scyther as Sabrina's father declared her the victor. It wasn't the first time Ash had lost a battle, but it was the first gym battle he had lost and it was a bad feeling.

"I look forward to a rematch," Sabrina said as her and Alakazam walked away.

Misty came up holding Pikachu. "It was a good battle. Let's get to the Pokémon Center," Misty said, knowing how Ash was feeling from her own loss to Surge and Ash nodded, the group running to the center and giving Pikachu and Scyther over to Nurse Joy.

It was about an hour later when Ash was called up to the desk and Pikachu came and jumped onto his shoulder. "I would have had it if Abra hadn't evolved," Pikachu thought to Ash and Ash smiled.

"Glad you're feeling better," Ash said, taking Scyther's Poké Ball and releasing him. "We're going to have to do some training for our rematch. Charmander, think you can help Scyther build up a defense to fire type moves?" That Fire Punch was in his mind and he knew it could cause problems since Scyther was his best pokemon for this gym.

"I think we can work on that," Charmander said with a smirk.

"I have some ideas on how to win," Sarge said, not surprising Pikachu and Charmander as they replied the message to Ash.

Before Ash could say more, Sabrina' father teleported in next to him, scaring him and the Pokémon. "I wish he wouldn't do that," Pikachu muttered, nearly having fallen off Ash's shoulder when Sabrina's father appeared.

"I came to check on your Pokémon. I see they are better," Sabrina father said, looking them over. "Your Scyther is very strong. I was very impressed he got up after that Fire Punch." Scyther lifted an arm, proud of the compliment. "Your Piakchu is also very strong, but I don't know if he is the right choice for this gym."

Pikachu gave a sour look at him. "Don't get me wrong. You had a good idea, but now Sabrina is at her strongest with Abra having finally evolved. The gym will just be harder when you get back. What other Pokémon do you have?"

Ash was a little suspicious of the question, but decided to tell him. Sabrina father shook his head when he heard this. "May I make a suggestion? You seem like the type who wants to catch a lot of Pokémon." Ash nodded. 'In Lavender Town there is this tower where ghost Pokémon live. I think you should try to catch one of those."

Before Ash could say anything else, Sabrina's father had teleported out leaving Ash with his thoughts as he returned Sarge and went back to Misty and Brock. "Something wrong?" Misty asked, sensing Ash was distracted.

"Sabrina's father just came and said something. I think I want to go to Lavender Town and catch a ghost type," Ash said, shocking the two. "Pikachu, Charmander, you ready to help me get a new member for our team?" Ash asked through the link.

"Always ready, Ash," Pikachu said, a little upset Ash wanted to switch him out for this gym battle, but always ready to help Ash any way Ash needed.

"No ghost can get past my flames," Charmander said, letting out a Flamethrower which hit Ash. "Oh sorry, my bad."

AN: Okay, that's an end to another chapter. Hope you enjoyed.

Ash's Pokémon(+ means still learning)

Scyther (Sarge) (M): Vacuum Wave, Quick Attack, Leer, Focus Energy, Pursuit, False Swipe, Agility, Wing Attack, Slash, Razor wind, X-Scissor, Bug Buzz+ Egg Move: Steel Wing (Locked).

Geodude (Peter) (M): Defense Curl, Tackle, Mud Sport, Rollout, Rock Throw, Magnitude. Egg move- Hammer arm (unlocked)

Pikachu (M): Thunder Shock, Thunder Wave, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Agility, Thunder+ Egg Move: Volt Tackle (locked)

Shellder (F): Tackle, Withdraw, Icicle Shard, Razor Shell, Protect, Aurora Bean, Ice Beam. Egg Move: Water Gun (unlocked)

Nidorino (M): Leer, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Drill Run, Fury Attack, Horn Attack. No egg move.

Bulbasaur (M): Tackle, Growl, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Take Down, Razor Leaf, Sweet Scent, Growth, Double Edge and Worry Seed. Egg move: Nature Power (unlocked)

Charmander (M) : Growl, Scratch, Ember, Smokescreen, Flamethrower, Metal Claw, Fire Fang, Flame Burst. Egg move: Dragon Rush (Locked)

Krabby (Rudolph) (M): Mud Sport, Bubble, Vice Grip, Leer, Harden, Bubble Beam, Mud Shot.

Misty's Pokémon:

Staryu: Harden, Tackle, Water Gun, Rapid Spin, Recover, Bubble Beam, Gyro Ball, Camouflage. No Egg Move

Seel (M): Headbutt, Growl, Water Sport, Icy Wind, Encore, Ice Shard, Ice Beam, Drill Run. Egg Move: Signal Beam.

Goldeen (F): Peck, Tail Whip, Water Sport, Supersonic, Horn Attack, Flail, Water Pulse, Aqua Ring. Egg Move: no egg move

Gloom (F): Absorb, Sweet Scent, Acid, Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, Giga Drain, Mega Drain. Egg Move: Razor Leaf(unlocked)

Squirtle (M): Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Bubble, Bite, Rapid Spin, Protect. Egg move: Aqua Jet

Gyarados (M): Tackle, Thrash, Bite, Dragon Rage, Twister, Crunch