"Why are you training so early in the morning?" Max said, rubbing his eyes under his glasses. He walked up to the tired, sweating, Kalos girl who was wiping her brow. "Have you gotten any sleep last night?"

"A little," Serena said. Braixen and Sylveon breathed heavily. Max could hear their lungs wheezing as they slumped on the floor. Pikachu, Pancham, and Trapinch, while also panting, still had some energy left as they Iron Tailed, Dark Pulsed, and Feint Attacked each other.

"How about you? What are you doing here so late?" she asked, her hands on her knees. "You didn't eat dinner with us."

Max shrugged. "I slept on a couch. It's tough being a manager for my sister, you know?"

He sat down next to Serena, legs crisscrossed on the dirt battlefield. "It's partially your fault. Reports have been wondering why the Princess of Hoenn lost against a nobody."

"I'm sorry."

"But you're not a nobody, are you?" Max said. He got up and inspected Serena's face, and she realized she wasn't wearing her sunglasses. "You're Serena. The old Kalos Queen."

"Did you tell anyone?" Serena said. Her stomach tightened.

"Maybe. Maybe not. But let's have a Pokémon battle," Max said. "If you win, I won't tell anyone. And if I win, then I have your permission to tell the media that you're here in Kanto."

"Fine," Serena said. She responded so quickly that it surprised Max. "Let's do a 2 vs 2. That's how Sabrina likes to battle."

"Okay," Max said. He got up and walked to his side of the field. "Here. You can see my Pokémon first. Come on out, Mudkip and Ralts!"

"Mudkip. The Mud Fish Pokémon," Serena's Pokédex said as it scanned the blue quadruped. "Its large tail fin propels it through water with powerful acceleration. It is strong in spite of its size."

She pointed it at the Ralts, The Pokémon looked like Diantha's Gardevoir—probably a pre-evolution. "Ralts. The Feeling Pokémon. It is highly attuned to the emotions of people and Pokémon. It hides if it senses hostility."

"Sabrina uses Psychic-type Pokémon," Max said. "Ralts will be good practice for that. Now, who will you use?"

"Pancham and Trapinch. Can you two fight?" Serena asked.

"Tra!"

"Pan!" Pancham said, getting up on his feet.

"…pika," Pikachu said, disappointed he wasn't in another battle.

"So. Ladies first," Max said, bowing.

Serena just laughed. "Pancham, Trapinch! Use Dark Pulse and Feint Attack on Ralts!"

Trapinch disappeared into the shadows, fading away as he zipped towards his enemy. Pancham, a dark orb in between his hands, held his arms backwards before launching the beam of dark energy. Both attacks met a solid barrier in front of the Ralts.

"Good Protect!" Max said. "Now power up your abilities with Calm Mind. Mudkip, use Growl to lower their Attack!"

Mudkip let out a piercing howl, causing Pancham to cover his ears and Trapinch to rub his head into the ground. Ralts put her hands together, singing a monk's hymn as she focused.

"Can you guys drown it out?" Serena said. Both Pancham and Trapinch grimaced, but they focused onto their opponents. "Great! Same plan!"

"You're so predictable," Max said. "Ralts, Protect. Mudkip, use Growl."

"What, and you aren't?" Serena said. Again, the Feint Attack and Dark Pulse struck Ralts's barrier. "Keep it up! Don't let Ralts use another attack!"

"Mudkip, you use Protect this time!" Max said. "In front of Ralts! Let's go!"

"You'll never win if you don't use any damage moves!" Serena said as Trapinch and Pancham launched their attacks, striking the new barrier.

"Defense is the best offense," Max said, smirking as he propped up his glasses with his ring finger. "You'll never touch my team."

"Don't give up!" Serena said. She swiped her hand through the air. "Use Bite and Karate Chop on Mudkip now!"

The Karate Chop came from the right and the Bite came from the left. Mudkip was propelled upwards, but it didn't look like he suffered much damage.

"You underestimate all of the Growls," Max said. "Each Growl cuts your Attack by about 50%! There's nothing you can do!"

"Shut up! You talk too much!" Serena said. "Again! And again!"

"R-ralts, use your Protect to shield Mudkip!" Max stammered.

"Too slow!" Serena said. Pancham shattered the fragile Protect, landing a Karate Chop onto the Mudkip. Trapinch, meanwhile, flipped over and landed a Bite onto the Ralts, and he wasn't letting go.

"Enough! Enough!" Max said, waving his arms. "Sheesh. You really overdo it. Return, Mudkip and Ralts. Good job."

"You haven't attacked my Pokémon at all," Serena said.

"Oh, I wasn't serious," Max said. "Seriously. Stop giving me that look. I won't give away your secret, but you should tell May eventually. Well, good luck on your gym battle. You'll need it."

He did a backwards wave, not looking back as he entered the Pokémon Center. As soon as he entered, Bonnie and Clemont exited, yawning and stretching their arms.

"You're up already, Serena?" Clemont said. "I guess I should've expected that. Your early morning battle with Max woke me up. Do you think you're ready?"

It took a while for Serena to tear her gaze from Max, but then she smiled and actually flexed an arm. "Yup! Tuck won't stand a chance. Right, Pikachu?"

"Pi Ka chu~."

"Is Sabrina really Tuck?" Bonnie said, her eyes wide.

Serena nodded. "There's only three girl gym leaders in Kanto. I don't think it's Misty. It could be Erika, the gym leader of Celadon, but I think it's Sabrina. Mewtwo is a Psychic type too, remember? I know it. I can feel it."

It took a while for the three friends to find the Saffron City gym, but once they saw it, there was no mistaking it. It was a large, grey, and solemn building with an unusual dome-shaped roof.

"Yo! Champ in the making!" said a portly guy with glasses. He was leaning against a pillar that supported the building.

"M-me?" Serena said, pointing to herself.

"Yup. Sabrina's Pokémon use Psychic power instead of force! Fighting Pokémon are weak against Psychic Pokémon! They get creamed before they can even aim a punch!"

"Uh, thanks?" Serena said. She leaned on one of her legs, thinking about Pancham. He would be weak against Psychic, but only he and Trapinch had moves that were Super Effective against Sabrina's Pokémon.

"No problemo," said the man. "Good luck!"

When Serena walked inside, she heard the man give the same speech to another couple who approached the gym. The couple chortled, and the man said "I can't believe our gym still has that robot. A bunch of other gyms have gotten rid of it already."

The woman replied, "I know! Sabrina is so outdated. Has she been outside at all in the past few years?"

"Ha, probably not. There's no denying she's strong though," the man said. "Too bad no trainers get to see her full strength. Saffron City is smack in the middle of Kanto, so not many trainers visit here last."

The lights shut when Serena stepped onto a familiar dirt battlefield. Her feet was getting used to the texture as she kicked some of the dirt around. Bonnie clung onto Serena's legs, and Serena absentmindedly stroked her head.

"Hello! Miss Sabrina?" Clemont called out into the darkness. "Are your lights broken? I can fix them for you if you want. For free."

"Ooh," Bonnie said. "Proposing to girls before I can even ask? You're growing up, brother."

"B-bonnie!" Clemont said, and Serena giggled. But that wasn't the only giggle in the room.

The lights turned back on to show the girl from Saffron City. Serena had to admit it—Sabrina looked a lot different than from what she expected. She had white pale skin that matched her pants, and a cheerful spaghetti-strap pink top. Her black hair was long and neat, and her only alarming feature were the green bands on her wrists.

"Sabrina?" Serena said. She clenched her fists. "I would like to challenge you to a gym battle. I have two badges, but don't underestimate me!"

Sabrina cocked her head. She didn't say a word but waved a hand around. Bonnie and Clemont got the message and scampered to the side of the battlefield.

"My daughter has enjoyed your performance yesterday," said a man she didn't notice. She turned to see the baseball-cap wearing man on the referee's square. He looked remarkably like Professor Birch—he had his sideburns and hair—but he was much older.

"T-thank you," Serena said. While his tone was pleasant, Serena felt something was off. The hair on her head was crawling.

He tilted his head. "She's curious. Curious indeed. Why have you been training for Pokémon battles when you have so much potential in Pokémon Contests?"

"That's none of your business," Serena said. That struck a nerve. She remembered the article about Pokémon I.V.s, and she gritted her teeth.

The man just looked at her, his face stoic. "I'm sorry, child. It seems like Sabrina wants to teach you a lesson. About how this world is harsh. She could see the conflict in your heart. Do you still wish to battle?"

"Of course," Serena said.

The man coughed, clearing his throat. "This doubles battle between the gym leader of Saffron City and Serena will now begin! Serena is allowed to substitute her Pokémon at any time. While the challengee can only use two Pokémon, the challenger can use up to all six. Are we ready?"

Sabrina had a barely perceptible nod. Serena's feet froze. That was it. She was so sure. That nod, the silence. It was exactly like Tuck.

Not to mention she never said her name.

Two Pokéballs rolled onto the field, and they released two grinning Pokémon.

"Alakazam," Serena's Pokédex said. "The Psi Pokémon. It does not like physical attacks very much. Instead, it freely uses extra-sensory powers to defeat foes."

Serena didn't scan the other one. She knew what it was, and it made her furious.

"Gengar isn't a Psychic type," she said. "Why are you using it? That's not allowed."

"Common misconception, young lady," Sabrina's father said. "Most gym leaders specialize in one type, but that does not mean they're forced to."

That threw a wrench in her plans, but she wasn't going to let it show on her face. "You're up first! Pikachu, Sylveon!"

"Pika pika!" Pikachu said, hopping down onto the field.

"Brother, why isn't she using some of her other Pokémon first?" Bonnie asked. "Isn't Sylveon weak against Gengar's Poison type moves?"

"Correct," Clemont said. "But maybe she wants to wear her Pokémon down first. Remember, Serena can use all of her Pokémon."

"Battle start!" Sabrina's father said, raising a hand.

"I'll go first," Serena said. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on Gengar! Sylveon, Swift on Alakazam!"

Sabrina waved an arm, making Serena shiver again. It was exactly like Tuck's commands. How did she talk to her Pokémon like that? Regardless, Gengar unleashed a glob of poison towards the Swift and the Thunderbolt, deflecting the two attacks. This left Pikachu wide open to the purple energy beam from the Alakazam.

"I think that was Sludge Bomb and Psybeam," Clemont said. "Serena will have to watch out. Sludge Bomb is going to hurt Sylveon."

"Pikachu, are you okay?" Serena said as Pikachu skidded back.

"Pika! Chu!"

"Great! Change of plans. Let's try the strategy we practiced last night. Sylveon, use Protect! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

Sabrina narrowed her eyes. Pikachu's electricity arced above the Protect and slammed down onto the Alakazam. The Pokémon's bones flickers as the electricity shocked him. The gym leader then waved another hand, high above her head, and Pikachu and Sylveon flung up into the sky.

"Pikachu! Sylveon!" Serena said. It's been a while since she cupped her mouth with hands. The mouse and the fox were being flung up and down, from the ceiling and into the floor. "T-try to use Electro Ball! And Draining Kiss! Onto the Alakazam!"

With a squeak, the electric and fairy Pokémon unleashed their attacks. But while they hit the Alakazam, forcing the Pokémon to his feet, it didn't stop the assault. It only ended when Pikachu and Sylveon were unresponsive, falling to the floor with a thump.

"Sylveon! Pikachu!" Serena cried, running to the Pokémon. She picked them up and held them close to her chest.

"While your intuitions were correct, you attacked the wrong Pokémon," the man said. "Gengar was the one who used Psychic."

"Why?" Serena said, her knees on the floor. "Why did you use so much force? You didn't have to do that to faint them! I thought…I thought Pokémon battles were supposed to be fun, but not like this! This is insane."

"Because you will face an opponent who uses similar tactics," the man said. Serena's heart froze.

"Are you Tuck?" she screamed. "Where's Ash? Where on earth is he?"

"She and I will neither confirm nor deny these allegations," he said. "But sitting there is not going to help. Stand up and fight."

"Pancham! Braixen! You two are up!" Serena said, whipping out those Pokéballs with a lot of unnecessary force. She gave her orders as she ran back to her side. "Braixen, use Psybeam on Gengar! Pancham, use Dark Pulse on Alakazam!"

The attacks met another Shadow Ball and Psybeam, causing an explosion. When the smoke cleared, Serena saw that Pancham and Braixen were sleeping.

"Hey. Hey, wake up!" she said. "Ash is nearby! This is important. Please, wake up!"

Something seeped out of their ears and floated all the way to Gengar. Opening his wide grin, Gengar ate the dreams in one big munch. As soon as that happened, Pancham and Braixen cried out, still sleeping but also crying.

"Brother, brother, what happened?" Bonnie said.

"It looks like they were hit by Hypnosis during the explosion," Clemont said. "And then Gengar used Dream Eater! He ate their dreams."

Bonnie sniffed. "Kanto gym leaders are scary," she said. "How did Ash get eight badges here?"

"Wake up!" Serena said again. "Please! He can't hurt you if you're awake!"

Braixen's eyes snapped open. Pancham rubbed his eyes before asserting a karate pose. Serena smiled as she wiped a small tear away with a finger. "Thank you! Okay, now use Stone Edge and—"

She didn't finish her order when Braixen and Pancham began flying up to the ceiling, their bodies glowing purple.

"Fire Blast and Dark Pulse! Onto Gengar!" Serena said as the two Pokémon slammed into the ceiling. Serena clutched her chest as the attacks formed. As they were pushed by the invisible force to the floor, Serena knew it would hit. They had trained for this. Aiming at moving targets, focusing when they were under fire. She knew she could trust them.

The Gengar was engulfed in flames, and he flailed his arms, his usual mischievous grin replaced with a panicked face. But that didn't stop the Psychic. Braixen and Pancham were still being tossed up and down like a ragdoll in a dollhouse.

Then she realized it. "Fire Blast! Dark Pulse! Onto the Alakazam!" she said, but when she said it she knew it was too late. Braixen and Pancham dropped to the floor, unconscious.

"If only you figured it out a little sooner," Sabrina's father said. Serena wordlessly returned the Pokémon to their balls. "You were correct. This time it was Alakazam who used Psychic. Do not treat my daughter lightly. Her mind will play tricks on yours. Do you have any Pokémon left?"

Serena fumbled with the last Pokéball. Biting her lip, she said "Trapinch! It's all up to you!"

"Tra! Tra!" the Pokémon said as he materialized. He was looking confident, something Serena did not share.

"Trapinch," Serena said in a low voice. "Please. You're my last hope. This might be the most important battle in my life. We have to win, okay?"

"Tra!" he asserted. Serena's heart melted. Here she was, relying on her baby Pokémon that only hatched a few days ago. It was supposed to be the other way around. She was a bad trainer, wasn't she?

"Faint Attack! On Gengar, while he's injured!" Serena said. With a brave "Tra!" Trapinch disappeared into the darkness. Gengar couldn't react. The ground Pokémon landed a direct hit, sending the ghost Pokémon flying.

"Yay! Trapinch!" Bonnie said, cheering. Clemont, meanwhile, was more subdued.

"I don't know how she'll deal with their Psychic," Clemont said. "Not only is it very powerful, but it's very accurate. I don't think Trapinch has any attacks to deal with it."

Right on cue, Trapinch was flying. It actually looked like he enjoyed it until he slammed into the ceiling. And then the floor. And then the ceiling again.

"Bide!" Serena said. Both she and Trapinch closed their eyes and shook every time Trapinch collided with the gym. But with every collision, Trapinch glowed brighter and brighter.

Serena was about to issue a command but she hesitated. Who was using the Psychic? The Gengar or the Alakazam? How could she tell? First it was the Gengar and then the Alakazam. Neither of them looked like they were using the attack, both of their pupils watching the flailing Trapinch.

Wait. Serena's gut twisted. It was an impossible situation. Could Trapinch..? Yes. Yes he could. She trusted him. She knew he could do it."

"Release Bide on Gengar!" she yelled. "And then use Bide again!"

The massive blast looked like it evaporated Gengar as he flung back. He didn't hit the ground—Sabrina caught him in his Pokéball. Her face was still expressionless, and Trapinch was still flailing up and down.

"Oh no! Did Serena guess wrong?" Bonnie asked.

It clicked for Clemont. "No, they're both using Psychic! Trapinch has to survive against Alakazam now. Can he do it?"

The tempo of Alakazam's pushes and pulls was growing faster and faster. Trapinch wailed, but Serena was feeling a different sensation. "I'm close…I'm so close!" she thought. "Just a tiny more…just a tiny more and we can find Ash!"

"Hang in there Trapinch!" she said. "Please!"

The Bide began forming in Trapinch's mouth. Time seemed to slow as Serena watched Trapinch twirl and aim. She could almost taste the victory. Soon, oh so soon, she would be able to hug Ash, tell him all of her regrets she had while she was gone, and quit this stupid battling and go back to Pokémon Performances…

And then Trapinch hit the floor. The Psychic wasn't the one that slammed him. It was just gravity as Trapinch's leg twitched, the white light from Bade fading from his jaw.

"Trapinch? Trapinch!" Serena said. "You can get up, right? C'mon. I know you. You're stubborn. Get up. It only hurts a little."

"And Trapinch has fainted," Sabrina's father said, raising an arm. "And the winner is—"

"NO!" Serena shrieked, a piercing noise that cut through everybody's ears. "Trapinch has not fainted! He can get up! You used Hypnosis on him, right? He's only sleeping! Trapinch, hey, wakey wakey, or Gengar will eat your dreams."

"He's unconscious," the man said. "You lost. It was a good battle. Just a little harder, perhaps another hour of hard work, and then you might've won."

"No! He's still awake. He's trying his hardest to crawl up. I've been trying my hardest to train." She scurried up to Trapinch, the Pokémon still motionless and on his back. "Trapinch. Hey. We're so close. Remember how you would like to never give up? Now's the time. Out of all important times."

"Tra….?" Trapinch said weakly.

"See? He's awake! He can fight!" Serena said, getting up and pointing at him. She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Serena," Clemont said. It was hard for him to speak because his throat was dry. "It's okay. We've lost. Let's fight another day."

It took a while for Serena to take in Clemont's words. And then she did something he never thought she'd do.

She slapped her Pokémon.

"Trapinch, why couldn't you get up earlier?" Serena said. "Why? Why are you on my team? Why did you decide to hatch? Don't you understand? I trusted you to beat her! Ash is here! Right here! I can feel it! If only you were a little stronger then you could've—"

"Get out," said a gruff voice, and Serena could feel herself being lifted by the scruff of her shirt. She choked on her spit. "Get out. I don't want to see you in this gym for, I don't know, at least three badges. Or ever. You don't deserve to be a Pokémon trainer. I don't know why I tried to help you."

Serena expected Sabrina's father to be the one lifting her up, but it was actually Sabrina who said those words. The girl's eyes glared at her while the tips of her fingers glowed—she wasn't actually holding onto Serena's shirt.

"Let me see him!" Serena wailed as she was slammed into the door. "Please! He's right here, isn't he? I want to see him! I'm tired! I can't handle it anymore! Please please please please just let me—"

But she was unceremoniously tossed out. It was raining as she and the ground Pokémon lied in a puddle, both crying and wondering where they went wrong.