Alexis was currently sitting on a throne-like chair that was at the end of the Saffron Gym's battlefield, intensely focused on her handwork. She blew upwards, getting her dirty blonde hair out of her view, and continued painting her toenails to match her scarlet fingernails. She was just about done with the last toe when the gym doors slammed open and the voice of an obnoxious pokémon trainer echoed through the gym. Alexis quickly finished up and stood to face the annoying trainer entering the main room.

"I am here to challenge Sabrina of the Saffron Gym for the Marsh Badge!" yelled the trainer. 'Do all challengers have this rehearsed?' Alexis thought to herself, 'Or are they all just unoriginal?'

"One, use your inside voice. Two, Sabrina is out currently on an important meeting and will return at a later time. Meanwhile, you can challenge me instead to see if you can even handle a battle with Sabrina," Alexis told the challenger.

"I'm Tanner Garrison and I'll beat you and Sabrina with ease," the boy said with arrogance. Alexis then narrowed her green eyes to a glare. 'So that's how it's going to be then.'

"Three, I'm Alexis Barrett and I will fuck you up!" Alexis then called for Darcy, the gym's battle referee, to judge the match. Alexis got in position on her side of the battlefield while Tanner was on the opposite end. She fixed the Marsh pendant on her white choker before reaching for her pokéball containing Alakazam. 'Ugh, I hate challengers like this. I'll show him what a real pokémon trainer can do.' She thought before releasing her Psi Pokémon to the field.

"Wow, really? An Alakazam? My Mightyena will make quick work of that," Tanner haughtily said with a smirk. He made a grand gesture of sending out his Mightyena who roared in anticipation.

"This will be a One-on-One match between Alexis and the challenger, Tanner. That means each trainer is only allowed one pokémon, do I make myself clear?" Asked Darcy to which both trainers responded with a nod, "Now, I want to see a clean match. The battle will end when a pokémon is no longer able to battle. Begin!"

"Alakazam, start this battle out with Miracle Eye!" Alexis shouted to her pokémon while Tanner countered with a Bite attack. Alakazam glared at the charging Mightyena while his eyes sparkled. Mightyena was then surrounded by a dark purple aura and she stopped in her tracks. She became really confused and whimpered at the aura, suddenly feeling vulnerable. Alakazam closed his eyes and the aura disappeared when he opened them again.

"What did you do to her?!" Tanner yelled in surprise.

"I guess you'll find out, won't you?" Alexis said, "Alakazam use Psybeam!" The Psi Pokémon closed his eyes and focused his telekinetic energy on his spoons.

"Mightyena use Bite again!" Tanner said confidently, "He can't stop you with that attack." She once again started charging at Alakazam while he crossed his spoons. Mightyena was almost upon him when Alakazam opened his eyes and shot a multicolored beam directly at her from the crossed spoons. Mightyena was hit square in the face and blown backward.

"What?! That's not possible. You're cheating somehow," The challenger complained.

"It's not cheating, it's called skill. You kinda need it to win a Gym Badge." Alexis retorted.

"Then what did you do?"

"I used Miracle Eye," Alexis told him, grinning ear to ear. "Miracle Eye removes the immunity that Dark-type Pokémon have to Psychic moves. With that out of the way, I can thoroughly DESTROY YOU. Alakazam use Psycho Cut!" Alakazam focused his telekinetic energy again and the spoons started to glow with a light purple aura.

"Mightyena get up and use Dig to dodge it!" Tanner ordered his pokémon. The dark hound quickly dug into the dirt just as the arcs of purple energy hit where she was standing. Alexis gritted her teeth, trying to figure out where Mightyena could be. She heard a rumbling and tried to find the source. Mightyena burst out from behind Alakazam but Alexis was too late to warn him.

Alakazam was knocked to the ground by the attack while Mightyena dug back underground before the pokémon could counterattack. 'Hmm... cowardly but effective.' Alexis thought to herself as she curled her toes. 'Patience will be key now.' She kept a cool exterior and waited for the rumbling noise of the approaching Mightyena.

As the Bite Pokémon burst through the ground next to Alakazam, Alexis called out to her pokémon to use Reflect. Alakazam crossed his spoon just in time to create a round, blue barrier around himself which Mightyena crashed into. She growled at Alakazam as Tanner called out to use Swagger. Mightyena bared her teeth and her eyes started glowing as she walked closer to the Psi Pokémon.

Suddenly, blue barrier dropped as Alakazam's eyes started turning a light shade of red and was holding his head in confusion. It was that moment that Mightyena charged at Alakazam again with Bite. She latched onto Alakazam's arm hard and the Psi Pokémon yelled in pain.

'Come on Alakazam, snap out of your confusion already. You have like 5,000 IQ points so use them and attack Mightyena with Confusion!' Alexis yelled in her mind. As if listening to her, Alakazam suddenly focused his eyes and they started to turn a dark red. Alexis was startled that there seemed to be some kind psychic bond between them. Alexis snapped out of her thoughts as she watched the black waves of energy launch from Alakazam's spoons, knocking Mightyena off of her psychic pokémon. Alexis recomposed her cool exterior and swiftly commanded Alakazam to use Psycho Cut.

Mightyena stumbled a bit ways from Alakazam as his spoons start glowing purple again. Soon purple arcs of psychic energy were shot towards the dark hound, who was barely regaining her concentration. The Bite Pokémon was hit by the first few crescent blades before it was able to use Protect as Tanner ordered.

Mightyena's body became surrounded in a light green energy as a green barrier appeared and deflected the last couple Psycho Cuts. At an opening, Tanner told Mightyena to use Toxic. She growled and flattened her body before launching herself at Alakazam. Before he could dodge, Mightyena sank her poisoned fangs into Alakazam's leg, leaving a purplish bruise. It wasn't until she pulled away that a similar purple mark appeared on Mightyena's leg as well.

"Synchronized? Are you kidding me?" Tanner asked through clenched teeth as both pokémon became noticeably weaker. Alexis rolled her eyes and instructed Alakazam to use another Confusion.

"We need to finish this battle quickly Alakazam," Alexis instructed as his eyes turned dark red again. The attack was shot weakly but barely dodge by a slow Mightyena digging underground. 'Damn, this poison is really taking its toll,' Alexis thought but was relieved to hear a familiar rumbling, 'Get ready Alakazam.'

As Mightyena jumped out of the ground to tackle Alakazam, Alexis quickly commanded to use Confusion. The waves of psychic energy pushed the dark pokémon and left her a bit disorientated.

"Finish it off with Psycho Cut," Alexis instructed her pokémon. Alakazam put the last of his energy into the attack and Mightyena couldn't dodge it fast enough. Darcy, who had been watching the match intently, rose her right green flag and declared the unconscious Mightyena unable to battle making Alexis the winner. As Tanner returned Mightyena to her pokéball, Alexis fed Alakazam a Pecha Berry.

Turning to face Tanner, Alexis witnessed him storming out of the Gym. Darcy jumped down from the pedestal she was stationed at and walked over.

"Great battle today Lexi!" Congratulated Darcy, "Way to put him in his place. Maybe now he'll learn not to underestimate a gym by its type."

"Any good trainer would know that," Alexis responded, "He just has a far way to go to being one. Return Alakazam, good job today." She pulled out his pokéball and a red beam returned Alakazam to his home.

"So you've been practicing huh? Sabrina must be elated! Well, as much as she can be with her cold exterior," Darcy laughed but Alexis looked at her, confused.

"What are you talking about?" Alexis asked.

"You know, because she's always so monotone," Darcy replied as if it was obvious.

"No, I meant about practicing."

"Haven't you been trying to develop your psyche?"

"No. Well I mean here and there, yeah. But not really anymore, I gave up rather recently," Alexis looked somewhat bashful, "Years of failure kinda did that."

"Well, it seems like you made a breakthrough Lexi," Darcy commented, "Sabrina will want to hear about this. She hasn't given up on your ability just yet."

"Really?" Alexis said, surprised. Darcy nodded, "Although knowing her, Sabrina probably knew you would eventually develop it all those years ago when she first chose you as her trainee."

"Sabrina truly is a wonder," Alexis smiled.

Alexis had taken a nap later that afternoon in the throne chair. Being absolutely exhausted from her fight, she closed the gym earlier than usual and curled up on the chair. She didn't wake until hours later, giving a big yawn and stretching her arms. Alexis rubbed her eyes awake before wondering out loud what the time was.

"About a quarter to six."

Alexis jumped and quickly turned to the voice on the right.

"Sabrina, how long have you been there?"

The Gym Leader of the Marsh Gym was currently meditating in the air next to her Abra with her eyes closed.

"I actually just got back from the Indigo League meeting."

"And? Is it time?"

Sabrina smiled and opened her blue eyes. Turning to face Alexis, she said, "Yes Lexi, you're going back to Trainer High."

"Yes! I've had my bags packed for weeks. When's the pickup time?" Alexis asked, giddiness flowing through her.

"Tomorrow morning at the Vermilion Harbor. I think they're picking you up in the S.S. Anne."

"Really? Man, I gotta go call Ange about this!" Alexis started to go off before stopping suddenly and turning back around, "I almost forgot to mention, there was a trainer here earlier. He called me and in the middle of our battle, something happened." Sabrina just stared at her so Alexis took it as a cue to continue.

"I think I might have psychically connected with my Alakazam and commanded him to use an attack using telepathy."

"Really?"

"I mean, it all could've been a coincidence but maybe it wasn't? I think after all these years, I might have got it." Alexis smiled, proud of herself. Sabrina nodded and said that it was very likely.

"I always knew you'd eventually develop it, now just to make it stronger. You'll have to practice when you get to the school but I'm sure you can work that out fine," concluded Sabrina with Alexis nodding in agreement, "Now, go on home and go to sleep. We have to get there early tomorrow."

With a pop, Alexis, Sabrina, and an Abra appeared at the Vermilion Harbor where the S.S. Anne was already docked. Alexis was wearing a backpack and carrying a duffel bag in each hand. She quickly dropped them though and sat on them because the floor was burning.

"Why is the ground so hot?" Alexis asked while rubbing her feet. Sabrina just smirked and said that she probably shouldn't walk barefoot everywhere to which Alexis mentally stuck her tongue out.

"Fine, just until I get on the dang ship." Alexis pulled out a pair of black flip-flops to wear and put them on her feet. She stood up and looked around, "Hmm... Ange isn't here yet. Of course, she's late." Alexis then turned to Sabrina and Abra before bowing slightly.

"I think I've got it from here Sabrina. And thanks for the ride Abra," Alexis bent down to pat Abra's head.

"Just remember to call your family when you get to the school. You know how your brother gets," Sabrina stated.

"I will, I will."

"Alright, I will see you later Alexis. Have a good second year at Trainer High." And with that, Sabrina and Abra had teleported away. Alexis sighed and turned to face the ship again. She carried her things over to a pile of luggage that the other Trainees started to make before making her way over to the attendant. When she got to the desk, there was a tan teenage girl with somewhat wild hair that was having a complication.

"I'm sorry Miss, the computer is having trouble reading your ID."

"But it should work... Just try again maybe?"

"I did Miss and it's not being read."

"But Brock is my older brother. I'm supposed to be on this ship to Trainer High."

"Without any proper identification Miss, you won't be able to board or attend the school. I'm sorry."

"If I may suggest something?" Alexis said hesitantly as the attendant and the girl turned to face her, "You can show her your Pokédex which will show your trainer ID. I mean, it's not the Trainer High ID card but it would show if you really are related to Brock."

"Thanks," said the girl before reaching into her own backpack and pulling out the red computing device. She opened it and showed it the attendant, "See, I am Raquel Landen Harrison. Daughter of Flint Harrison, younger sister of Brock Harrison." The attendant hesitated for a bit but eventually nodded.

"That should be good enough. Just remember to renew your card as soon as possible Miss Harrison. Here are your keys. Next?"

Alexis walked up to the desk as Raquel slowly left up the stairs. She handed the lady her Trainer High ID which was quickly swiped and accepted.

"Welcome, Miss Alexis Barrett. Here are your keys and I hope you have a nice trip." Alexis started walking up the stairs when she saw a familiar head of ebony hair putting down her bags.

"Angela!" Alexis called out and the girl turned around and smiled at her.

"Hey, Lexi! Long time, no see girl!" Angela walked over and gave her friend a big hug. "How've you been?"

"Excited! I've been counting down the days till school started again."

"Nerd." Angela teased her friend as they walked up to the attendant. "You're too happy about this school."

"Just a feeling, that's all. This year, Trainer High will be great."