Seishin: Rob … you made it the title, so PLEASE let us do the song.

Ohirume: Go ahead.

Seishin: Seriously?! Come ON, Rob! You're actually going to pass up a- … wait what?

Ohirume: Well, yeah. Go for it.

Seishin: YES!

Omega: Wait a second. Which are you planning to do?

Seishin: The best one. 99.

Omega: *crazed laughing* Oh man, that's good! No. Everyone knows 99.9 is better.

Seishin: Oh, Yvel No!

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Gym Psycho 100

.

Brock looked at Ash with a raised brow, "Hey, what did Team Rocket mean when they said you could turn into something to track them?"

Misty looked over too, "Yeah. That was kinda weird."

Soot blinked in surprise, "Oh, you heard that, too."

Ash sweat dropped, "You're not gonna like the answer."

Seishin: If everyone is not special

Maybe you can be what you want to be

You're searching for the answers

You will find them all

In TIIIIME!

.

*The next morning; Breakfast

The group continued on their way to Saffron for Ash's fourth Gym battle. Ash was currently a few feet away in vaporeon form; getting a head start on the move training he promised. That left Soot to explain things to Brock and Misty.

"WHAT?!" The Gym leaders cried out in alarm.

Soot sighed, "We warned you."

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?!" Brock asked worriedly.

"We wanted to wait until you guys got a little more used to everything before dropping this bombshell." Soot explained, "We were worried you'd freak out."

Misty's eye twitched, "How on earth could we not freak out?! You're telling us Team Rocket knows about the watch!"

Soot titled her head, "Well, yes and no."

"What?" Brock asked in confusion.

"Look," Soot started, "those idiots know that dad can transform and that he's my actual dad. But, not for the reason you think. They heard about the Phantom Child thing and came to the conclusion that he was the Phantom Pokémon."

Misty deadpanned, "That doesn't sound better."

Soot frowned, "I thought the same thing at first. But, while we were trapped on Pokémon Land, Meowth told me that only the three of them knew about their theory. I don't know why, but they're keeping it a secret."

Brock rubbed the back of his head, "Still, that's unsettling. Why would they think that, though? It seems like a pretty big leap."

"It was after dad turned into Braviary at Melanie's place." Soot explained, "Meowth heard him talking and recognized his voice."

Misty raised a brow, "What?"

Soot sweat dropped, "Oh, right. When dad turns into a Pokémon, his voice usually sounds the same to other Pokémon. The only exception, so far, is Banette whose voice is distorted by a small echo."

"Oh." Brock and Misty said.

"Vapor!/Alright!" Ash cheered.

Soot, Brock, and Misty looked over to see a tired Starmie in front of a partially frozen tree.

Misty smiled brightly and shot a fist into the air, "Alright! Way to go, Starmie!"

A loud clang rang through the area. They looked over right as Onix's tail lost its metallic sheen against the pillar that Stone Edge set up.

Ash tilted his head, "Huh, what do ya know? Element style."

Brock smiled and cheered, "That's amazing, Onix! Keep up the good work!"

The rock snake smiled back.

Ash nodded, "Nice work, guys. Practice on your own for a bit." He hit the symbol, switch to Mightyena, and turned to Geodude, "Now, let's get started on Hidden Power."

Geodude smirked and clenched a fist, "Alright!"

Ash perked up and looked at his River Crab, "Hey Krabby, do you wanna join in?"

"Finally!" Krabby cheered as he scuttled over excitedly.

Omega: Get ready! Wake your psyche up, Mob!

Get ready! Dig your anger up Mob!

Get ready! Wake your psyche up, Mob!

GET READY!

.

**Time Skip**

The group continued their journey to Saffron. They were currently walking through a dark, eerie forest.

Misty looked around warily, "Are we sure we're going the right way?"

Ash nodded, "Yeah. We should be able to see Saffron from a cliff up ahead."

Soot nodded too, "We'll warn you when we get close."

Brock and Misty stopped walking and started looking around in confusion. Pikachu and Clefairy perked up and looked around from Ash's shoulders.

"Where's that coming from?" Misty asked.

Ash looked back at them, "Where's what coming from?"

Brock looked at him, "You don't hear that giggling?"

Soot raised a brow, "What are you talking about?"

Pikachu pointed into the distance, "Look! There she is!"

Everyone looked where the mouse pointed.

Soot sweat dropped, "What am I looking at?"

Clefairy pointed, "That little human. Don't you see her?"

Ash gave her a confused look, "What?"

Misty took a step towards that direction, "Hello? Do you live around here?"

"Are you lost?" Brock asked in concern.

Ash and Soot shared a worried look.

"Hey wait!" Misty called out before breaking into a sprint, "We're trying to help you!"

Ash's eyes widened when he saw which direction she was headed.

Brock was about to follow when Ash shot past him. Pikachu and Clefairy fell to the ground and stared in shock.

Brock looked down at Soot, "What was that about?"

Soot's stared ahead; wide eyed, "That's the direction the cliff is in."

They heard Misty screaming in the distance.

"Gotcha!" Ash called out.

Brock and the Pokémon ran after Ash and Misty.

Seishin: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-8-9-10

11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17-18-19

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, Looking for trouble so let's pump it up

26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Look inside yourself with telepathy

31, 32, 33, 34, 35, Asking for too much it's a psycho showdown!

36, 37, 38, 39, 40, A salty splash of younger days!

.

*Cliff

"A psychic illusion?" Brock asked.

Soot nodded, "Right. Sabrina's a human psychic and one the strongest alive today. That girl you saw was probably an illusion she sent to toy with us."

Misty's eyes narrowed, "She tried to lead me off a cliff."

Ash sweat dropped, "Her track record is pretty shaky."

Brock raised a brow, "If that's true, then why didn't either of you see her?"

"Soot's a Dark-type and is naturally immune to most Psychic influences. As for me," Ash held up his watch, "Power Integration. The mightyena, Calm Mind, and now butterfree DNA gives me a resistance and the know how to set up mental barriers. On the downside, I can't 'hear' telepathic Pokémon."

Misty sighed in relief, "Regardless, thanks for the save." She looked over the edge, "I don't even want to know what would have happened if I fell from here."

Soot looked out into the distance, "At least we found the city."

Everyone looked over and saw the lit up Saffron City.

"Oh, wow, it's beautiful." Misty said with smile.

Clefairy's eyes lit up, "So shiny."

Soot frowned, "Still, we need to be careful. Sabrina might send more illusions."

Ash nodded and started walking alongside the cliff, "Watch your step and speak up if you see something unusual."

Everyone else followed.

Brock looked over at Ash, "So, what's your plan for battling Sabrina?"

Ash frowned, "I'm afraid telling you guys would be a bad idea."

Misty raised a brow, "What?"

Ash continued, "Sabrina's powers can extend far enough to send an illusion almost a half mile past the city limits. The closer we get, the higher chance she'll read your minds and figure out my strategy."

Brock flinched and stopped dead in his tracks, "Wait! If she can read our minds, then she'll find out about the watch!"

Misty grimaced, "You're right!" She looked over at Ash with a frown, "Maybe we should stay back on this one."

Ash smiled sadly and shook his head, "Don't worry about that. She already knows."

"WHAT?!" Everyone, even Soot, cried out in alarm. Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy blinked and looked at Soot in surprise.

Soot noticed, "Seriously, I'm just as surprised as you." She looked at Ash, "Dad, how could Sabrina know about the watch? We've never been to Saffron before."

Ash raised a brow, "I came here as Quick Attack, remember?"

Misty blinked in surprise, "What? But I thought Sabrina couldn't read your mind."

Ash shook his head, "I don't have my resistance as Quick Attack." He smiled softly, "Besides, the only way we could have kept it a secret would be for Soot and I to go in alone. And I'd rather not leave you all behind."

His friends smiled softly at that.

"Thanks." Misty said before frowning, "Still, how will know she'll keep it a secret."

Ash frowned, "We won't." He shifted to a soft smile, "But I wouldn't have it any other way."

Omega: Coming down. Can you feel your satisfaction?

You're a Mob. Can you feel your frustration?

Coming down. Can you feel your satisfaction?!

You're a Mob. What you want to be?

You still-

.

*City limits

The group walked through the city's main entrance. Everyone except Ash and Soot looked around warily for more illusions. Before this, there were eighteen false alarms.

Right as they walked through the entrance, firecrackers started going off around their feet. Everyone jumped and shouted in alarm.

Misty flinched, "Ah! It's another illusion!"

"No, this one's real." Soot said in a bored tone.

'Two' women dressed like hula dancers ran up and started putting leis around the group's necks. They quickly planted a kiss on either of Brock's cheek. The Rock trainer blushed and smiled stupidly.

The 'brunette' laughed, "Congratulations, winners."

The 'orange haired' one smiled brightly, "It just so happens that you're the millionth, millionth and first, millionth and second, millionth and third, millionth and fourth, and millionth and fifth visitors to Saffron City."

Soot sweat dropped, "You're joking, right?"

The 'brunette' giggled, "Not at all." 'She' gestured down the street, "Now, please come this way for-"

"Okay, stop!" Ash shouted out of the blue, "Give it a rest, already! You already tried this at the St. Anne!"

The pair flinched.

Misty's eyes widened, "Wait, you mean-" She glared at the girl's', "Team Rocket?!"

Brock grimaced, "What?!" His face gained a green tint as he put a hand over his mouth, "Oh, dear Arceus. I think I'm gonna be sick."

"Hey! I take offense to that!" James shouted; forgetting to disguise his voice.

Brock's jaw dropped as he stared in shock. He put a hand over his mouth again and ran to a nearby bush.

Soot's ears drooped, "Poor Brock."

Ash sighed in annoyance, "Alright, I'm giving you two options. Get out of the city now." He pointed to his shoulder Pokémon, "Or they get you out."

Pikachu glared as his cheeks sparked, "Please pick number two."

Clefairy was already charging Disarming Voice.

Meowth ran out from behind a building and waved his arms, "Alright, alright! We're leavin'!"

He walked out of the city limits in a slump. His partners sighed and followed. They passed by a recovering Brock on the way out. He flinched as they passed by.

Brock trudged back through the city entrance; slumped forward with a hand on his head.

Ash looked at him with a worried expression, "Are you okay? It looked like you lost a lot of fluids."

Brock gulped, "Yeah. I think I just need to lie down."

Misty put a hand on his shoulder, "Come on, you'll feel better at the Pokémon Center."

Soot smiled slyly, "Yeah. Nurse Joy will be there."

Brock perked up, "You're right!" He started jogging into the city with a smile, "Come on! Let's hurry!"

Misty blinked, "Huh, that worked."

Everyone else ran after him.

Clefairy looked at Ash, "So, that was really Team Rocket?"

Ash nodded, "Yup."

Soot sighed, "At least now we know that they survived the canyon drop."

Seishin: MOB! MOB! What do you want?!

MOB! MOB! Why do you want?!

MOB! MOB! Who do you want?!

MOVE! MOVE! Just like MOB!

.

*Saffron Pokémon Center

"Nurse Joy!" Brock cried out in joy as her took a hold of her hand.

He started going through one of his usual pickup lines. Sorry, not my forte.

Misty sweat dropped, "Should we stop him?"

Soot shrugged, "Eh, let him have it this one time. He could use this after the whole Rocket thing."

Misty shivered in disgust at the memory, "Fair enough."

After a few minutes, Brock walked over to them in a slump. Still, he seemed better than before.

Misty smiled slyly, "Shot down?"

Brock sighed, "She already has a boyfriend."

Soot chuckled, "I'm sure it'll work out someday."

Ash walked back over from the video phones, "Alright, Butterfree's pokéball is with the professor. Let's go ahead and check in." He walked over to the front desk. Everyone else followed.

Nurse Joy smiled, "Welcome to the Pokémon Center. How may I help you?"

Ash smiled back, "Check-up, please. And I was hoping to rent a room for all of us."

The nurse nodded, "Of course." She started typing on the computer, "So, that's three rooms-"

"Um, sorry to interrupt." Ash said with a frown, "But, I was hoping to get one room for all three of us."

Brock and Misty looked at him in surprise.

Joy blinked, "Are you sure? The larger rooms require a payment."

Ash nodded, "I know. I researched the Gym leader here and wanted to do this as a precaution." He looked down at and pet Soot, "I don't want any of us getting hurt."

The Gym leaders caught on and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, please." Misty said.

"If it's not too much trouble." Brock followed.

Nurse Joy looked over the desk and saw what Ash was petting, 'Oh, Dark-type.' She smiled and nodded, "Very well, then. How long do you plan to stay?"

Ash looked back at her, "Just, tonight. I'm planning to battle Sabrina tomorrow."

Joy's eyes widened slightly. She shook it off and smiled sadly, "Very well. We can take care of the payment at the end of your stay." She pulled out three pokéball trays from under her desk, "Please place your pokéballs here."

Brock placed his three pokéballs into the first tray, Misty placed her four into the second, and Ash placed his five in the third. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down from Ash's shoulders and Soot propped herself up against the desk.

The nurse raised a brow before realizing, "Oh." She pointed at Ash, "You're the trainer my cousins in Vermillion told me about. The one with the increased carrying limit."

Ash chuckled, "Yeah, I guess I am."

Nurse Joy smiled and placed the pokéball trays and two small Pokémon on the cart, "Your Pokémon should be ready momentarily."

She wheeled the cart to the back and Soot followed her.

Misty chuckled, "I guess news travels fast between Nurse Joys."

Ash shrugged, "I don't mind. It means I don't have to explain it every time."

Brock pouted, "Why couldn't they gossip about me?"

Ash and Misty laughed.

"You there."

Everyone looked back and saw a bearded man in a green track suit with a hat covering his eyes, "You said you were here to challenge Sabrina, right?"

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'Where did he come from? I didn't hear any footsteps.' "That's right."

Brock and Misty calmed down when Ash answered him. That was clue enough that he wasn't an illusion.

The man frowned, "If you're trying to enter the Pokémon League, I suggest staying away from that Gym."

Brock looked at him in surprise, "Why's that?"

"Sabrina is a dangerous Pokémon Trainer." The man responded in a somewhat sorrowful tone, "If you go to face her, you'll only end up trapped in her toy box for eternity."

Misty's eyes widened, "I'm sorry, but did you just say 'toy box?'"

The man nodded, "For your own safety, you should leave this city and never return."

Ash glared, "I'm not backing down. I came here to challenge the Saffron leader for a Marsh Badge and I'm not letting any psychic get in my way."

Misty and Brock looked at Ash in surprise, 'Any psychic?'

The man's frown deepened, "Fine." He raised his head to look at Ash and his blue pupils started glowing red. Brock and Misty flinched at the sight.

A blue energy surrounded Ash. The man frowned in confusion when nothing more happened. Ash smirked and the energy shattered around him.

The man took a step back with a scared look on his face, "What the Yvel?!"

Ash chuckled, "Your psychic powers aren't going to work on me Mr. Esper."

Brock looked at Ash in surprise, "Esper?" He stared at the man in shock, "As in, Sabrina Esper?!"

Ash nodded, "Yeah, this is Sabrina's father."

Misty laughed and looked at Brock, "What do you know, Brock? You and Sabrina have something in common."

Brock deadpanned, "Seriously?"

Mr. Esper stared at Ash with a horrified look, "Wh-what are you? I don't sense any psychic power in you. How were you able to negate mine so effortlessly?!"

Ash shook his head, "I didn't negate it. I'm immune to psychic influence." He put a finger to his lips, "Family secret."

The man's eyes widened, "You're … immune?" He took a step forward with determined look, "Then you have to help my daughter! Please!"

Misty raised a brow, "What do mean help her?"

Mr. Esper became somber, "My daughter wasn't always the mischievous girl she is now. At a young age, Sabrina became obsessed with her psychic training. She didn't want to make friends and all she wanted was to be left alone to develop her powers." He looked down in shame, "My wife and I tried to help her, but Sabrina drove us away." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a photo, and presented it to the trio, "The conflict caused Sabrina to split into two personalities: the strong and troublesome trainer, and the lonely girl who only wants a friend."

Misty frowned as she looked at the photo, "Now I'm starting to feel bad for her."

Brock nodded before becoming surprised, "Wait a second." He looked closer at the picture, "That's the same dress that little girl from the forest was wearing."

Misty looked over and blinked in surprise, "You're right."

Sabrina's father nodded, "You've seen her doll, then. It represents her true self from before her training. Before she rejected her own heart."

Ash looked at Sabrina's father again, "Why do you think I can help her?"

The man smiled sadly, "You said it yourself. You're immune psychic powers. If anyone can defeat Sabrina, it has to be you."

Ash raised a brow, "How is defeating her in a battle supposed to help?"

Mr. Esper frowned, "If I'm being honest, I'm desperate. Sabrina has never actually been defeated by someone below an Elite Four member. All of the badges she's given out have been earned through either respect or performance."

Brock and Misty gulped at the news.

"So, you think an actual defeat may snap her out of it?" Ash asked.

Sabrina's father nodded, "At least, long enough for me to slip through and talk to her."

Ash smiled softly, "Alright. I'll do what I can to defeat her."

Mr. Esper smiled hopefully, "Thank you. And let me give you some advice. A Ghost-type Pokémon should give you advantage against Sabrina's Psychic-types. If you don't already have one, Lavender Town is going to be the best place to-

He was cut off by a ringing.

Nurse Joy pushed a cart with Pikachu, Clefairy, and all of their pokéballs on it. Soot walked next to her, "Ash Ketchum, Brock Slate, and Misty Waterflower, your Pokémon are ready."

Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down from the cart, ran over, and jumped onto Ash's shoulders. Soot walked over and sat next to Ash. The psychic's eyes widened upon seeing the canine.

The Dark-type smiled up at Ash, "Hey, dad." She noticed Mr. Esper and blinked in surprise, "Who's he?"

Ash chuckled and pet her, "I'll explain in a bit, Soot." He looked at Mr. Esper, "I think we're good."

The man blinked in surprise, "I see." His eyes flashed red and he disappeared in a flash.

"WOAH!" Everyone, except Ash, exclaimed.

"Huh." Ash blinked, "So, he can teleport."

Omega: Shroud yourself

In all these Mutinous feelings

Try to break it down!

Pass the limit, what kind of scene will you see now?!

99.9! 99.9!

A Mysterious Percentage!

.

*The next day; Saffron Gym

Everyone stood before the Saffron City Gym. They were all tense from last night. Ash had already informed all of his Pokémon about Mr. Esper and their side goal.

Ash looked back at his friends, "You guys remember what we talked about, right?"

Misty nodded, "Yeah. Stay with you and Soot, and don't get distracted."

Brock followed, "And if it feels like either of you are acting strange, we should touch one of you to make sure you're real."

Ash smiled and nodded, "Right. I looked up the building's schematics last night and have the route memorized. I'll stay up front and Soot will take up the rear."

Ash took a deep breath to calm his nerves, "Here we go."

He and the others walked up to the glass doors. They slid open automatically.

Clefairy grabbed Ash's head and cried out in alarm, "Ah! A psychic opened the door!"

Ash and Soot broke in laughter.

Soot looked up at Brock and Misty, "Clefairy didn't realize it was an automatic door. She thought a psychic opened it."

The Gym leaders chuckled along with them.

Clefairy blinked in surprise and looked at Pikachu, "Wait, so some doors can just open on their own, like that?"

The mouse sweat dropped, "Uh, y-yeah. Some of them." 'How the Yvel was I supposed to know that?!'

The group walked through one of the various hallways throughout the Gym. Luckily, Clefairy unknowingly eased some of the tension. But not all of it.

Misty frowned, "This place is kinda creepy."

Brock nodded, "I know what you mean."

Pikachu looked over to a find a green door, "What do you think is in there?"

Ash glanced over at the door, "That's one of the training rooms. This place doubles as a school for developing psychics."

Misty blinked, "Really?"

Soot walked over to the door and propped herself up against it to look through the window, "Yup, he's right."

Everyone else walked over to look through it.

Ash started pointing around the room, "See? Spoon bending for telekinesis. And cards for mind reading and/or clairvoyance."

Misty blinked and looked at Ash warily, "You seem to know an awful lot about this stuff."

Brock looked at him too, "She has a point."

Ash smiled softly, "Guys, it's me. Promise. I just studied the place before we came here."

Their looks didn't fade. They shared a look and nodded in agreement. They quickly brought up a hand and grabbed Ash's shoulder and Soot's ear.

Soot deadpanned, "Really?"

The pair smiled awkwardly and let go.

Misty chuckled nervously, "Sorry."

Brock rubbed the back of his head, "Our bad."

Ash smiled and shook his head, "Hey, I'm the one who suggested that, remember?"

"What are you kids doing here?"

Everyone looked over to see a man in a lab coat and doctor's mask glaring at them.

Ash walked up to him, "My name is Ash. I'm here to challenge Sabrina Esper for a Marsh Badge."

"You want to challenge the Great Sabrina?" The man said in a mocking tone.

Soot sweat dropped, 'The Great Sabrina?'

Ash raised a brow, "Well, yeah. This is a Gym."

The man chuckled, "You won't stand chance against her." He held up a spoon and the glared at the utensil intensely. After a second, he started grunting and his glared intensified. He started sweating from the apparent strain.

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "What's he doing?"

Pikachu looked at Ash, "Should we find help?"

The man's face started turning red. His eyes shot open and the spoon bent forward slightly.

The man breathed heavily, "Behold. *pant* The power of a psychic."

Misty sweat dropped, "Sure..."

Ash raised a brow, "Are you feeling alright?"

The man glared, "Fool. It's telekinesis. You can't control a Psychic-type Pokémon with it."

Ash deadpanned, "I know what telekinesis is. I was asking because you looked worn out."

Brock sweat dropped, "Also, there are tons of non-psychic trainers with Psychic-type Pokémon on their team."

The telekinetic grumbled and turned around, "Follow me to the Great One."

Soot snickered. Everyone followed him.

The man pulled open the doors to the battlefield, "Here we-"

"You're finally here!" Came a young, cheerful voice.

The psychic Gym Leader could be seen on the other side of the battlefield with a small smirk on her face. A pokéball shrouded in blue energy floated next to her and her doll stood next to her and smiled brightly.

The man wearing the surgical mask blinked in surprise, "Ms. Sabrina?"

Soot glared, "That's the little girl from the forest. Isn't it?"

Misty nodded, "Yeah."

Ash watched her warily, "So, you were expecting me. How much do you know?"

"Not a lot." The doll said, "Your visit last week was a little too quick." It giggled at its own joke.

The human looked at the watch on Ash's wrist, "But I found something far more valuable."

Soot's eyes narrowed, "And that is?"

Sabrina smiled wickedly, "A surprised feeling." He held out a hand towards Ash, "A trainer I can't read. A trainer I can't manipulate. One who can fight without Pokémon." She grinned, "I've finally found a real challenge."

The Gym trainer's eyes widened, "W-what?!" He looked at Ash in shock, "What is the Great One talking about?! How can you-" He stopped talking and started trembling as blue energy surrounded him.

Sabrina's eyes glowed red as she stared at the man, "That is not your concern. Leave us." The glow in her eyes faded along with the energy around the man.

He ran out of the room and shouted, "I am sorry Great Sabrina!" The doors shut behind him.

The doll waved as he left, "Bye bye."

Misty glared at Sabrina, "You can't just do that to people!"

Sabrina looked at Misty and held out a hand towards her; making the Water trainer flinch, "You are not needed here." Her eyes started to glow red. The glow faded and Sabrina's eyes widened at the scene before her.

Ash and Soot stood in front of Brock and Misty defensively. Ash glared at Sabrina with Intimidate as Brock and Misty shielded their eyes. Sabrina's floating pokéball lost the glow around it and fell to the ground. The doll became motionless with a small smile literally plastered on its face.

"My friends are off limits." Ash said in a harsh tone.

Sabrina nodded absently and continued staring.

Ash's eyes returned to normal and the humans all calmed down.

Ash looked back at his friends in concern, "Are you guys okay?"

Brock nodded with a smile, "Yeah. Thanks for that."

Misty sighed in relief, "I really thought I was a goner."

Soot smiled, "As if we'd let that happen."

"You-"

Everyone looked at Sabrina and their eyes widened at Sabrina's expression.

The Gym leader smiled crookedly, "You actually managed to scare me. Real, genuine fear." She clenched a fist, "I've never felt such a rush!" She looked at Ash greedily.

The doll put a hand to its mouth and giggled, "You're going to be my new favorite toy."

Ash gulped and glared, "You know you can't force me to stay."

Sabrina composed herself and crossed her arms, "Then, how about a wager? You came here to battle me for a Marsh Badge and to help that old man. Correct?"

Everyone flinched.

'Crag!' Ash nodded, "That's right."

Sabrina's pokéball levitated next to her again, "Then that's what we'll do. A one-on-one battle between you and my abra. You may choose any one Pokémon form you wish."

"What?!" Misty cried out.

"You're going to have Ash battle personally?!" Brock asked in alarm.

The doll nodded, "Oh yes. It'll be super fun."

Soot glared, "What happens if he loses?"

The doll smiled, "He'll have to turn into something that I can play with. And stay with me forever and ever."

Pikachu glared, "Yeah right!"

Clefairy glared too, "There's no way Ash will agree to that!"

"Deal." Ash said with a glare, "So long as everyone else is left out of it. That includes all of my Pokémon."

Everyone looked at him in shock.

Sabrina smiled, "Deal."

Soot grimaced, "Dad, are you serious?! This is way too risky! Even for you!"

Brock nodded, "We should just leave now, Ash. There are other Gyms we can try."

Misty nodded with a worried expression, "Yeah. This is too much."

Ash didn't look back, "Guys, please trust me." He removed his belt and slung around Soot's neck. He lifted Pikachu and Clefairy off his shoulders and placed them on the ground.

Clefairy hugged his arm, "Please be careful."

Ash smiled sadly and pet her, "I promise."

The trainer pulled his hatchling into a hug, "I love you, Soot." He whispered, "Pidgeotto's made a lot of progress on Ominous Wind and Geodude's Hidden Power is Ghost-type. Watch Abra closely to figure out their pattern."

Soot's eyes narrowed and she nudged up against him, "I love you too, dad."

Ash pulled away and took a deep breath before walking on to the battlefield.

Brock held out a hand, "Ash-"

"Guys," Soot said, "trust him. He's not losing this."

Ash through the trainer area and onto the battlefield. He brought up his watched and spun the dial before settling on a form.

Ash glared at Sabrina, "I'm ready when you are."

Sabrina smirked and the pokéball lurched forward, "Come now, Abra."

The Psi Pokémon emerged on the battlefield. In sat in the center and slept peacefully.

Ash hit the center of the watch and became engulfed in green light. It faded and the mightyena growled at Abra.

The doll giggled, "Awww. What a cute doggy."

Sabrina smiled wickedly, "A form with a massive type advantage that I still can't read. What's more, the only move your friends know from it is Hidden Power. Very clever."

Soot smirked, "Yeah. But what type of Hidden Power?"

Sabrina grinned, "I can't wait to find out. The first move is yours."

Ash sprang forward and charged Abra immediately. He opened his mouth and lunged.

Sabrina's eyes flashed red and Abra disappeared right as Ash Bit down on the empty space. Abra reappeared behind Ash. The Dark-type skid to a halt to turned around to face the Psychic-type.

Misty's eyes widened, "It Teleported!"

Brock grimaced, "Sabrina must have used her powers to tell Abra to use it."

Pikachu glared, "What?! How is that fair?!"

Soot grimaced, "Unfortunately, it's justified. Dad's battling without command and Sabrina's giving commands in a way that we can't hear. Her using telepathy evens the playing field."

Ash charged Abra again. Abra responded by Teleporting behind Ash again. He skidded, turned around, and charged again. This pattern continued playing out as such.

"What's Ash doing?" Misty asked worriedly, "Abra just keeps avoiding his attacks."

"Don't think about it." Soot responded, "Clear your minds and watch. We don't want to help Sabrina figure it out."

Ash Bit down on the air again as Abra disappeared.

The Pokémon trainer smirked, 'Gotcha.'

He quickly formed six green spheres; two in each hind paw and two the right of his forepaws. He detonated the ones by his forepaws to spin himself around in midair, then detonated the four in his hind paws and rocketed himself forward. Abra reappeared in his path.

Sabrina's eyes widened as Ash's Bite struck Abra in the shoulder. Abra shrieked as the Dark-type attack clamped down onto him.

"He hit!" Brock called out.

"Alright Ash!" Pikachu cheered.

Ash bit harder as an icy mist started coming from his mouth. Ice Fang quickly started freezing the Psychic-type.

The doll giggled, "Nuh uh. We won't lose that easily."

Sabrina smirked and became shrouded in blue energy. Abra quickly became covered in a white light.

Ash's eyes widened before he let go and jumped back onto the field.

Everyone watched in shock as Kadabra appeared in Abra's place.

Soot stared in shock, "She- she triggered an evolution?"

Ash grimaced, "Crag!"

Sabrina smiled wickedly and raised an arm, "Now, Miracle Eye!"

Seishin: *sci-fi portal sound*

Omega: For the love of- He's doing it again!

.

*Lavender Town

In the upper levels of Pokémon Tower, a trio of Ghost/Poison-types were messing around in their bright and colorful playroom. Gastly played on a swing set and Gengar was doing a one-handed stand on a circus ball. Haunter laid against a foam wall and sighed.

Gengar noticed and jumped over to him, "Everything alright, bro?"

"I guess." Haunter replied, "I'm just getting bored of all this stuff."

Gastly overheard and floated over, "It's that trainer stuff again, isn't it?"

Haunter pouted, "Can you really blame me? I know you guys like this place, and I do too, but," He looked to the side, "sometimes I just wish new would hap-"

"DEUUS! EX! MACHINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The Poison Ghosts flinched from the sudden shouting and started looking around in alarm. They flinched again when a figure crashed into the room … and planted his head into the ceiling … after bursting through the floor.

The trio stared in shock.

After some struggling, the figure pulled his head out and fell to the floor. Yukiro Seishin started looking around the room curiously while he sat on the floor, "Huh, nice place."

After a few seconds, Haunter floated over anxiously, "Um, hello? Are you al-"

"Shlap da Spook!" Yukiro shouted as he smacked Haunter across the face.

Haunter's eyes flashed blue for a second. He blinked in surprise and started looking around, "What the? Am I back in the tower? Where's Sabrina?"

Gengar flew over and glared at Yukiro, "Hey! What was-"

"Self-Defense Rush!" Yukiro yelled out as he rapidly punched at Gengar with a scared look on his face.

Ohirume: One of Arataka Reigen's special moves that Yukiro blatantly stole.

Reigen doesn't actually know if it's self-defense, so he yells it out just in case.

Yukiro's doing it for the LOLs and because it's a Mob Psycho 100 reference. But weirdly enough, him using it here might actually be considered self-defense.

Nuevo: Isn't he breaking and entering?

Ohirume: might.

Gengar stared in confusion as Yukiro's punches phased through his body, "Uhhh."

Haunter looked at Yukiro, "What's going on?!"

Yukiro grabbed a point on Haunter's head and smiled again, "A Mod Psycho 100, Ashes of the Past, and Dragon Ball Z reference."

The white-haired boy put two fingers on his forehead and the pair disappeared instantly. Gengar and Gastly stared at the empty space in complete shock.

Omega: Well, his loss.

Crying My Life! Crying My Psyche!

Crying My Heart In Such Common Places!

Is That Your Ideal?! Is That Your Mind?!

It all Begins When You Hit 100!

.

*Saffron City; rooftop overlooking Gym

Haunter blinked in surprise, "So, we're back in the past?"

"Ehhh, sort of." Yukiro said with an unsure expression, "Technically, this is the past from what you remember. For me, it's August 17, 2019." He looked to the side, "The day this line was written."

Haunter looked over at the Gym, "And this is still some time before I met Sabrina?"

Yukiro nodded, "Yup. A few days, to be specific. Ash is in the middle of his gym battle right now"

Haunter looked at Yukiro with a confused expression, "Then, why are you doing this? Isn't Ash supposed to show up at the tower in a few days?"

Yukiro put his hands behind his head, "Naw. Rob didn't think 'The Tower of Terror' would fit into this continuity. So, he cut it -and, by default, 'Haunter vs. Kadabra'- and did this instead."

Haunter sweat dropped, "Yeah, that sounds like something that author would do."

Yukiro chuckled, "Yeah, Rob's not really-" His eyes widened, and he stared at Haunter in shock, "NANI?! You're a fourth wall breaker too?!"

"Well, yeah." Haunter responded with a nod, "I was cracking fourth wall jokes all the time during Ash's visit."

"Seriously?!" Yukiro shouted in alarm, "How the HFIL was I supposed to know that?! There was nothing to tell the audience what you were saying!"

Haunter looked confused, "But you can understand me. Didn't you hear me back in the original?"

Yukiro scratched his head furiously, "I didn't even exist until around 2007! And my new author isn't imaginative enough to write an actual translation for what you said!"

Haunter laughed, "Aw well. Your loss." He floated down towards the Gym.

Seishin sighed in annoyance before jumping off the building.

Omega: The Mob Is Alive! The Mob Is High!

The Mob's The Inverse Of Latent Untruth!

Is That Your Ideal?! Is That Your Mind?!

RIGHT NOW!

Woah-oh oh oh

Your Life Is Your Own!

.

*Gym Battle

Ash yelped as Kadabra threw a Fire Punch into his gut. He flew back and tumbled along the ground.

Misty covered her mouth, "Oh no."

Ash stood back up shakily; revealing the blue symbol on his chest. He started timing out earlier and was forced to Lockdown to keep from 'forfeiting the battle;' as Sabrina put it. He ended up with a 48-hour time limit.

He panted heavily and fired a cluster of Hidden Power. Kadabra raised his spoon towards the attack; stopping it in midair. Hidden Power changed course and pummeled Ash with his own move. Ash yelped in pain again and fell to his side.

"Dad!" Soot cried out in alarm.

"Ash, no!" Pikachu and Clefairy shouted.

Ash struggled to get up but stopped as he became outlined in blue energy. He was forced onto his hindlegs and stared in shock when he saw Kadabra in front of him with his fist on fire.

Sabrina smirked wickedly, "You fought well, boy. But this is the end. Kadabra! Fire-"

"Peek-a-BOO!/Haun-haun-TER!"

Sabrina jerked around to see a haunter stretching its mouth open.

Sabrina's eyes widened, "What the Yvel?!"

Misty blinked in surprise, "Where did that haunter come from?"

Brock scratched his cheek, "Beats me."

Clefairy giggled, "He's funny."

The doll glared at Ash, "Two against one's not fair!"

Ash blinked in surprise, "I didn't do this."

Sabrina watched in confusion as Haunter continued making faces. Haunter reached deep into his mouth-

"Kingu Kurimuzon!"

The space surrounding everyone broke apart and flew away in various directions; leaving a behind black void filled with stars. Nobody noticed and continued moving in slow motion. Everyone appeared to have a red apparition showing what they were about to do.

Yukiro walked through the 'terrain' casually as he approached Sabrina.

He looked around curiously, "If everyone is not special,"

Ash's Pokémon and friends stared at Haunter with various confused expressions. Ash was falling to the ground due to Kadabra's Psychic being cut-off, "Maybe you can be what you want to be."

Haunter was pulling the lit bomb out of his mouth and Sabrina stared blankly at the Ghost-type like the others, "I know that you will suffer through,"

Yukiro smiled brightly and pumped a fist, "The Joy and Pain!"

He walked up to Sabrina and flicked her on the forehead, "Thwack." She didn't react in the slightest; although her eyes flashed blue for a second.

Yukiro looked to the side, sighed, and put a hand behind his head, "Yeah … Rob made a few too many changes to Sabrina's personality. So, he had me do this." He held a card towards the floor, "And if you're getting sick of me, don't worry. This is the last time I'll pop in for a good while." The grid like portal appeared below him and he fell through it instantly.

The area returned to normal. Again, nobody noticed.

Sabrina flinched and put a hand on her forehead, "What the?"

Ash blinked in surprise as he found himself back on his feet, "What just hap-"

He was cut off by Haunter's explosive going off in Sabrina's face; engulfing the pair in black smoke.

Everyone stared in shock.

The smoke cleared to reveal Sabrina and a cackling Haunter covered in smudges.

Sabrina slowly crackled a kind smile and started laughing along with the Ghost-type. No one noticed the doll slowly disappear.

Misty stared; wide eyed, "Is Sabrina … laughing?"

Soot stared in shock, "I, uh- uh-"

"Sabrina."

Everyone flinched and turned around to see Mr. Esper looking at Sabrina with tears flowing down his face, "I haven't seen her laugh like this in years. I've never seen her so happy in her entire life."

Ash heard something fall over and looked over to see Kadabra rolling around on his back; laughing like his trainer.

Sabrina's father smiled and held a hand towards Ash, "Since Kadabra can no longer battle, I declare mightyena the winner."

Ash blinked, "What?"

Seishin: Alright, I'm back.

Your Life Is Yours So Live Each Day!

But If You Are No Different Then That's Okay!

You're Searching For The Answers

You Will Find Them All

IN TIME!

.

*Outside Gym

Haunter, Sabrina, and her parents, stood at the front of the Gym to see off Ash and the others. Soot still had Ash's belt around her neck, and Pikachu and Clefairy stood next to the canines.

Sabrina held out the golden Badge to Ash, "For your victory, I present you with the Marsh Badge."

Ash blinked and looked down at his paws.

Sabrina chuckled nervously, "Oh. Right. Sorry, again."

Brock held out a hand, "I'll hold on to it, for now."

Sabrina nodded and handed him the badge.

Ash smiled, "Thank you Sabrina."

"He said 'thanks'." Soot translated.

Sabrina smiled softly, "Thank you, Soot." She looked at Ash and frowned, "Again, I'm sorry about what happened. I hope you can forgive me for what I made you do."

Ash chuckled, "Don't worry too much. If had to Lockdown into something, I'm happy it's this."

Soot frowned, "Um." She looked up at Sabrina, "Mind crouching down?"

Sabrina did so and Soot whispered the translation into her ear.

Sabrina smiled sadly, "Thank you for not being mad."

Mr. Esper scratched his head in confusion, "I still don't see why you're presenting the badge to Ash's Pokémon, instead of him. Speaking of which, where is he?"

Sabrina giggled and put a finger to her lips, "Sorry, dad, but that's a secret." She looked back at Ash and winked.

Ash smiled back and stuck his tongue out; tail wagging.

Mrs. Esper smiled and crouched down to pet Ash, "Aren't you just the sweetest little thing."

Everyone else sweat dropped.

Ash deadpanned as the woman ruffled his fur, 'That'll take some getting used to.'

Sabrina chuckled nervously, "Mom, I think you're making him uncomfortable."

Sabrina's mother pouted and pulled Ash into a hug, "Aw. But he's just so cute."

Ash sweat dropped and started struggling. Soot snickered.

Sabrina put a hand on her mother's shoulder, "Mom, please. Stop."

Mrs. Esper sighed and let go. Ash shook his head.

Misty chuckled, "I guess we'll be off, then."

The group turned to leave the Gym and began walking away.

The Esper family and Haunter waved goodbye as they left.

"Thank you for everything!" Mr. Esper called out.

Mrs. Esper followed, "Have a good journey!"

"Take care!" Brock called out as he waved back.

Misty waved back, "See you later!"

Ash and the others disappeared into the distance.

Mr. Esper sighed and smiled at his family, "After today, I feel like we could use some rest."

Sabrina smiled softly, "Haunter and I will be in in a minute."

Her parents nodded and walked back into the Gym.

Haunter sighed and rubbed the back of his head, "Great. Now have to get to know each other all over-"

Sabrina cut him off by pulling him into a hug, "As if I could forget you ya big goof."

Haunter blinked in surprise, "You can understand me?" His eyes widened and he pointed at himself, "Wait! You remember me?!"

Sabrina smiled brightly, "Of course. How could I forget after all that time we spent together?"

Haunter stared in shock, "B-but how could you remember-" He paused and started laughing, "Aw man! That white-haired guy King Crimsoned us! No wonder I don't remember pulling out my bomb!"

Sabrina blinked in surprise, "White haired guy?"

Haunter grinned and pulled her into a one-handed hug, "I'll tell ya later."

Sabrina shrugged it off; having lived with this nonsense for years that haven't happened yet.

She looked at where Ash and the others went, and smiled with a raised brow, "It's crazy to see Ash so differently. I don't even know what to think of that watch." She sweat dropped, "Or the fact that he has a daughter."

Haunter laughed, "Yeah. A fatherly Ash Ketchum with an Omnitrix. The author must be a real freak."

Sabrina looked at him in surprise, "Author? I thought you always said it was anime writers?"

Haunter laughed again and pulled the psychic into a hug, "I missed you Sabrina."

Sabrina smiled sadly and hugged the Ghost/Poison-type back, "I missed you too, Haunter."

Sabrina pulled back and raised a brow, "Hey, did I say the word 'Yvel' earlier? What was that about?"

Haunter put a hand to his chin, "I think it's supposed to be an abbreviation of Yveltal. A weirdly censored version of-" He became uneasy, "Uh-"

Sabrina smiled, "Something that the censors won't let us say?"

Haunter chuckled, "Now you're gettin' it."

Omega: Get Ready! Wake Your Psyche Up, Mob!

Get Ready! Dig Your Anger Up Mob!

Get Ready! Wake Your Psyche Up, Mob!

GET READY!

.

*Outskirts of Saffron

The group of Ash, Misty, Brock, and Soot walked away from the city. Pikachu stood on Ash's back and Clefairy stood on Soot's.

"By far, the weirdest Gym Battle I have ever witnessed." Soot spoke up.

"Agreed." Misty said.

"Uh huh." Pikachu nodded.

"No doubt." Brock followed.

"Can't even compare." Ash continued.

"Yup." Clefairy finished.

Seishin: 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87-8-9!

91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, NINETY-NIIIIIIIIIINE!

.

.

Seishin and Omega: *heavy breathing* Who won?

Ohirume: *shrugs* Honestly, I think they're both great. We'll call it a tie.

Omega and Seishin: *deadpanned stares*

Omega: **** you.

Seishin: Ditto.

Ohirume: Guys, come on. Don't be like that.