The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the southwest coast of the Saffron City region, where Bryan and Sabrina stood at the edge of a forested cliff. The air was crisp with the faint scent of the ocean carried on the breeze. Below them lay the valley where Team Galactic had established their operation. From their vantage point, they could clearly see the activity—grunts moving in unison as they loaded crates into two large warehouses.
The first structure was expansive, its steel walls glinting ominously in the afternoon light. The second, sleeker and more fortified, was unmistakably a submarine housing facility. The sight confirmed their suspicions: this was no ordinary hideout. Team Galactic was preparing for their grand escape, using the coastline to ferry stolen Pokémon and master balls to Sinnoh, where they couldn't follow them.
Bryan's sharp eyes scanned the scene, cataloging every detail. There was no presence of Team Rocket this time—a stark contrast to earlier raids. This was purely Team Galactic's operation now, which only solidified the urgency of their mission. If they didn't act soon, these criminals would disappear without a trace, taking in hundreds of Pokémon's with them.
Behind Bryan, Officer Jenny's voice crackled through the communicator in his hand. "Celadon City coast team is in position. We're holding steady until you give the signal."
Jenny and her team had mobilized along the coast to the west, ready to deal with their own raid. Their presence added a layer of coordination to the raid, but here, at the southwest coast of Saffron, Bryan and Sabrina were on their own for now. Their role was to assess the situation, mark critical points, and ensure the medical team had a clear route for when the operation began.
Bryan turned to the small medical team standing nearby—a group of three men, two women, and a Chansey. Their nervous energy was palpable, but they stood ready, their resolve as firm as their leader's. He pointed toward a slope a quarter-mile east, where the tree line gave way to a more navigable path.
"Alright," Bryan instructed, keeping his voice low but steady. "You'll position yourselves there. Stay hidden until we call for you. The moment you get the signal, head down and assist any injured Pokémon or people. Until then, stay put—Team Galactic can't know we have backup."
The team nodded in silent agreement, their expressions grim but focused. Chansey patted its egg pouch softly, emitting a comforting cry as though reassuring everyone. Bryan gave them a firm nod before turning back to the cliffside, his gaze inevitably finding Sabrina.
She stood a few feet ahead, silent and still, her back to him as she stared down at the scene below. The tension between them was undeniable, the air heavy with the weight of their unresolved argument.
Bryan hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "Sabrina," he called softly, his voice carrying a tentative warmth. "We should get moving."
She didn't respond. She didn't even glance his way. Instead, she took a single step forward and began walking down the narrow path that would take them closer to the operation. The silence she left in her wake was deafening.
Bryan stood still, watching her for a moment. A sad frown crept across his face as he let out a slow breath. He knew why she was acting this way—he knew why the atmosphere between them had soured. The fight from the night before still hung heavily over them, unspoken but ever-present.
The words he had said in his outburst replayed in his mind like a haunting echo. The sharpness of his tone, the frustration, the way he'd dismissed her concerns—it all weighed on him like a stone in his chest. She had been trying to protect him, and instead of understanding, he'd lashed out.
Bryan clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as the guilt twisted inside him. He wanted to say something, to apologize again, but he knew this wasn't the time or place. Sabrina's focus was on the mission now, and he didn't want to distract her further. Still, the sight of her walking ahead without a word, her normally warm demeanor replaced with cold determination, cut deeper than he cared to admit.
He said nothing, swallowing back the urge to call after her. Instead, he followed her down the path, his steps heavy with the weight of their unresolved tension.
As they neared the clearing at the edge of the forest, the activity below became even clearer. Crates were being loaded into the submarine's cargo hold now, the grunts moving with efficiency that spoke of urgency. Bryan's sharp eyes scanned the scene, taking in every detail—the number of grunts, the location of the vehicles, the positioning of the warehouses. He needed to focus, to push aside his emotions and concentrate on the task at hand.
But his gaze kept drifting to Sabrina, who had stopped a few feet ahead and was now crouched behind a cluster of rocks, her psychic aura faintly visible in the air around her. She was tense, her hands clenched into fists as she stared down at the scene below.
Bryan crouched beside her, his voice low. "They're moving fast. This is it, Sabrina. We can't let them get away."
She didn't respond, her jaw tightening as her eyes remained fixed on the submarine. Her silence was louder than any words, and Bryan could feel the barrier between them growing thicker with every passing second.
"Sabrina," he tried again, softer this time. "I know you're angry. I know I hurt you last night, and I'm sorry. I—"
"Not now," she cut him off sharply, her voice barely above a whisper but laced with an edge that made him stop. She didn't look at him, her focus never wavering from the scene below. "We have a job to do."
Bryan's chest ached at her words, but he nodded, respecting her need for space. They had to get through this mission first. Whatever came after would have to wait.
As the two of them sat in silence, preparing for what was to come, the weight of their unspoken feelings hung heavily in the air. For Bryan, the mission was a chance to make things right—to rescue the Pokémon, apologies can wait.
Sabrina crouched behind the large rocks, her expression calm but tense, her focus entirely on the mission ahead. She reached for her Poké Balls, releasing her roster in smooth, practiced movements. Venomoth appeared first, its shimmering wings scattering faint dust as it hovered silently. Alakazam materialized beside her, gripping its spoons with a calm determination. Mr. Mime arrived next, flexing its hands in preparation, and finally, Kadabra, its spoon glowing faintly, completed the group.
Bryan stood nearby, quietly observing her Pokémon before releasing his own. Metagross materialized in a flash of light, landing heavily on the ground with a metallic thud, its red eyes gleaming with readiness. Gardevoir followed, her presence serene and comforting as she floated closer to Bryan, brushing his arm lightly in silent reassurance.
Sabrina glanced at their Pokémon briefly before addressing the group, her voice steady but carrying an edge of determination. "Listen up. This mission is about rescuing Pokémon and stopping those Master Balls from leaving this site. But I want to make one thing absolutely clear."
Her gaze swept over everyone, lingering momentarily on Bryan before returning to the group as a whole. "There is no killing. Ever. Not now, not under pressure, not to protect yourselves. You incapacitate, disarm, or immobilize—but you do not cross that line. Is that understood?"
The air hung heavy for a moment before Metagross broke the silence, its robotic voice adding to her command.
Killing will not be tolerated. Morally unacceptable. Illogical outcome.
Its words carried weight, its glowing eyes focused on Sabrina as if affirming her directive. Bryan glanced at Metagross, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "See?" he murmured, his tone low but teasing. "Even Metagross agrees."
Sabrina's expression softened slightly, but her focus didn't waver. "Venomoth will handle putting opponents to sleep. Mr. Mime will set up barriers to protect anyone under attack. Kadabra and Alakazam will clear paths and disable threats using their psychic abilities. Keep things controlled. Don't push them past their limits unless absolutely necessary."
She turned to Bryan as he moved to the edge of the rocks, his gaze fixed on the warehouses below. "Your Pokémon are the strongest here," she said simply. "You'll take the front as we move in."
Bryan nodded without hesitation, his stance already set. "Of course," he replied, his tone casual but firm. "That's what we're here for."
He glanced at Sabrina, catching the flicker of worry in her eyes before she looked away. She hadn't tried to stop him—not now, not after last night—but her silence spoke volumes.
"You'll prioritize the first warehouse on the left," Sabrina continued, her voice steady. "That's where the Master Balls are stored. We'll need you and your Pokémon to clear a path for the rest of us. I'll stay back with Venomoth and Alakazam to provide support. If anyone is overwhelmed, I'll come in to help."
Her tone was firm, professional, but there was no mistaking the underlying unease. Bryan wanted to reassure her, but he knew better than to address it now, with the mission hanging in the balance. Instead, he nodded.
Metagross shifted beside him, its gaze fixed on the warehouse below. Optimal route calculated. Proceeding with caution advised.
Bryan gave a slight nod to his Pokémon, acknowledging its words. Gardevoir stayed close to his side, her presence grounding him as always.
Sabrina turned her attention back to her own team, crouching lower as she issued final instructions to the others. Her voice remained calm, but the slight tremor when she spoke about backup wasn't lost on Bryan. He could feel the tension radiating from her, and it wasn't just about the mission.
The group began to move, descending carefully toward the target. Bryan led the way, Metagross and Gardevoir close at his side. Behind him, Sabrina followed with her Pokémon, her presence steady despite the weight of unspoken emotions.
The warehouses loomed larger as they neared, the grunts below still oblivious to the raid. Bryan glanced back at Sabrina one last time. Her focus was sharp, her gaze unwavering, but he could see the strain in her expression.
He turned back to the task ahead, determined to see it through. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it. But the guilt of the fight from last night, of the lingering tension between them, stayed with him like a shadow.
For now, he pushed it aside. There was a mission to complete—and Pokémon to save.
Sabrina froze mid-step, her sharp eyes locking onto two distinct figures near the leftmost warehouse. Two red-haired women stood together, their uniforms and confident stances unmistakably marking them as high-ranking members of Team Galactic. Their voices, though faint, carried just enough for Sabrina to notice.
Bryan, sensing her sudden stop, whispered, "What is it?"
Instead of replying, Sabrina closed her eyes and let her psychic powers extend toward the distant figures. The muffled words sharpened, as though she were standing right beside them.
"The cylinders were exactly what Cyrus needed for the lake legendaries," said one of the women, her voice calm and self-assured.
The other, Mars, gave a light laugh. "Team Rocket handled all the messy parts for us. Honestly, aside from a few surprise raids, this couldn't have gone any smoother. Nothing more than a blip on the operations."
They laughed together, their conversation casual and detached, as though they weren't carrying out a plan of massive consequence.
Sabrina's eyes snapped open, her jaw tightening as she processed the information.
"What did you hear?" Bryan asked, his tone low but urgent.
"They're transporting the cylinders—something their boss needs for lake legendaries. And Team Rocket's involvement made things easier for them. Barely a hiccup in their plans." Her voice was clipped, focused entirely on the mission ahead.
Bryan frowned, his gaze fixed on the distant figures. "They're too comfortable. That'll change soon enough."
Sabrina didn't respond to his remark. The lake legendaries and Galactic's grand schemes weren't her priority—stopping them here and ensuring the Pokémon's safety were. She couldn't afford distractions, not with the mission so close to unfolding.
After a pause, she turned to Bryan, her tone steely. "We move now. There's no time to waste."
Bryan nodded firmly, the determination in his eyes matching hers. Together, they pressed forward, the weight of what was at stake hanging heavily in the air.
Bryan crouched low behind the boulder, Metagross and Gardevoir at his sides, ready to act at his signal. His eyes scanned the warehouses, the guards, and the patrolling Galactic grunts. Every muscle in his body was taut, anticipating the chaos about to erupt.
But before he gave the command, he hesitated. His gaze flicked to Sabrina, who was kneeling a short distance away, her focused demeanor unshaken even after overhearing Mars and her companion.
"Sabrina…" Bryan's voice broke the silence, quiet and unsure.
She turned her head sharply, her piercing eyes locking onto his with an expression that bordered on impatience. "What?" she asked, her tone brisk.
Bryan faltered, the words of apology catching in his throat. He had carried the guilt of their argument like a weight on his chest, and he wanted—needed—to say something, anything to ease the tension between them.
Instead, his resolve crumbled under her gaze. He swallowed hard and managed, in a softer voice, "Be careful, okay?"
Sabrina's expression softened for the briefest moment, though it was hard to tell if it was acknowledgment or merely surprise at his change of tone. She gave a curt nod, her eyes lingering on him for a second longer than necessary before she turned back to the warehouses.
Bryan exhaled, forcing himself to refocus. This wasn't the time for distractions. He raised his hand, signaling Metagross to prepare for the ambush. The raid was about to begin.
Bryan's voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of intent as he softly said, "Meteor Mash."
Metagross reacted instantly, its immense body rising into the air with the sheer power of its psychic energy. Its four metallic limbs rotated in a synchronized, drill-like spin, glowing faintly with energy as it ascended higher. Then, with an ear-piercing metallic hum, it descended at breakneck speed, crashing into the sand near the Galactic grunts carrying the crates. The impact was seismic—sand and debris erupted in all directions, forcing the startled grunts to drop what they were holding and shield themselves.
From the distance, the red-haired Commander Jupiter snapped her head toward the commotion. Her sharp voice rang out, "We're under attack!"
Without missing a beat, Jupiter reached for her Pokéballs and released three Pokémon in a burst of crimson light: a Bronzong, its metallic body glinting in the fading sunlight; a Skuntank, and a swift Crobat, which took to the skies with a sharp screech.
Bryan turned to Sabrina, who remained stoic despite the chaos. Her narrowed eyes betrayed her focus. She raised her hand, her voice calm but commanding.
"Alakazam, Psychic."
In an instant, the air grew heavy as Alakazam's spoons glowed, and the masterballs—still clutched in the grunts' hands—were wrenched free by an invisible force. The crates followed, rising into the air despite the grunts' desperate attempts to hold on. With a flick of Sabrina's wrist, the stolen items were hurled to the corner of the beach, far out of Galactic's reach.
"Mr. Mime, Venomoth, Kadabra—join in," Sabrina continued, her voice crisp. Mr. Mime leapt forward, forming shimmering barriers to protect the advancing team. Venomoth darted into the fray, wings glowing with a faint powdery light, ready to incapacitate enemies with a well-timed move. Kadabra stood poised, its single spoon swirling with latent psychic energy.
Another burst of light flared as the second red-haired commander, Mars, emerged from the crowd, a cocky grin plastered across her face. She flicked her wrist nonchalantly, summoning her own trio of Pokémon: a hulking Bronzong, a smug Purugly, and a second Crobat that joined Jupiter's in the skies.
"Well, well," Mars said with an amused tone, surveying the chaos. "Idiots, really. Do they think they can slow us down? This operation was too easy anyway. At least now we'll have a little fun before leaving this weak region."
The jab made Sabrina's teeth clench. Weak region? The gall of these intruders from Sinnoh to mock Kanto, her home. She glared at Mars, the irritation flickering in her usually calm eyes.
Bryan didn't miss her reaction, but he kept his focus forward. "Metagross, clear the path. Gardevoir, support Metagross and protect the team."
Gardevoir stepped forward gracefully, her serene aura glowing faintly as she placed herself beside Metagross. Her piercing gaze locked onto the opposing Pokémon as she readied herself to intervene.
"Purugly, use Slash on that Metagross!" Mars commanded sharply, pointing at the formidable steel Pokémon.
"Counter with Bullet Punch," Bryan shot back, his voice calm and deliberate.
Metagross surged forward with terrifying speed, its metallic limb connecting with Purugly mid-attack. The impact sent Mars' Pokémon skidding back, growling in frustration.
Above, the two Crobat swooped in tandem, aiming to target Sabrina's Venomoth.
"Venomoth, dodge and use Stun Spore!" Sabrina's voice rang out clearly.
Venomoth swirled in an elegant arc, narrowly avoiding the Crobat's fangs before releasing a golden dust from its wings. The powder glittered in the sunlight as it coated one of the Crobat, causing it to falter and drop altitude.
The battlefield erupted into chaos, with psychic energy, metallic strikes, and airborne skirmishes playing out in a relentless cacophony. Yet even amid the chaos, Bryan couldn't shake the tension lingering between him and Sabrina. Her words from the previous night echoed in his mind, but there was no time to address them now. For the moment, they had to trust each other to protect Saffron City—and each other.
Bryan locked eyes with Sabrina, his voice steady despite the rising tension. "You'll need to focus on the grunts and get those Master Balls out of the warehouse with Alakazam," he said firmly. "I'll deal with the two women."
Sabrina hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line as her gaze flicked toward the two commanders. Their presence radiated a dangerous confidence, and it was clear they weren't just ordinary foes. "If things go south, I'll back you up," she said, her concern slipping into her tone.
Bryan shook his head with a small smile. "I need you to handle the rest of the grunts. Can you do that?"
Her answer was reluctant but firm. "Yes." She stepped back, glancing toward the warehouse as Alakazam flanked her, its focus unwavering. "But Bryan—be careful."
"I always am," he replied softly, before turning back to the two commanders who had been watching the exchange with matching smirks.
"Arrogant little trash," Jupiter sneered, taking a step forward. Though Bryan stood taller than both of them, their sharp gazes carried the weight of condescension. "You honestly think you can take both of us on with just two Pokémon?"
Mars's grin widened as she crossed her arms. "He's got confidence, I'll give him that," she mused. "But confidence doesn't win battles." Her sharp eyes narrowed as she looked toward Metagross, who stood with an imposing, silent strength. "Metagross, huh? Not a Pokémon you see around here. Jupiter, do we have one of those back at headquarters?"
Jupiter tapped her chin mockingly, her smirk unrelenting. "Nope. Shame, really. A Pokémon like that would fit right in. Cyrus would love to have one for the operations."
Mars laughed, the sound harsh and grating. "Then I guess we'll have to take it off your hands." Her gaze flicked to Bryan's other partner. "And that Gardevoir…" She trailed off with a predatory smile. "Cyrus would love the Metagross, but me? I'd enjoy parading such a pretty Pokémon around headquarters."
Jupiter chuckled darkly. "You'd turn it into a trophy, Mars. That Gardevoir's too elegant for a trainer like him anyway."
Bryan's fists clenched at their words, but his expression remained calm. "You talk a lot for people about to lose," he said, his tone quiet but razor-sharp.
Mars snorted, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Big words from someone so outnumbered. Let's see if you can back them up." She gestured toward her Bronzong, which hovered menacingly nearby, its metallic hum filling the air. Jupiter's Crobat circled high above with a piercing screech, while Mars's Purrugly crouched low, its sharp eyes fixed on Gardevoir. Jupiter's Skuntank hissed, its tail raised, while her Bronzong loomed next to Mars's Pokémon in eerie synchronization.
Bryan stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "Metagross, Gardevoir—let's show them what we can do." His two Pokémon moved into position, Metagross's metallic body gleaming under the fading sunlight, while Gardevoir's serene gaze locked onto the battlefield.
"Let's make this quick," Jupiter said, her tone dripping with disdain. "Crobat, go for the Gardevoir. Air Slash!"
"Bronzong, block the Metagross with Heavy Slam!" Mars commanded.
Bryan's response was immediate. "Metagross, dodge with Magnet Rise! Gardevoir, Thunderbolt—hit that Crobat!"
Metagross's body hummed as it lifted into the air, evading Bronzong's heavy descent with ease. Gardevoir, meanwhile, extended its arms, a crackling bolt of electricity surging toward Crobat. The lightning struck true, and the bat Pokémon screeched in pain as it spiraled momentarily before regaining altitude.
Mars's grin faltered as she glared at Bryan. "Not bad, but you're just getting started. Bronzong, Gyro Ball!"
Jupiter quickly followed. "Crobat, use Confuse Ray on the Gardevoir!"
Bryan's eyes narrowed. "Metagross, intercept with Bullet Punch! Gardevoir, Calm Mind—stay steady."
Metagross shot forward with blinding speed, its metallic fist slamming into Bronzong before the Gyro Ball could fully connect, sending the bell-like Pokémon skidding backward. At the same time, Gardevoir's presence seemed to grow more focused, its eyes glowing as it steadied itself against the disorienting rays from Crobat.
"You're in over your head," Mars sneered, though a flicker of frustration crossed her face as she watched Bronzong struggle to regain its composure.
"Funny," Bryan replied, his tone calm but sharp. "I was just thinking the same about you." He stepped forward slightly, his next command already forming. "Metagross, Meteor Mash! Gardevoir, Moonblast—let's finish!"
As Metagross spun into its signature attack and Gardevoir summoned a luminous sphere of energy, the battlefield erupted into chaos.
The battle raged on, a flurry of moves and counterattacks crashing against each other. Bryan's eyes never left Mars, the heat of the fight consuming every bit of focus he had. Metagross and Gardevoir were putting up an admirable resistance, but the odds were growing more and more against them. Mars's Bronzong kept the pressure up, while Crobat and Purrugly circled the battlefield with brutal efficiency, trying to outmaneuver Gardevoir's lightning-quick movements.
Metagross, however, was a powerhouse. With a determined grunt, the steel-type Pokémon launched itself into the fray, its body gleaming under the fiery sun as it squared off against Purrugly. The feline-like Pokémon swiped with its claws, but Metagross was faster, stronger. With one powerful Meteor Mash, the force of the blow sent Purrugly skidding across the sand, unable to recover as it crumpled, knocked out cold.
"Not bad," Mars muttered, grudging respect seeping into her voice. She shot a glance at Bryan, the frustration on her face barely masked. "This trash is good, I'll give him that," she added with a reluctant sneer. She wasn't used to being challenged like this, and it was clear her patience was running thin.
Bryan's eyes flickered over his shoulder, checking on Sabrina. Despite the chaos, he couldn't help but glance at her every so often. She was still handling the grunts, but there was a certain intensity in her movements that suggested she was starting to feel the weight of the battle. He didn't want to admit it, but he was worried. Sabrina wasn't one to falter easily, but with so many opponents, it would be a struggle.
Sabrina, meanwhile, was fully immersed in the task at hand. Her eyes were sharp, calculating as she moved through the grunts. Croagunk leaped toward her, aiming to catch her off guard, but Alakazam telekinetically tossed it aside before it could strike. Sabrina's gaze never wavered as she gestured for Alakazam to focus on the Master Balls. Her mind was divided—while she directed Alakazam to gather the Master Balls from the warehouse and fling them to the far side of the beach, her other Pokémon were holding their ground against the grunts' many lower-level Pokémon.
Venomoth darted and flitted through the air, using its Confusion attack to knock out a Stunky that had been targeting Sabrina. Kadabra stood just behind, its eyes glowing with psychic power as it telekinetically lifted a Croagunk high into the air before slamming it into the ground, neutralizing it with ease. Mr. Mime, ever the sentinel, threw up a Barrier to protect Sabrina from an incoming attack, while the Mime's Confusion sent a Glameow tumbling away from her.
It wasn't easy. The grunts were relentless, throwing out Pokémon in waves—Dustox, Beautifly, and even a few more Croagunk and Stunky. They were weaker, yes, but there were so many of them, and Sabrina knew they wouldn't stop until they were overrun. The grunts weren't interested in winning—they were simply stalling, buying time for the commanders.
Sabrina gritted her teeth. She could feel the pressure mounting. Alakazam was handling the Master Balls, moving them out of reach with precision, but Sabrina wasn't sure how long it would be before they came under attack again. Her eyes flicked to Bryan once more, her heart tightening when she saw his Metagross take another hard hit from Crobat's Air Slash. He was holding his ground, but it was clear that the numbers were too much for even him to manage alone.
"Focus, Sabrina," she muttered to herself, shaking off the nagging fear creeping into her mind. "You can't afford to look away now."
She wasn't alone, of course. Her Pokémon were doing everything they could to support her, and the sight of her Venomoth knocking another Stunky back with a well-placed Silver Wind lifted her spirits. She'd gotten this far with her team by her side, and she wouldn't let the grunts slow her down now.
Still, she couldn't help but glance at Bryan again. He was standing strong, though his focus was clearly divided between the two commanders and the movements of his Pokémon. His Metagross had just blocked another hit from Bronzong, though it was clear that the Pokémon was beginning to tire.
Mars and Jupiter, meanwhile, were not making it any easier for him. "How much longer are you going to last?" Mars taunted, watching Metagross struggle against the barrage of attacks. "You might have gotten lucky with Purrugly, but you're outnumbered."
"I'll last as long as I need to," Bryan said through gritted teeth. His voice was steady despite the chaos around him. He would protect Sabrina and her Pokémon at all costs. He refused to let anything happen to her.
Mars sneered at him, then glanced at Jupiter. "This won't take much longer. We'll crush him."
Jupiter gave a cruel laugh. "Maybe, but I'm more excited about what we'll do with that Gardevoir of his." Her eyes glinted as she eyed Bryan's Pokémon. "Pretty thing like that? I can think of some fun ideas for her."
The venom in her tone didn't go unnoticed, and Bryan's grip tightened around his Pokéballs. "You'll never lay a finger on her," he snapped. "Gardevoir, Metagross—let's finish this."
His Pokémon responded in kind, but the weight of the battle, the sheer numbers against them, was starting to take its toll. Even with Sabrina's support, Bryan knew it wasn't going to be easy to finish this without more reinforcements.
Behind him, Sabrina was still fighting with everything she had. Venomoth, Kadabra, and Mr. Mime were doing their best to keep the grunts' Pokémon at bay, but it wasn't enough. Sabrina's brow furrowed as she shot another glance at Bryan, then at the warehouse. There was no time to waste. She needed to move faster.
"Just a little longer," Sabrina whispered under her breath, rallying her Pokémon as the battle stretched on. "We're almost there."
The battle was escalating rapidly, the air thick with tension and the clash of opposing powers. Gardevoir had successfully hypnotized Jupiter's Crobat and Stunky, her psychic abilities taking control over the two Pokémon. Both were now swaying, their movements slow and lethargic as Gardevoir prepared to deliver a decisive blow with her Dream Eater.
Bryan watched, confidence swelling in his chest. This is it, he thought. We can finish this now.
But just as Gardevoir was about to unleash the power of her move, a voice cut through the moment.
"Faint Attack!" Mars commanded sharply.
In an instant, Bronzong charged toward Gardevoir, its metallic body moving with surprising speed. Before Gardevoir could react, the dark energy from the Faint Attack shot forward, closing in on her with brutal force. The strike came so fast it almost hit her directly.
Gardevoir's eyes widened in alarm. Without hesitation, she teleported out of the way, narrowly avoiding the Faint Attack. The shadowy blast missed by inches, and Gardevoir reappeared a short distance away, floating calmly in midair.
Mars gave her a semi-complimentary glance, raising an eyebrow as she spoke to Jupiter, "Careful with that pretty thing, she delivers knockout blows with that Dream Eater. Don't underestimate her." There was a touch of respect in her voice, though it was tinged with a cold, calculated edge.
Jupiter didn't seem to care much for the compliment, her eyes focused on the situation at hand. "We've got bigger problems," she muttered.
Just then, one of the Galactic grunts approached the two commanders, hurrying over with a serious look on his face. "Commander Mars, Commander Jupiter," he said, breathing heavily, "the cylinders and explosives are all loaded up in the submarine! We only need the Master Balls from the warehouse!"
Mars' sharp gaze flicked toward the warehouse. A quick evaluation crossed her mind, and she gave a small nod of approval. "Good," she said, her voice cold. "The Master Balls are secondary now. We've already taken what we came for."
Jupiter chuckled darkly, crossing her arms. "Agreed, I'm not too concerned about a few Pokémon's in the Master Balls. We've got the Pokémon we need."
With a flick of her wrist, Mars commanded, "Bronzong, Bodyslam the structure of the warehouse."
The Bronzong's eyes glowed, and with a mechanical precision, it rushed forward. The ground trembled as the Pokémon's massive body slammed into the warehouse's wall. The building shuddered violently, and cracks appeared in the structure as it groaned under the weight of the attack. The destruction was swift, and Mars and Jupiter stood back, watching with a mixture of satisfaction and indifference.
Meanwhile, Jupiter's Skuntank was already preparing its next move. "Skuntank, Flamethrower!" she ordered, a wicked grin curling on her lips.
Skuntank's tail flared with heat, and it released a torrent of fire that engulfed the warehouse. The flames licked at the wooden beams, spreading quickly as the structure began to crack under the pressure. The fire grew in intensity, and the once-sturdy building now seemed doomed to collapse.
Bryan's heart clenched as he realized the true extent of what they were doing. His fists clenched, and he shouted, "Stop! You're destroying everything!"
Mars and Jupiter barely spared him a glance, uninterested in his outbursts. Mars spoke coldly, "Save the Pokémon in there if you can. But don't fool yourself. We've already won. The mission is complete."
The flames from Skuntank's attack reached higher into the air, and the building began to crumble. Sabrina, standing off to the side, watched with a deep sense of urgency as the fire spread. Her heart pounded in her chest. The Master Balls... She couldn't allow the Pokémon inside to perish in the flames.
As the warehouse teetered on the brink of collapse, Sabrina felt a sudden surge of hope when she saw Alakazam in the corner, already moving with purpose. The Pokémon's psychic power worked tirelessly to move the Master Balls, pulling them away from the inferno with delicate precision. Sabrina watched in awe, but also with anxiety. She didn't know how many Pokémon were inside, or how many Master Balls were at risk.
Bryan's voice pierced through the chaos. "Gardevoir! Help Sabrina out! Save those Master Balls!"
Gardevoir, her mind already occupied with the battle, hesitated. She glanced toward Bryan, who was engaged in his own fight, then at Sabrina, who was working desperately to rescue the Master Balls. With a deep breath, Gardevoir floated toward Sabrina, her psychic aura intensifying as she left her master's side. The urgency in Bryan's voice echoed in her mind.
Sabrina's eyes widened in relief when Gardevoir arrived. Without a word, the two psychic-powered Pokémon went to work. Gardevoir's aura flared as she joined Alakazam, moving Master Balls away from the flames with a precision that only psychic Pokémon could achieve. Each Master Ball that was saved felt like a victory, though the weight of the task loomed large.
Sabrina, focused entirely on her task, glanced over at Bryan, but he was still locked in battle with the Galactic grunts, his Pokémon doing everything they could to hold the line. Sabrina knew that the battle wasn't over—far from it. The Grunts were still trying to make their escape, but the bigger threat was the destruction of the warehouse.
Meanwhile, Mars and Jupiter, their grunts retreating around them, began to return their hypnotized Pokémon to their Poké Balls. Their faces were cold with satisfaction as they prepared to leave.
Mars looked at Jupiter, "We've got what we came for," she said. "The rest is irrelevant."
Jupiter smirked and returned her Skuntank. "Let's go," she said, her voice laced with arrogance. "The job is done."
With a wave of her hand, Mars ordered her remaining Pokémon to retreat. Bronzong and the others disappeared into their Poké Balls as the Galactic grunts, still recovering from the battle with Sabrina's team, began to back off. Mars and Jupiter, with the mission complete, turned their attention toward their submarine. The battle was lost for the heroes, but not yet finished. They had taken their prize—leaving behind a wrecked warehouse and a burning aftermath.
As the grunts continued to retreat, the sound of the submarine starting up in the distance was the final sign that Team Galactic was leaving. Bryan's shoulders slumped with frustration, but his eyes were fierce. "We'll stop them. They won't get away with this." He glanced at Sabrina, who was still working with Gardevoir and Alakazam to save what remained of the Master Balls.
Sabrina, sweat dripping down her face from the exertion, looked up at him, a sense of determination reflected in her eyes. "We won't let them get away with this," she murmured, her voice steady despite the chaos. "But for now, we save what we can."
Bryan's breath came in short, ragged gasps as he sprinted toward the second warehouse by the sea, where the submarine had been docked. The sound of the retreating Team Galactic members echoed in the distance, but he wasn't going to let them get away. Not after everything they'd done—destroying the warehouse, taking Pokémon, and unleashing chaos. He couldn't stop now.
His heart thudded painfully in his chest as his mind raced. Sabrina. She was still back there, holding up part of the collapsed roof with her psychic power, trying to keep it from crushing her. He had to help her. She can't handle this alone.
He risked a glance over his shoulder, his heart sinking at the sight of the falling debris. Sabrina's psychic aura flared around her as she held the heavy roof section in place, but Bryan could see the strain in her posture. She was exhausted.
Before he could take another step, the situation worsened. Another flaming section of the roof, larger than the last, broke free and fell toward Sabrina, crushing down on the already weakened structure. Her focus flickered for just a moment.
"No!" Bryan shouted, his eyes wide with panic.
He whipped his head around to Metagross, who had followed closely behind. "Save her! Save Sabrina!" he bellowed, his voice filled with desperation.
Metagross hesitated, its mechanical body almost still in the chaos. Retreating Galactic members. Escape imminent. Your command will risk—
"I don't care!" Bryan interrupted, his voice raw. "Save her, now!"
Without another word, Metagross launched itself forward, moving with an incredible speed that belied its massive steel frame. Its limbs stretched out, a blur of metal, and just as the heavy, flaming debris was about to crush Sabrina, Metagross was there.
It scooped her up gently with its massive arms, wrapping around her protectively as the roof collapsed where she had stood moments before. Sabrina gasped as Metagross's cold, strong body enveloped her, the weight of the falling debris dissipating with the Pokémon's powerful defense.
Bryan stood still for a moment, his chest heaving as he watched Sabrina being protected by the steel titan. His heart slowed as the tension left him, but only slightly. The danger was far from over.
Sabrina was safe now. That was what mattered. But Bryan's thoughts quickly shifted back to the team galactic members escaping. Mars and Jupiter were still on the move, climbing toward the submarine, and Bryan could see the glint of their retreat in the distance.
Without wasting another second, Bryan surged forward, running toward the second warehouse. He had to stop them before they escaped completely.
But just as he neared the stairs leading up to the submarine, the situation took another sharp turn.
A sudden, sharp gunshot rang through the air, loud enough to make Bryan stagger. His body instinctively tensed. He looked to the side, eyes wide as the sound echoed in his ears.
Mars stood there, her coat flaring out behind her as she slowly lowered her arm. Her hidden gun gleamed in the fading light. The shot was a warning.
Bryan's heart thudded in his chest. "What the hell...?" he muttered to himself, his mind reeling.
Jupiter, her eyes wide with shock, glanced back at Mars. "That wasn't necessary," she said, her voice uncertain, but there was a nervous chuckle beneath it.
Mars only smirked, her eyes gleaming with cold calculation. "One less problem to deal with," she said with a shrug, as if the life of a single person was nothing compared to their plans.
Bryan felt a surge of anger, but it was quickly snuffed out by the realization that they were getting away. The submarine's engine roared to life, the deep rumble echoing in the distance as it began to submerge into the water.
He pushed himself harder, his chest aching with the effort, but it was too late. The submarine was already descending, moving farther away with each passing second.
Bryan's legs gave out beneath him. The gunshot had done its damage. His chest burned with pain, and he could feel the blood soaking into his clothes. He was losing too much. The world tilted around him as he fell to his knees, struggling to catch his breath.
Metagross settled Sabrina down gently on the ground, the steel Pokémon's limbs retracting as it scanned the area for further threats. Sabrina stood steady, her sharp eyes darting around the chaotic warehouse. Gardevoir and Alakazam worked in tandem, their psychic energies shimmering as they carefully stabilized crates of Master Balls still inside. Each box floated delicately under Alakazam's mental grip, while Gardevoir shielded them from stray debris with shimmering psychic barriers.
Nearby, her Venomoth hovered high, releasing faint trails of sleep powder to ensure that any stirring Galactic grunts remained subdued. Mr. Mime and Kadabra stood guard, using their psychic powers to restrain the few grunts still conscious, rendering them unable to flee or fight back.
Sabrina scanned the scene. The critical task of salvaging the stolen Pokémon was progressing, but her mind churned. They're escaping…
"Metagross," she said sharply, pointing to the restrained grunts. "Make sure they stay down. If they try to escape, block them."
Metagross's eyes glowed faintly in acknowledgment. Without hesitation, it shifted to position itself over the restrained Galactic members, its massive steel limbs forming an imposing barrier.
Then it happened.
The gunshot.
A single, sharp crack split through the air, making Sabrina's heart lurch. Her eyes widened as the sound echoed from the direction of the second warehouse by the sea. The noise was quickly followed by the low rumble of an engine—the unmistakable sound of a submarine coming to life, its deep hum reverberating through the air before fading as it began its descent.
Sabrina stood frozen, her stomach twisting in dread. Her focus on the raid shattered in an instant. A gunshot… Her thoughts raced, piecing together the implications. Team Galactic's retreat was no longer her immediate concern—the gunshot meant something far worse.
"Bryan," she whispered, the name escaping her lips with urgency. A surge of fear gripped her chest.
She turned on her heel and sprinted out of the warehouse, the sounds of Gardevoir and Alakazam still working in the background fading into the distance. Her legs carried her with desperate speed, her heart pounding with every step.
As she approached the second warehouse, it loomed intact in the moonlight, its cold steel exterior unmarked by the chaos that had unfolded elsewhere. The rumble of the submarine engine was fading as the vessel submerged beneath the waves, signaling the Galactic commanders' escape. Sabrina ignored it entirely. The only thing that mattered now was the sound of that shot—and finding Bryan. She pressed the signal in her Pokenav for the medical team.
The warehouse doors were ajar, and she burst inside, skidding to a stop as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. The scene before her made her breath catch in her throat.
Sabrina's vision blurred with panic as she saw him. Bryan lay crumpled on the ground, his once-strong form pale and lifeless in a growing pool of blood. Her heart seized in her chest. She didn't think—she just ran. The world around her dissolved into a blur of muted colors and muffled noise as her knees hit the pavement beside him.
"Bryan!" she screamed, her voice raw, breaking under the weight of her fear.
His face was ashen, his lips faintly blue. Blood poured from the wound in his stomach, spreading across his shirt and soaking the ground beneath him. Sabrina's hands hovered over the injury, shaking uncontrollably, unsure where to touch, what to do.
"No… no, no, no…" she whispered, her voice trembling as tears fell freely down her cheeks. "Bryan, no! You're going to be okay. You have to be okay! I promise you!"
Her trembling hands pressed against the wound, trying desperately to stop the bleeding. Blood seeped between her fingers, warm and unrelenting—a horrifying reminder of how little time she had. In desperation, she reached out with her powers, focusing every ounce of her psychic energy on the wound, willing the blood to slow, to push back into his body.
"Stay with me! Please!" she cried. Her voice cracked as she pushed harder, her powers flaring wildly, desperate to keep him tethered to life. "You're going to be okay, Bryan. You're going to be okay! I swear it!"
A weak groan escaped his lips, and her head snapped toward his face. His eyelids fluttered, his breath shallow and labored, but he was alive. Relief flooded her for an instant, only to be replaced by a deeper, gnawing fear.
The venom of last night's argument rang loud in her mind, her own words clawing at her insides like jagged glass.
"You meant every word. You think I'm just like everyone else does. Just a creepy psychic girl who sees too much, feels too much. Don't you?"
Sabrina let out a choked sob, her voice breaking under the weight of her guilt. "You think I'm nothing more than that freak everyone feared when we were kids. That's what you believe, isn't it?" The bitter memory pierced through her as she recalled the look in Bryan's eyes when she'd hurled those words at him.
She remembered how he'd reached for her then, his voice gentle but desperate. "Sabrina, please. I didn't mean it. I swear, I didn't—"
She'd stepped back, her own anger and insecurities twisting her thoughts. The walls she'd built, the ones Bryan had worked so hard to break through, had risen again like iron bars. "Don't come near me. Don't touch me," she had snapped, her voice cold and sharp enough to cut.
Bryan had frozen, his arms falling back to his sides, the hurt on his face clear as day. He'd looked at her with those soft, pleading eyes, trying to bridge the gap she was creating, but she hadn't let him. She'd turned away, shutting him out completely.
And now, as she knelt beside him, pressing against the wound that threatened to take his life, the memory tore her apart. "No…" she whimpered, shaking her head as tears spilled freely down her face. "I didn't mean it! Bryan, I didn't mean it!" Her sobs wracked her chest as she pressed harder, desperate to undo the damage—not just to his body, but to everything between them.
Her mind spiraled into the raw memory of his face from last night—the way his expression had crumbled when she flung those cruel words at him. How he'd tried to explain, tried to tell her she was wrong. But she hadn't let him. She'd let her fears, her insecurities, drown out the truth.
"I'm sorry," she choked, her voice trembling as she clutched his face with her bloodied hands. "I'm so sorry, Bryan. I didn't mean it—I swear I didn't mean it! I don't think that! I don't! You've always been there for me, and I... I just... I was just...angry!"
Her tears fell onto his ashen cheeks as her powers faltered, her focus slipping. "Please, don't leave me like this. Don't let my words be the last thing you remember. Please…"
His chest rose unevenly, each shallow breath a fight. His lips parted again, trembling as he tried to speak.
"Sabrina…" His voice was quieter now, weaker, as though the effort of speaking was too much. He raised his hands towards her.
"I've got you," she sobbed, clutching his hand tightly against her own. "I love you, Bryan. I'm sorry for yesterday, for what I said, for not believing in you."
His lips twitched into the faintest smile, but it only deepened the agony in her chest. She could feel him slipping away, the life draining from his body despite everything she did to hold him to her.
"The… oak tree…"
The words hit her like a thunderclap. Their place. Their sanctuary. Where it had all begun.
"No!" she cried, shaking her head violently. "No, Bryan! Don't talk like this is the end! We'll go back there together. Just hold on, okay? Just stay with me!"
But his gaze grew distant, his eyes glassy and unfocused even as they lingered on hers. A single tear slipped down his cheek, and then his body stilled.
His chest no longer rose or fell. His hand slipped from hers, falling limply to his side. His eyes, once so full of warmth and life, stared at her, unblinking and lifeless.
Her breath hitched as she looked down at him again. "Bryan?" she whispered, her voice trembling, fragile, barely audible.
Her heart dropped, and for a moment, the world stood still. Her wide, tear-filled eyes stared into his, desperately searching for the spark of life that had always been there—but it was gone. His gaze, once warm and full of unspoken reassurance, was now empty. Lifeless.
Sabrina froze, her entire body locking up as a sharp, icy sensation flooded her chest. It was as though the air had been sucked from her lungs, leaving her gasping, her mind screaming for this to be a nightmare she could wake from.
No. No, no, no.
Her hands, still pressed against his body, began to tremble uncontrollably. She couldn't feel the rise and fall of his chest anymore. The blood beneath her fingers had slowed—not because it had stopped bleeding, but because he had stopped breathing.
Her vision blurred as the tears came harder, hotter, streaming down her face in torrents. The dizziness hit her like a crashing wave, the world spinning out of focus as a chilling numbness began to creep up her spine. Her body felt like it was falling, sinking into an endless void where time didn't exist, only the unbearable realization of what had just happened.
"No… Bryan, please…" Her voice cracked as she spoke, trembling, barely audible over the storm raging in her head.
She lifted a shaking hand to his cheek, her bloodied fingers leaving crimson smears on his pale skin. He felt cold—too cold. The warmth that she'd always associated with him, the one thing that had always grounded her, was slipping away, and she couldn't stop it.
Her lips quivered as she choked on a sob, the sound raw and guttural, spilling from a place deep inside her she didn't even know existed. Her mind spiraled, replaying his last words, the faintest ghost of a smile he'd given her, over and over, like a cruel taunt.
This isn't real. It can't be real.
Her entire body began to shake violently, the cold consuming her, even as her skin felt feverish and damp with sweat. Her fingers tightened on his cheek, desperate, as though holding him would somehow keep him tethered to her.
She leaned closer, her forehead pressing against his, her tears mingling with the blood on his face. "Bryan… please don't leave me," she whispered, her voice breaking with every word. "Please… I'm begging you. I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry for everything."
Her chest ached, a sharp, unbearable pain that felt as though her heart had been ripped apart. She could barely breathe, the weight of her guilt and grief crushing her lungs, her thoughts spinning in a storm of anguish.
She screamed, a raw, primal sound that tore from her throat, shattering the oppressive silence of the moment. It echoed around her, but no one answered. No one came. She was alone—with him, and yet, so utterly alone.
Her powers surged uncontrollably, the ground trembling beneath her as psychic energy erupted in waves of grief and desperation. But it didn't matter. Nothing mattered.
She pulled his body closer, her hands clutching him as though her touch could bring him back. Her tears soaked his bloodied shirt as she buried her face against his chest, her sobs muffled but relentless.
"Bryan… please… we were supposed to go back… to the oak tree… together," she whispered brokenly, her voice barely a breath. Her body shook with every word, her mind shattering under the weight of her loss.
His lifeless form didn't answer. His still, vacant eyes stared back at her, haunting her, the final blow to her already breaking soul.
And in that moment, Sabrina felt something inside her shatter completely—a piece of her heart, of her very being, torn away with him, leaving only a hollow ache that would never heal.
Sabrina screamed again, but this time it wasn't just a scream—it was the sound of a soul shattering into a thousand pieces.
Her mind clawed desperately at reality, trying to deny what was unfolding in her arms. But deep down, in the darkest part of her heart, she knew. Her powers had warned her. They always did. Every vision, every premonition, every nightmare—they were never wrong. And this time was no different.
She had dreamed this moment, felt it with horrifying clarity. Bryan's body in her arms, cold and lifeless, the same pale stillness. She remembered waking in a cold sweat, her chest tight with dread. She remembered begging him not to go, not to face the dangers ahead. But he wouldn't listen, brushing off her warnings as paranoia.
Now, her dream was reality, and she had done nothing to stop it.
Her wide, tear-filled eyes stared at Bryan's face, his lips tinged with blue, his chest frighteningly still. "No... no, no, no..." she whispered, her voice trembling. Then the whisper broke, shattered into something raw and primal.
The scream ripped through her throat, a sound of such anguish it barely sounded human. Her eyes went wide, almost soulless for a moment, as though the overwhelming grief had ripped her spirit from her body. Tears streamed endlessly down her face, soaking Bryan's lifeless skin as she clutched him tighter to her chest.
It wasn't just a scream; it was the dying cry of a Vulpix caught in its final moments—a piercing, broken wail that seemed to bleed into the very fabric of the air.
"Bryan!" she sobbed, shaking him slightly as if she could rouse him. "Please, no! Don't do this to me! Don't leave me!"
Her psychic powers surged, a raw and uncontrollable force fueled by her grief. The storm began subtly—an eerie vibration in the air, a faint rattling of the windows. But it escalated in an instant.
The first window shattered, a sharp crack that echoed through the warehouse like a gunshot. Then another, and another, until the entire row of windows exploded inward, glass raining down like shards of ice. The walls groaned as hairline cracks splintered across the concrete, spreading like veins.
"Bryan!" she wailed again, the sound reverberating through the air, amplifying the chaos.
She rocked him in her arms, her tears soaking the bloodstained fabric of his shirt. "Please... please wake up..." Her voice cracked, her words dissolving into incoherent sobs. Her body trembled violently, her emotions tearing at her mind, her powers feeding off her despair.
The ceiling above began to quake, loose panels crashing to the ground. Support beams bent under the invisible pressure of her psychic storm. Pipes burst, spewing water and steam, and crates were hurled into the air as if caught in a hurricane. The entire warehouse seemed to buckle under the weight of her anguish.
But she didn't care. Nothing mattered except the lifeless man in her arms.
Her scream deepened, guttural and unrelenting, her powers spiraling out of control. She buried her face in Bryan's hair, sobbing, her voice muffled and trembling. "I told you... I told you this would happen... I could have stopped this... I should have stopped this..."
Just as another wave of destruction surged outward, Sabrina suddenly gasped, her breath caught as something constricted around her chest and neck. The crushing force of her emotions was abruptly interrupted, leaving her disoriented.
She felt herself being lifted, pulled upward and away from Bryan. Her arms tightened around him instinctively, but his body slipped from her grasp, falling limply into the hands of the approaching medical team.
"No!" she screamed, her voice breaking. She thrashed wildly, clawing at the empty air. Her head whipped back, her tear-streaked face twisted with panic and rage.
She saw them then: Gardevoir and Alakazam. The two Pokémon stood resolute, their faces shadowed with sorrow as their powers intertwined to restrain her. Gardevoir's glowing blue eyes shimmered with unshed tears her eyes focused on Sabrina and to her now deceased master, while Alakazam's spoons vibrated with the strain of holding her.
"Let me go!" she shrieked, her voice rising with desperation. Her arms stretched toward Bryan, who was now surrounded by medics. A Chansey pressed its small hands to his chest, administering CPR.
"Pulse is weak—barely there!"
"Get the AED—now!"
"Apply pressure to the wound!"
Sabrina's heart shattered anew as she caught snippets of their frantic voices. Her body twisted and writhed against the psychic grip, her strength fueled by desperation. But Gardevoir and Alakazam didn't waver.
"Don't take him away!" she screamed again, her voice raw and broken. Her hands clawed helplessly at the air, her gaze locked on Bryan's pale, unmoving face.
The storm she had unleashed began to subside, the psychic energy dissipating as her own strength gave out. Her vision blurred with tears, her body trembling violently.
"Bryan!" she cried one last time, a piercing, heart-wrenching plea that echoed through the now-silent warehouse.
And then, everything went black. Her body fell limp in the air as unconsciousness claimed her, the last thing she saw being Bryan, surrounded by the frantic movements of the medics desperately fighting to bring him back.
I REALLLLLLLLLY DISLIKED writing this chapter. Not because of the content but rather because of the fighting scene, I suck so much on writing fighting scenes it's not funny, it felt bland and I try to give out as much detail as I can but not it felt oversaturate, and I can't even describe some scenes I wanted to input cause I dont know what to put. Eh, it doesn't matter as long as the chapter is completed. This was really difficult to write on and I hope you guys not hate the fighting scenes at least.
Now Adressing some of the comments:
Ulric: Thank you so much :) Yes, I don't think I've ever seen a Sabrina x OC centered story in the pokemon fanfic scene despite having over hundreds of thousands of stories floating around. One of my reasons I decided to make this :D
Frostburn: Thank you always for the kind words, FB :) I appreciate it so much.
Imakebadfanfiction: LOL the first time I read this it got me laughing on how true it is. And the part, it's not that he doesn't want attention to himself, he likes to lay low for himself and Gardevoir and Metagross have been his bestfriends shortly after he ran away that he can't help but make them the majority of the time outside, even with the consequences of having a bit of attention, as long as the attention is towards his pokemon and not him, he'll take that.
Spectre: I agree that he went overboard with the stubbornness but I don't think its out of character for him, they were stressed from all the raids they had, battling team rocket members, stories of how brutal and neglectful Team Galactic is on handling the pokemons, and with all of a sudden Sabrina suddenly saying he shouldn't be in the fray too much risking of them having a greater chance of escape and not only that, leaving Sabrina alone in the front makes him even more stubborn at the thought. Arguments will ensue. Absolutely stubborn that you might get mad at him? Yes, but I wouldn't say out of character.
DJ Gaming: Little Twisted XD I'm a bit guilty of that, idk why angst and drama, make me really love stories. It's just a scratch that I love itching so much. I have my own magnum opus of angst in one of my other stories if you love searching out more, it's not pokemon though.
Blazehope: I'm so happy to hear this, I just love knowing that the people that have read my story loved it. I hope to continue making you guys happy :)