The bustling streets of Saffron City buzzed with their usual energy, but Ashley's attention was firmly fixed on the grand double doors of the Saffron Gym. She leaned against a lamppost, arms crossed, her gaze flicking occasionally to her PokéNav. Damian was late—not that she was surprised. He seemed to have a knack for being fashionably delayed.

A familiar, cheeky laugh snapped her out of her thoughts. "Sorry, sorry! I know, I'm late," Damian called, jogging up the path with a wide grin plastered across his face. His Hitmonchan jogged alongside him, his movements smoother and more confident than before. Haunter floated lazily above them, occasionally phasing through lampposts and giggling at his antics.

Ashley smirked, straightening up. "Took you long enough. Did you get lost in the city or something?"

Damian shook his head, still catching his breath. "Nope, but saying goodbye to the dojo felt like a farewell ceremony or something. I swear, every trainee there had to come shake my hand. Twice." He gestured dramatically, as if the weight of their gratitude had physically slowed him down.

"Wow," Ashley teased, giving him a playful nudge. "Guess someone's become a local celebrity. Should I start calling you Mr. Popular now?"

Damian laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hey, I can't help it if they love me. Or, well…" He glanced down at his Hitmonchan, who was shadowboxing casually. "...if they love him. This guy's been a hit over there. Pun totally intended."

Ashley snorted. "Of course it was. But I gotta admit, he looks good. You two must've been putting in serious work."

Damian's grin softened into something more genuine. "Yeah, the dojo was amazing. They really helped us hone in on his strengths. He's got some serious power now, but it's all about control. You should've seen him sparring with Machoke earlier—total knockout."

Hitmonchan glanced up at Damian with a proud smile, jabbing the air as if to emphasize his point. Ashley gave him an approving nod. "Looking sharp, Hitmonchan. Next time, Mars might just give you a run for your money, though."

Damian raised a brow. "Oh, is that a challenge? Because we can make that happen."

"Easy, champ," Ashley said with a laugh, holding up her hands. "Let's save it for when we're not about to part ways."

That last part made Damian's grin falter slightly. He tilted his head, a touch of curiosity and disappointment in his tone. "Part ways? You mean you're not sticking around?"

Ashley sighed, her expression softening. "I can't, Damian. I've been in Saffron for a week already, and Vermilion's calling my name. There's a contest there in two weeks, and Lt. Surge? He's been on my gym list forever."

"Ah, time management," Damian said with a knowing nod, though his voice carried a hint of regret. "The eternal struggle for trainers like us."

"Exactly," Ashley said, crossing her arms again. "Gym badges, contest ribbons—balancing the two is a nightmare sometimes. But hey, you've got your own plans, right?"

Damian perked up a bit, his disappointment fading. "Yeah! There's a contest in this little town between Saffron and Lavender. Thought I'd swing by, show Haunter and Hitmonchan off, snag a ribbon."

Ashley grinned. "Sounds like a solid plan. You've been killing it lately. I'm sure you'll crush it."

"Thanks," Damian said, though his smile had a wistful edge. "Still, it's a bummer. Would've been cool to hit the contest circuit together. You've got the chops for it."

"Who says we won't cross paths again?" Ashley replied, tilting her head with a smirk. "Though, we still have one more day together. Ready to see me take on Sabrina?"

Damian's smirk returned. "Now, that will be a show to enjoy."

Ashley adjusted her hat nervously as she stood at the threshold of the Saffron Gym, the imposing structure radiating an eerie stillness that wasn't helping her nerves. She shot a quick glance at Damian, who was flipping a coin idly in one hand, his other resting on his Hitmonchan's shoulder. The Fighting-type stood tall, his gloved fists raised slightly, as though he were ready to take on whatever lay inside. Haunter, on the other hand, was floating upside down above Damian's head, grinning mischievously.

"Okay," Ashley said, taking a deep breath. "We just go in, do our thing, and walk out with a badge. Easy peasy."

Damian smirked, but before he could respond, an old man seemingly materialized out of nowhere. "Turn back!" he wheezed, clutching a tattered broom like it was some kind of sacred relic. His eyes were wild, darting between Ashley and Damian with a mix of desperation and fear.

Ashley froze mid-step. "Uh... hi?"

The old man shook his head vehemently, jabbing his broom at the gym entrance. "You don't understand! Sabrina cannot be defeated! She'll read your mind—know your every move before you make it! And if you lose, she'll trap you inside forever!"

Damian blinked, clearly unsure how to react. "Trap us inside? Like... as prisoners? That's illegal, isn't it?"

Ashley raised an eyebrow, forcing a laugh. "Uh, yeah. I don't think that's a thing. Right?" She glanced at Damian, who shrugged.

"I'm just saying," Damian whispered, leaning closer, "weird rumors fly around this place. Like, seriously weird."

Ashley rolled her eyes, brushing past the old man. "We'll be fine. Sabrina's a gym leader, not a ghost story. No one can actually read minds."

The old man opened his mouth to protest again, but Ashley and Damian were already walking into the gym, his warnings fading behind them.

The first thing Ashley noticed was the silence. It was the kind of quiet that pressed against your ears, making you hyper-aware of every creak and shuffle. The interior was massive, stretching out into an almost infinite void of dim light and shadow. The walls were stark white, but the emptiness made them feel sterile, like a blank canvas waiting to be filled. The floor was polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting distorted glimpses of Ashley, Damian, and their Pokémon as they walked further in.

"No trainers, no Pokémon... not even a referee," Damian muttered, glancing around warily. "This is definitely not normal."

"Understatement of the century," Ashley replied, crossing her arms as she tried to push down her unease. "I mean, I get minimalist décor, but this is... something else."

Haunter floated ahead, his eerie chuckles echoing faintly as he phased through one of the gym's walls, only to pop back out moments later. His grin widened as if he'd discovered some grand secret, but he said nothing, his purple form twirling lazily in the air.

Damian's Hitmonchan tensed, his eyes darting around the space as though he could sense something neither trainer could. He raised a gloved fist, his stance shifting into a defensive position.

"Okay," Ashley said, breaking the tension with a forced laugh. "So, let me guess—you've heard all about this place, right?"

Damian hesitated. "Maybe a little. Like... I've heard people say the gym's weird, but nothing specific. Just... you know, stuff about spooky vibes and people walking out looking like they've seen a ghost."

"Haunter, please don't take that as a challenge," Ashley quipped, though her voice had a strained edge. The ghost Pokémon wiggled his stubby arms in mock innocence, earning an exasperated sigh from Damian.

Ashley continued walking, her footsteps echoing faintly. "Look, it's probably just a gimmick. Sabrina's got a whole psychic thing going on, so maybe this is part of her schtick—creepy empty rooms, mind games, whatever. She's just trying to psych us out."

Damian smirked faintly. "Psych us out. Nice pun."

"Unintentional, but thanks," Ashley shot back. She slowed her pace, glancing down at the polished floor. Her reflection stared back at her, warped and stretched like a funhouse mirror. For a brief moment, she swore the reflection smirked at her before she did.

Ashley blinked and shook her head. "Okay, that's it. Next time, we go straight to the gym leader without stopping for ominous old guys, creepy reflections, or... whatever this is."

Damian chuckled but didn't look entirely convinced. He tilted his head toward Hitmonchan. "What do you think, buddy? Feeling anything off?"

Hitmonchan gave a sharp nod, his fists clenching tighter. He stepped closer to Damian, his movements precise and cautious. Haunter, meanwhile, seemed to be having the time of his life, darting in and out of walls, occasionally making exaggerated spooky noises.

"Haunter," Damian said with mock sternness, "quit trying to freak us out."

"He's fine," Ashley said with a wave of her hand. "It's probably good practice for Sabrina, honestly."

As they ventured deeper into the desolate gym, the silence seemed to grow heavier, almost tangible. The walls seemed to stretch higher, the lights dimming slightly as if reacting to their presence. Ashley forced a grin, trying to keep the mood light.

"Well," she said, her voice echoing slightly, "at least we're getting plenty of cardio in."

Damian snorted. "Sure. If we don't get mind-controlled and turned into furniture first."

Ashley gave him a flat look. "Okay, now you're just being ridiculous."

"Am I?" Damian asked, raising a brow. "Because I'd argue that this place is the definition of ridiculous."

Ashley rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Alright, fine. Point taken. Let's just find Sabrina and—wait, did that wall just... move?"

Both trainers stopped, their eyes locking onto the far wall, where a faint shimmer rippled across the surface. Hitmonchan and Haunter tensed, their stances shifting as if preparing for something to emerge.

"Yeah, this is fine," Damian said, his voice an octave higher than usual. "Totally fine."

Ashley forced herself to laugh, though her grip tightened on her belt. "Okay. Maybe it's not entirely fine... but we've come this far. No turning back now."

They exchanged a glance, both trying to read the other's expression. After a beat, Ashley took a deep breath and stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. "Let's just get this over with."

Ashley and Damian stood frozen as they stared at the shimmering wall they had just passed through. It had felt almost... gelatinous, and the sensation of it still lingered on Ashley's skin, making her shudder. She turned to Damian, her voice low and strained.

"Okay, so... that wasn't just a normal wall. But it's not psychic powers, right? Because psychic powers aren't... I mean..."

"Totally not psychic powers," Damian said, though he didn't sound convinced. His Hitmonchan stood protectively at his side, fists raised, while Haunter floated a few feet ahead, his grin unusually subdued as he surveyed the room.

The battlefield stretched before them, but it wasn't like any gym arena they'd seen before. The air shimmered with hues of pink and purple, each color swirling like smoke caught in a faint breeze. Everything felt... off. Like the room wasn't quite real, or maybe they weren't. Ashley swore she saw the floor ripple when she moved, but when she blinked, it was perfectly still.

Damian leaned toward her, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is it just me, or does this feel like... a fever dream?"

Ashley nodded slowly, her eyes scanning the strange, distorted arena. "If it is, we're definitely having the same fever."

Before Damian could reply, a soft, childlike giggle echoed through the room, sending chills down Ashley's spine. She turned sharply, her breath catching as a young girl stepped forward from the shadows, clutching a small, tattered Pokémon plushie. The girl's expression was blank, but her dark eyes glimmered with something uncomfortably sharp, like she was seeing far more than she should.

"Welcome," the girl said in a voice that was eerily calm. She tilted her head slightly, her grip tightening on the plushie. "I'm Sabrina."

Ashley and Damian exchanged a stunned glance, the tension between them palpable. "Wait," Ashley blurted, pointing at the girl. "You're Sabrina? As in... the Sabrina?"

Sabrina nodded, her movements unnervingly slow and deliberate. "Yes," she said simply. "To leave this gym, you'll need to defeat me."

Damian took a half-step back, his Hitmonchan mirroring his unease. "So... the old guy wasn't kidding," he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "This is real."

Ashley tried to force a laugh, but it came out more like a strangled choke. "Great. Just great. Because being trapped in a creepy gym with a psychic kid was totally on my bucket list."

Sabrina's lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "You find this amusing?" she asked softly, her tone betraying no emotion.

"Not really," Ashley muttered, her hands tightening into fists. "But hey, when life gives you telekinetic nightmares..."

Before she could finish, Sabrina's eyes flashed briefly, and Ashley's belt suddenly unhooked itself. A Poké Ball floated into the air, glowing faintly as it opened. In a burst of light, Venus appeared, the Eevee blinking in confusion as she landed on the shimmering battlefield.

"Venus?!" Ashley shouted, her voice a mix of shock and anger. "What the—"

Sabrina tilted her head, her expression calm as ever. "You were planning to use her, weren't you? Your plan all along was to allow her to experience a Gym Challenge. I am only allowing you the chance, after all, this will be a one vs one battle."

Ashley's jaw dropped. "I—well, yeah, but I was gonna... you know... actually choose her!"

Sabrina ignored the protest, her gaze locked on Venus. "She is eager to prove herself," she said softly. "And I only need one Pokémon to face her."

Ashley's heart sank as a single Poké Ball floated from Sabrina's side. It opened slowly, releasing a flash of white light that formed into an Abra, his small body sitting calmly on the field. Abra's eyes were closed, but the energy radiating from he was impossible to ignore.

Damian leaned toward Ashley, whispering urgently. "Okay, not to freak you out, but this might be... bad. Really bad."

Ashley let out a shaky laugh. "You think?!" She glared at Sabrina, her mind racing. Why Venus? she thought bitterly. If I'd known I only had one shot, I'd have picked Mars. At least he knows Brick Break!

Ashley's stomach flipped, her hands clenching into fists as she stared at Venus. The little Eevee stood tall despite the strange atmosphere; her ears twitching as she took in her surroundings. Ashley could see the determination in her eyes, the same spark that had carried them through their first contest win. She even left her scarf and pearl behind to show how serious she is taking this Gym Challenge!

"Alright, Venus," Ashley said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Looks like it's you and me against the psychic prodigy. You ready?"

Venus chirped, her fluffy tail swishing as she crouched slightly, her muscles tensing in anticipation.

Damian stepped back, his Haunter floating beside him with an unusually serious expression. "No pressure," he muttered. "Just, you know, the fate of our freedom hanging on this battle."

Ashley shot him a glare but couldn't help a faint grin. "Thanks for the pep talk."

Ashley took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Venus. We've got this, she told herself. We have to have this.

But as the strange, shimmering battlefield pulsed faintly around them, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were in way over their heads.

Sabrina raised her hand, her plushie dangling limply from her fingers. "Let the battle begin," she said.

From the get-go the Abra was proven to be a hard challenge. Abra teleported away from any attack Venus tried to land, almost as if he and Sabrina could read Ashley's mind, they knew what she would command Venus to do before she even opened her mouth. Rain Dance was met with Sunny Day, Swift was neutralized by Psyshock, Iron Tail was teleported away, Venus never got close enough to try her new move Double Kick.

Ashley's heart pounded in her chest as Venus struggled to stay on her feet, her tiny body battered and bruised. She was no longer the carefree Eevee that had danced around the battlefields with excitement. No, this Venus was tired, beaten, and on the edge of collapse. Her fur was matted with sweat, and every breath she took seemed to take longer than the last.

On the other side of the battlefield, the small Abra stood with an almost smug look on his face. His eyes were closed, but the eerie glow of his psychic power swirled around him like a tangible force. He had already used Psyshock to send Venus flying twice, and that was just the beginning. It was almost like the Abra was toying with them, reading their moves before they even made them.

"Ashley!" Damian's voice snapped her out of her haze. "This is bad! That Abra is way stronger than any normal one! No way it should know all these moves!" He frantically ran his fingers through his hair, his voice rising in panic. "This is like... a nightmare!"

Ashley didn't answer him at first; she couldn't. Her gaze was fixed on Venus, who had staggered to her feet, determined but clearly on the verge of giving out. Come on, Venus... she thought desperately, watching the Eevee's exhaustion as her body swayed slightly. You can do this... We're in this together.

Sabrina, still clutching her plushie like a bizarre little doll, stood there, unnervingly calm. "Your Pokémon is strong, but not strong enough," she said, her voice flat and almost lifeless, like she was reciting a script she knew too well. "Abra's power is greater than you realize."

Ashley's jaw clenched. "I don't care how strong it is," she muttered, eyes narrowing. "Venus, let's try again! Swift!"

Venus shot forward, tail held high as her fur gleamed with the glow of the attack. A flurry of glowing stars launched from her body, zipping toward Abra, but before they could even make contact, the Abra teleported. A flash of light, and he was gone—reappearing behind Venus in the blink of an eye. He barely seemed to break a sweat.

"Dammit!" Ashley hissed under her breath, eyes blazing with frustration. "I can't catch a break."

Damian's voice cut through her thoughts. "It's not you! That thing's like a mind reader! Sabrina's gotta be feeding it all the moves, and the teleporting... It's insane!"

The Abra, still floating lazily, let out a soft, almost bored "Abra..." before raising his tiny arms and letting loose a Thunder Punch.

Venus cried out, the electric energy slamming into her side. Her body jerked, and she staggered back, fur singed and trembling.

"Venus!" Ashley yelled, panic creeping into her voice. She could see her Eevee struggling to stand, her legs shaking as she tried to keep her balance. Every time she tried to retaliate, the Abra just zipped away, his ability to teleport seeming to defy logic and physics. And each time, Venus took the brunt of the attack, getting weaker with each blow.

"No! Not like this!" Ashley's voice wavered. "Venus, please—use Wish! Heal yourself, just for a moment!"

Venus's ears flicked, and she raised her head, barely able to keep her eyes open. With what little energy she had left, she focused, summoning the healing energy needed for Wish. Her body glowed faintly, the energy wrapping around her, knitting together some of her injuries. It helped, in a way, but it couldn't undo the exhaustion the battle had already taken on her.

"See?" Sabrina said, voice still eerily calm. "Your efforts are futile. She's not strong enough to defeat Abra."

Ashley clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white. No, no way. I'm not losing like this. I can't.

Beside her, Damian was frantically pacing. "This is bad. We're gonna be trapped in here forever if we don't figure something out! What is that Abra?"

Ashley's mind raced. A normal Abra would never be able to do this, she thought, eyes darting between Venus and the Abra. Fire Punch? Ice Punch? Thunder Punch? No way. This is way beyond just a regular Psychic-type.

Suddenly, something clicked in her mind, and her gaze hardened. "Wait a second… it's Sabrina. She's doing this. She has to be. The way she's acting... the way that Abra knows all these moves, it's like she's controlling it, guiding it."

Damian stopped pacing and looked at her. "What are you talking about? You think Sabrina's doing this on purpose?"

"Not on purpose," Ashley snapped, her thoughts finally starting to align. "I don't think Sabrina even realizes what she's doing. Whatever happened to her—whatever's going on with her—she's warping reality here. That's why everything feels so weird. That's why Abra's so strong. She's manipulating everything with her mind."

"So... you're saying she's actually a psychic?" Damian asked incredulously.

Ashley threw him a sharp glance. "What else would she be, Damian? We're not fighting a normal battle here. This isn't about type advantage anymore. It's about getting her out of our heads!"

Venus was still wobbling, but she managed to look up at her trainer, eyes filled with determination despite the pain. Ashley knew the Eevee was exhausted, and she didn't have many options left. Come on, Venus!

Venus seemed to understand the unspoken challenge, and with a fierce look, she began to gather her energy for another move. Ashley's heart skipped a beat—this was the moment they had to get it right.

But just as Venus took a step forward, the Abra's eyes snapped open. He raised a small hand, and the glow around it flared as he unleashed a Fire Punch. This time, Venus didn't see the punch coming. She was struck head-on, fire coursing through her body, and she collapsed to the ground with a soft cry.

"Venus!" Ashley's voice cracked as she rushed forward, her feet slipping on the misty battlefield. She knelt beside Venus, her fingers trembling as she reached out to her Pokémon. Venus looked up weakly, her tail flicking a bit in acknowledgment.

"I... I can't..." Ashley murmured, staring at her Eevee, unsure of what to do next. "You're... you're so strong, Venus, but I don't know how to beat that thing…"

Damian crouched beside her, his voice low but urgent. "Ashley, we need to come up with a plan now. This is getting out of hand, and I don't think Venus can take much more."

Ashley nodded grimly. "Alright," she whispered fiercely. "I'm not going to let that... whatever it is, win. We're finishing this."

But first, she had to find a way to break through Sabrina's psychic hold, and fast.

As the sound of Sabrina's eerie giggles filled the air, the tension in the room seemed to shift. Ashley froze, clutching Venus tightly against her chest as she tried to figure out where the noise was coming from. Her heart was racing, her adrenaline surging after watching her Eevee endure such a brutal battle.

Damian grabbed her shoulder, pulling her attention back. "Ashley, do you hear that?" he whispered, his voice low and edged with fear.

She nodded, her eyes scanning the battlefield. "Yeah. What is—"

Her words caught in her throat as she spotted Haunter floating near Sabrina. The mischievous ghost Pokémon was pulling exaggerated faces, stretching his mouth wide and waggling his tongue, his large eyes bulging as he floated in circles around her.

"What is he doing?!" Ashley hissed, eyes wide in disbelief.

Damian blinked, his voice pitching upward. "I—I think he's making her laugh?"

Sure enough, Sabrina's childlike form was giggling uncontrollably, clutching her plushie to her chest as she rocked back and forth on her feet. Each laugh sent tremors through the room, the distorted battlefield flickering like a glitching projection. The pink and purple hues dimmed, breaking apart into fleeting flashes of normality before surging back again.

Ashley took a cautious step back, her grip on Venus tightening. "Damian, I don't think this is just a laugh fest. The room's breaking apart."

He didn't need to be told twice. The ground beneath them trembled violently, the fog swirling chaotically as the shimmering walls began to crack like glass. "We need to go. Now."

"But what about Haunter?!" Ashley cried, her voice strained as she glanced toward the ghost Pokémon, who was now juggling ethereal flames in his hands like a circus act, eliciting more giggles from Sabrina.

Damian gritted his teeth, his fists clenching. "He does this all the time. Trust me—he'll find his way back. He always does."

The floor beneath them buckled, sending Ashley stumbling. Venus whimpered in her arms, her tiny body trembling. The walls around them shattered like a mirror hit with a hammer, shards of the surreal pink and purple hues falling into nothingness.

Ashley didn't wait for further argument. "Let's go!" she shouted, breaking into a sprint toward the fake wall they'd entered through.

Damian and his Hitmonchan were right behind her, the Fighting-type's gloves glowing faintly as if ready to punch through anything that got in their way.

The ground continued to quake, and a deafening crash echoed behind them. Ashley risked a glance over her shoulder, her breath hitching as she saw the remnants of the battlefield collapse in on itself, swirling into a vortex of psychic energy.

"Don't look back!" Damian yelled, his voice sharp with urgency. "Just keep moving!"

Ashley swallowed hard, her legs pumping as she clutched Venus close. The Eevee's fur was damp with sweat, and Ashley could feel her trembling, but she was still hanging on. "We're almost there," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. "We're almost out."

The fake wall loomed ahead, but it looked different now—flickering like the rest of the room, its edges jagged and unstable. For a brief moment, Ashley hesitated, fear creeping into her thoughts. What if it doesn't let us out?

Damian didn't hesitate. "Hitmonchan, clear the way!"

With a powerful leap, Hitmonchan lashed out with a glowing Knock Off, shattering the wall in an explosion of psychic residue. The path ahead cleared, revealing the gym's eerily quiet entryway.

Ashley bolted through, Damian and Hitmonchan hot on her heels. As soon as they were through, the wall reformed behind them with a deafening crash. The sound echoed in Ashley's ears as she stumbled to a stop, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath.

Venus whimpered softly, nuzzling weakly against Ashley's chest. "I know, girl," Ashley murmured, her voice shaking as she stroked the Eevee's fur. "I know. We're almost there. Just hold on."

Damian doubled over, his hands on his knees as he gasped for air. "That... was insane. What even... was that?"

Ashley shook her head, her hands trembling as she adjusted her grip on Venus. "I don't know. I don't care. We just need to get out of here."

The old man who had warned them earlier appeared out of nowhere, his wild eyes wide with alarm. "You escaped?! How? No one escapes Sabrina!"

Ashley ignored him, brushing past as she headed toward the street. Damian followed, muttering under his breath about crazy psychics and haunted gyms.

"We need to get to the Pokémon Center," Ashley said firmly, her voice steadier now but still laced with urgency. "Venus needs help."

Damian nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, no arguments here. Let's go."

The two of them hurried down the street, their Pokémon close by. Behind them, the Saffron Gym loomed, its unsettling aura still lingering in the air. Neither of them looked back.

The streets of Saffron City blurred past as Ashley and Damian sprinted through the crowded sidewalks, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. People yelped in surprise as the two barreled forward, narrowly dodging street vendors, hurried office workers, and the occasional Pokémon weaving through the bustling city.

"Sorry! Coming through!" Ashley shouted breathlessly, clutching Venus close to her chest. The Eevee's fur was damp, her breaths shallow. Ashley's heart clenched with every labored rise and fall of Venus's tiny chest.

"Almost there!" Damian called from behind, his Hitmonchan keeping pace at his side. The Fighting Pokémon's sharp eyes scanned the streets, ever alert for potential obstacles or threats.

They skidded around a corner, Ashley nearly losing her footing but catching herself just in time. Her cap was askew, her braid undone and bouncing against her back as she pushed herself to keep moving.

Finally, the glowing red sign of the Pokémon Center came into view. "There it is!" Ashley cried, relief washing over her like a wave. She surged forward, her legs burning but refusing to stop.

Bursting through the automatic doors, Ashley practically collapsed onto the counter, gasping for air. "Nurse Joy!" she managed to choke out, her voice cracking with panic. "Please, Venus—she needs help!"

Nurse Joy, calm and composed despite the commotion, leaned forward with a reassuring nod. "Of course. Chansey, let's get her to the back."

The round, pink Pokémon waddled over, her face a mask of determination as she held out her tiny arms. Ashley hesitated for a moment, reluctant to let Venus go, but Chansey gave her a soft coo of reassurance.

"You'll take care of her, right?" Ashley whispered, her voice trembling.

"Venus is in good hands," Nurse Joy promised gently, motioning for Chansey to hurry. The Pokémon cradled Venus delicately, disappearing through the swinging doors as Nurse Joy followed close behind.

As the doors shut, sealing Venus away from view, Ashley's knees buckled. She sank onto the waiting room bench, burying her face in her hands. The weight of everything—the battle, the escape, the fear—crashed down on her all at once.

Damian sat down beside her, his expression grim. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say, before reaching out and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Hey," he murmured, his voice softer than usual. "It's okay. She's tough—just like you. She'll pull through."

Ashley let out a shaky breath, her hands falling from her face as tears streaked down her cheeks. "I-I shouldn't have let it happen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I knew Sabrina wasn't normal, but I thought... I thought we could handle it. Venus trusted me, and I—"

Damian shook his head, his grip on her tightening. "Don't do that. Don't blame yourself. No one could've seen that coming—not the psychic mind-reading, not the Abra pulling off moves it shouldn't even know. That wasn't on you, Ashley."

She sniffled, her hands trembling as she clutched the edge of her shorts. "I just... I felt so useless. Watching her get hurt like that and not knowing how to stop it—"

"You weren't useless," Damian interrupted firmly. "You got her out. You got us out. You kept fighting, even when things looked impossible. That's what a good trainer does."

Ashley blinked up at him, her tear-filled eyes searching his face for any sign of doubt. But Damian's expression was resolute, his usual smirk replaced with a rare look of sincerity.

"You're not alone in this," he added, glancing toward the swinging doors where Venus had disappeared. "And neither is Venus. We've got her back—just like she's always had yours."

Ashley's lips quirked into a small, wobbly smile. "Thanks, Damian."

He gave her a crooked grin, leaning back against the bench. "What can I say? I've got a soft spot for underdogs—and their stubborn trainers."

The faintest laugh escaped her, more of a hiccup than anything else, but it was enough to break the tension.

The two sat in silence for a while, the hum of the Pokémon Center's machines filling the quiet. Ashley kept her eyes fixed on the doors, willing Venus to walk through them, good as new. Damian stayed by her side, his hand never leaving her shoulder. Hitmonchan stood nearby, his arms crossed as he kept a vigilant watch, his usually stoic face softening every time he glanced at Ashley.

After what felt like an eternity, Nurse Joy returned. Ashley shot to her feet, her heart in her throat.

"Venus is stable," Nurse Joy said with a reassuring smile. "She's resting now, and with a bit of time, she'll make a full recovery."

Ashley let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her knees nearly giving out again. Damian caught her elbow, steadying her.

"Thank you," Ashley said, her voice hoarse but filled with relief. "Can I see her?"

"Of course," Nurse Joy replied, gesturing for them to follow her.

As they walked through the quiet halls of the Pokémon Center, Ashley felt a sense of calm begin to return. She wasn't out of the woods yet—not with Sabrina still looming over her journey—but for now, Venus was safe.

And that was all that mattered.

Ashley's chest tightened as she stepped into the recovery room, her eyes immediately falling on Venus. The small Eevee lay nestled in the center of an oversized hospital bed, her tiny frame dwarfed by the fluffy blankets and the machines humming softly around her. Wires ran from her to monitors, tracking her vitals in a steady rhythm. Seeing Venus like this, so vulnerable, made Ashley's throat tighten.

"Oh, Venus…" she murmured, rushing to her side. She pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down, gently brushing her fingers over the trimmed patches of fur on Venus's side. The Eevee stirred slightly at her touch, letting out a soft whimper. Ashley's heart broke all over again.

Damian stood quietly behind her, Hitmonchan lingering in the doorway with Chansey. The Fighting-type Pokémon stood tall and alert, his sharp eyes scanning the hallway as if daring anyone to disturb them.

Nurse Joy walked in, her clipboard in hand and a calm smile on her face. "Venus is stable," she began, her voice soft but reassuring. "The injuries she sustained weren't as severe as they looked. Most of what you're seeing here is just precautionary monitoring. Her exhaustion was the biggest concern."

Ashley looked up, her voice wavering. "What about… her fur? The burns?"

Nurse Joy's smile didn't falter. "The elemental punches caused some singeing, and we had to trim her fur in a few spots to treat the burns. But the damage isn't permanent. Eevee's fur grows back quickly, and with proper care, she'll be good as new."

Ashley exhaled a shaky breath, her fingers brushing through the untrimmed parts of Venus's soft coat. "So, she's going to be okay?"

"She will," Nurse Joy confirmed. "And honestly, you have her move Wish to thank for that. It worked wonders in mitigating the worst of the damage. Without it, the damage could've been much more severe."

Ashley nodded, blinking back tears as she gazed at her Pokémon. "She's tougher than I gave her credit for."

Damian nudged her shoulder, a lopsided grin on his face. "I told you. You're a good trainer, Ash. You taught her to be tough—and smart. Wish isn't exactly the first thing most trainers think of under pressure, but you made the call, and it worked."

Ashley's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I don't feel like a good trainer right now," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Ashley sighed, resting her forehead against the edge of the bed. "I just want her to know that she doesn't have to fight for me. Not if it means this."

Nurse Joy stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Ashley's shoulder. "You're both going to need some time to recover, but she'll bounce back. Pokémon are incredibly resilient, especially when they know they're loved and cared for."

Ashley nodded silently, glancing back at Venus. The Eevee's chest rose and fell steadily, her small body wrapped snugly in the blanket.

"So… when can I sign her release?" Ashley asked, her voice hesitant.

"Tomorrow," Nurse Joy replied with a kind smile. "Just make sure she takes it easy for at least a week—no training, no battles. After that, she'll be back to her old self."

"Thank you," Ashley said earnestly, her voice cracking slightly. She stroked Venus's head, her fingers brushing over the trimmed fur. "I'll make sure she gets all the rest she needs."

As Nurse Joy left the room, Damian stayed beside Ashley, settling into the chair next to her. "So," he said after a long silence, "what's the plan? You're not seriously thinking about going back to that gym, are you?"

Ashley didn't answer right away. She kept her eyes on Venus, her hand resting gently on the Eevee's side. "I don't know," she admitted. "I want to—no, I need to finish this journey. But… Sabrina? I don't think I'm ready for her. Not yet."

Damian nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Makes sense. That gym… it's not normal."

Ashley let out a soft laugh, the sound tinged with exhaustion. "I guess we're both a little spooked, huh?"

"Understatement of the century," Damian said, grinning. "But hey, that's a problem for another day. Right now, let's just focus on getting Venus back on her paws."

"Yeah. One step at a time." Ashley smiled, the weight on her chest easing ever so slightly. "One thing for sure, I will not remain in this city for long. The moment I sign Venus out, I will be leaving for Vermilion City."

"Yeah, me too," Damian sighed, before hesitating. "Do you… do you want me to go with you?"

"No," Ashley turned to him sharply. "You better not dare skip that contest you were planning. I do not need coddling."

Damian raised his hands, in mock defeat, his confident smirk coming back, "As you wish."

The room was silent except for the soft hum of the machines monitoring Venus when the door creaked open, drawing both Ashley's and Damian's attention. Officer Jenny stepped inside, her expression serious but calm. Behind her floated Damian's Haunter, a mischievous grin plastered across his ghostly face as he drifted closer to his trainer.

Ashley shot up from her chair, her eyes wide. "Officer Jenny?" she asked, her voice cautious. Damian stood a second later, looking equally confused.

Jenny gave them a nod of acknowledgment. "I came to thank you both," she said, her tone steady but carrying an edge of urgency. "You helped save Sabrina from what could have been a very dangerous situation."

Ashley blinked, her mind racing. "We—wait, what? Save her? What are you talking about?" She glanced at Damian, who raised an eyebrow in silent agreement with her confusion.

Jenny sighed, stepping further into the room. "I understand you've been through quite an ordeal, and it's probably hard to process right now, but Sabrina was… unwell. She was affected by a powerful psychic outburst—one that seems to have disrupted not just her but many Psychic-types across Kanto."

Damian tilted his head, his hand gesturing vaguely toward Haunter. "So, like… she got hit with some kind of psychic explosion and lost it? Is that what you're saying?"

"Essentially, yes," Jenny confirmed. "But Sabrina is one of the most powerful psychics in Kanto, possibly the world. The outburst didn't just affect her powers—it distorted her mind, twisting her abilities into something far more dangerous. That's what you experienced in her gym."

Ashley felt a shiver run down her spine. She sat back down heavily, her hands clutching her knees. "So… that wasn't just her being a super intense gym leader. That was—"

"Something completely out of her control," Jenny finished, her tone softening. "She's been transported to a specialized treatment center where she can recover safely. Before she left, she regained enough clarity to apologize for her actions."

Damian let out a low whistle, scratching the back of his head. "Man, we were running out of there like it was the end of the world, and she was the one who needed help. That's… a lot."

Ashley nodded, her brow furrowing. "It didn't feel like she was herself in there. But how… how did she come back to herself? I mean, the room was breaking apart, and—"

Jenny gestured to Haunter, who hovered closer, looking surprisingly proud of himself. "You can thank your friend here for that. Haunter's ghostly powers disrupted the psychic energy surrounding Sabrina, giving her the chance to fight back against the distortion. It's not something just any Pokémon could do. Haunter's unique abilities made all the difference."

Damian blinked, then broke into a grin. "Haunter, you absolute legend!" He held up his hand for a high-five, and Haunter eagerly slapped it with his ghostly appendage, laughing in his eerie way.

Ashley leaned back in her chair, staring at Haunter with newfound respect. "So, you're saying… Haunter was the MVP of all of this?"

Jenny nodded. "Without a doubt. And because of his actions—and yours—you've both earned these." She reached into her pocket and pulled out two gleaming Marsh Badges, their concentric golden circles catching the light. She handed one to each of them.

Ashley stared at the badge in her hand, her fingers trembling slightly. "But… we didn't win. We didn't even finish the battle."

"You didn't need to," Jenny explained. "A gym badge can be awarded not only for a victory in battle but also for performing an act of service for the gym leader. You helped save Sabrina. That's worthy of recognition."

Damian turned the badge over in his hand, his expression a mix of awe and disbelief. "Wow. I didn't think we'd end up with badges after… well, everything. I'm not even a Gym Challenger! But I'll take it."

Ashley's lips curved into a small smile. "Yeah, me too. I just—" Her smile faltered as her thoughts turned back to Sabrina. "What about the psychic outburst? Do you know where it came from?"

Jenny's expression darkened slightly. "That's what we're trying to figure out. Psychic Pokémon across Kanto have been acting strangely ever since the outburst occurred. It's unprecedented, and we don't have a clear origin point yet. But rest assured, we're investigating."

Ashley exchanged a glance with Damian, her stomach twisting. "So… this isn't over, is it?"

"Not yet," Jenny admitted. "But you've done your part today. Focus on recovering and taking care of your Pokémon." She gave them a reassuring smile before turning to leave. "Thank you again for what you've done."

As Jenny exited, Damian plopped back into his chair, turning the Marsh Badge over in his hand with a lopsided grin. "So… what do we even call this? The most chaotic gym challenge in history?"

Ashley leaned back, clutching her badge as if it might float away, and let out a disbelieving laugh. "I think we call it the day we ran away from a horror movie only to be introduced to a sci-fi one. What the Arceus?! How is this our life?"

Damian snorted, shaking his head. "Seriously, if this is what gyms are like in Kanto, I might stick to contests. At least those just involve sparkles and choreography."

Ashley shot him a teasing look. "Oh, yeah, because dodging Shadow Balls in sequins is so much safer."

Damian chuckled. "Works for me."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of what they'd experienced settling in. But as Ashley held her badge tightly, she felt a flicker of pride. They'd been through a nightmare and come out stronger. And for now, that was enough.