Bryan stepped into Saffron City, a place that once felt like home but now seemed distant and unfamiliar. The hustle and bustle of the city surrounded him, but he moved through the crowd with a calm determination. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his worn jacket, and by his side walked his loyal companions: Gardevoir and Metagross.
Gardevoir moved gracefully, her flowing white body shimmering in the sunlight. Her large, expressive eyes sparkled with kindness and intelligence, always aware of Bryan's emotions. Next to her, Metagross walked with a heavy, powerful stride. The sturdy blue Pokémon was all steel and metal, its four legs making a confident thud on the pavement. With its glowing red eyes and imposing presence, Metagross stood strong and steady beside Bryan.
As they made their way through the streets, Bryan noticed the glances from passersby. People pointed at Gardevoir and Metagross, clearly aware that these Pokémon didn't belong to the Kanto region. But Bryan paid no mind; he was focused on reconnecting with his past, ready to face whatever memories lay ahead.
Suddenly, a stern voice broke through his thoughts. "Hey there! You can't have Pokémon from other regions in Saffron City!" An officer in a blue uniform stepped forward, arms crossed and expression serious. Next to him, a Voltorb levitated, buzzing with energy, while a Koffing floated lazily above, puffing out small clouds of gas.
With a calm demeanor, Bryan pulled his hand from his pocket and revealed a badge shining with the Sinnoh League's insignia. "Don't worry, I have authority to have my pokemons be around in other regions." He said before adding. "I'm a champion from Sinnoh," he said coolly.
The officer blinked, surprise washing over his face as he recognized the insignia. "Wait… you're from Sinnoh? You're the one who beat Cynthia!" He leaned in, curiosity replacing his earlier suspicion.
"Yeah, that was me," Bryan confirmed.
The officer grinned, clearly excited to share. "People have started calling you the Sunset Champion! They say you took her down but gave up the title right away."
"It's become a bit of a legend around here," the officer continued, a hint of awe in his voice.
Bryan watched as the officer's curiosity piqued further. "Mind if I take a look at your badge? We officers need to inspect and confirm identities of people that is accompanied by Pokémon's of other regions." Without waiting for a response, the officer reached out and inspected it closely, his brow furrowing in concentration. After a moment, he pulled out his Pokédex, aiming it at Bryan's badge. The device beeped softly as it scanned, displaying the details of Bryan's champion status and confirming his identity.
"Wow, this really is you! I can't believe I'm talking to the Sunset Champion," the officer said, still somewhat starstruck.
"Look, it's great that you know who I am, but I need you to keep this under wraps," Bryan said, lowering his voice slightly. "I'm on a bit of a mission, and I'd prefer if no one knew I was in town. Just for a little while, you know?"
The officer, eager to help, nodded earnestly. "You got it! Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell a soul!" He seemed genuinely impressed, proud even, to be keeping such an important secret.
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Bryan replied, feeling a slight sense of relief. This would give him the time he needed be alone without drawing too much attention to himself. He knew that Saffron City had changed in the years he'd been gone, and he needed to be careful about how he navigated the familiar yet foreign streets.
As they wrapped up their conversation, the officer's demeanor shifted slightly, a hint of concern crossing his face. "Just be careful, alright? We've had a few incidents lately, and I'd hate for anything to happen to you, especially after everything you've accomplished."
"I'll keep that in mind," Bryan said, appreciating the officer's concern. "I've faced tougher challenges before."
With a final nod, Bryan turned to leave, Gardevoir and Metagross following closely.
As Bryan continued walking through the sprawling expanse of Saffron City, he took in the vibrant colors and bustling energy around him. People filled the streets, their voices a blend of excitement and chatter, the sweet smell of street food wafting through the air. Metagross, levitating smoothly beside him, broke the comfortable silence with its distinct, logical tone.
"Analysis complete. Saffron City. Population: approximately three million. Region: Kanto. Gym Leader: Sabrina. Type: Psychic."
The name "Sabrina" echoed in Bryan's mind, stirring a wave of nostalgia that momentarily halted his steps. Memories of their childhood days spent in their secret spot flooded back to him, the laughter, the moments of comfort they shared, and the bond of friendship that had felt so unbreakable. He could almost hear her voice, filled with curiosity and kindness, urging him to share his thoughts, to open up about the struggles they both faced.
"Emotional response detected," Metagross noted, its red eyes glowing softly. "Sabrina designation holds significance. Recommend further investigation of emotional attachment."
Bryan shook his head slightly, snapping himself back to reality. "Yeah, I know," he murmured, more to himself than to his Pokémon. "It's been a long time. I just hope she remembers me."
As they resumed walking, the familiar sights of Saffron City tugged at his heart, pulling him deeper into a whirlwind of emotions. He felt the weight of his past pressing against him, but along with that weight came a flicker of hope—a chance to reconnect with someone who had once meant everything to him. As Bryan walked, he felt Gardevoir nuzzle against his side, her soft form providing a comforting presence. The affectionate Pokémon always seemed to know when he needed support, and today was no different.
Bryan and his Pokémon wandered into a sprawling park nestled in the heart of Saffron City. The place was alive with the sounds of laughter and excitement, kites fluttering high above, their tails weaving in the breeze as children dashed around, trying to keep them aloft. All around, young trainers were engrossed in friendly battles, their Pokémon happily facing off on the sunlit grass.
Not far off, a boy called out for his Bulbasaur to use Vine Whip, its vines reaching out to playfully tap a grinning Pikachu. The Pikachu bounced back with a tiny jolt of electricity, its trainer laughing as the two kids traded friendly advice. Nearby, a Charmander puffed out a small flame, chasing after some startled Pidgey that flapped up into the sky, chirping as they scattered.
Families lounged on picnic blankets, chatting or cheering on their kids, with their own Pokémon resting by their sides. A Meowth stretched out in a sunny spot, dozing contentedly, while an Oddish wobbled happily near a patch of flowers. Watching it all, Bryan felt a faint smile tug at his face. It had been so long since he'd seen a scene like this, simple, familiar, and strangely comforting.
Gardevoir stayed close, her eyes gentle as she took in the lively scene, while Metagross hovered beside him, its gaze alert and steady. This was Saffron City, the home he had left behind. Though years had passed, moments like these still carried the same warmth, a glimpse of the life he'd once known, one that hadn't changed nearly as much as he had.
As Bryan stood quietly in the park, a few young trainers nearby began to notice him. Their eyes drifted from him to the Pokémon at his side a Gardevoir with her elegant, otherworldly form and a hovering, steely Metagross. They whispered to each other, curious and a little hesitant, until one of them gathered the courage to approach.
"Hey, mister, are those your Pokémon?" a boy asked, pointing at Gardevoir and Metagross with wide eyes. "I've never seen anything like them before!"
Others joined in, their own Pokémon padding up beside them, a Squirtle, a Growlithe, and a grinning Eevee all looking just as curious. One of the kids reached out toward Gardevoir, who gave a gentle nod, her eyes soft as she allowed the touch.
"Is she from… another region?" a girl with a Pikachu asked, clearly fascinated. Bryan nodded, smiling faintly as he answered, "Yeah, she's from the Hoenn region. And this one," he gestured to Metagross, "is also a long way from home."
"Wow!" they all breathed in unison, inching closer as they peppered him with questions. "What's her name?" "What moves does she know?" "Can Metagross really fly?" Their enthusiasm was infectious, and Bryan found himself laughing softly, answering as best he could. Gardevoir tilted her head toward him, sensing his relaxed mood, and gently leaned into his side, while Metagross kept a steady, watchful eye on the kids' Pokémon.
The young trainers listened on his every word, as if he were sharing secrets from a faraway land. And for a moment, Bryan felt an unexpected ease, like he was simply part of the park's ordinary day, sharing stories with a new generation of trainers just starting out on their journeys.
One of the kids squinted at Bryan thoughtfully. "You know… you look kinda familiar," he said, tilting his head as if trying to place him.
Bryan felt a flicker of tension. He wasn't here to relive his past or make a scene as the trainer who'd once defeated Cynthia in Sinnoh. He was just trying to move quietly through Saffron, no titles or fanfare attached. With a casual smile, he shrugged off the comment. "Oh, I'm just another trainer passing through," he replied smoothly. "Maybe I just look like someone you know."
The kids seemed satisfied with that answer, nodding and moving on to more questions about his Pokémon. As they talked, a few of their Pokémon, an eager Pikachu, a playful Charmander, and a Squirtle had somehow decided that Metagross's broad, metallic surface looked like a perfect place to climb. They scrambled up its sturdy limbs, tugged at its legs, and balanced on its shiny shoulders.
Metagross, however, wasn't thrilled. It gave a low, vibrating hum, trying to shift them off as best as it could without losing its patience. Bryan caught the faintly irritated gleam in Metagross's eyes and chuckled, stepping in. "Alright, alright—give him some space," he said, gently nudging the kids and their Pokémon back. "Metagross isn't exactly… used to being a jungle gym."
The kids laughed, reluctantly calling their Pokémon off Metagross. Bryan let out a quiet breath, feeling a mix of relief and warmth. Here, in this little corner of Saffron, he could just be a regular trainer, sharing a few moments with kids who had no idea of his past.
As the kids finally called their Pokémon back, Bryan gave them a nod and turned, continuing his walk through the park, Gardevoir close at his side and Metagross hovering just behind. The hum of laughter, the flutter of kites, and the sounds of battles drifted past him, but his mind began to wander, tugged by an old, persistent ache he couldn't quite shake.
Then, up ahead, he saw a familiar silhouette—one that made him stop in his tracks. A man, his frame broader but his hair threaded with gray, stood in the distance. He wore an expression Bryan recognized too well, a softened look that lacked the old harshness Bryan remembered. Next to him was a woman who still held that caring, motherly warmth, though there were lines of weariness around her eyes.
And beside them, laughing as she twirled with open arms, was a girl who looked to be about twelve. Her bright energy was unmistakable, her laughter pure and happy, as she played without a care in the world. She had her mother's eyes, and the resemblance between her and Bryan's parents was undeniable. She could only be his sister—someone he never knew existed until now.
An unexpected rush of emotions hit him: wonder, guilt, and a deep pang of loss. She must have been born shortly after he left. He'd spent so long on the road, caught up in training, battles, and facing his own scars, that he'd never even considered what he'd left behind could have changed this much. His mother had been younger then, still so full of worry for him. His father, Bryan didn't remember seeing him this gentle, this softened.
Bryan stayed in the distance, his steps quiet, keeping himself out of their line of sight. He couldn't bring himself to interrupt. What could he even say? The idea of walking up to them, of facing the life they'd rebuilt without him, felt terrifying. For all he knew, they'd moved on maybe they didn't need him there at all.
Instead, he remained hidden in the shade of a nearby tree, watching them from afar. Gardevoir moved a bit closer to his side, sensing his mixed emotions. He felt the weight of those years he'd spent away, the choices he'd made, and the pieces of himself he'd left behind to become who he was today. But in this quiet moment, watching his family, he realized a small part of him still longed for that place among them—no matter how long he'd been gone.
Six-year-old Bryan sat curled up in the corner of their small, dimly lit living room, tears streaming down his cheeks. His knees were pulled close to his chest, his tiny hands gripping his sleeves tightly as he tried to muffle his sobs. Across the room, his father staggered, his voice slurred as he stumbled through his words, a bottle loosely held in his hand.
"You think… you think I wanted this, huh?" his father muttered, pacing unevenly. "I used to… I used to work hard. I did everything I could." He paused, swaying slightly, his gaze unfocused, then gestured around the cramped room. "But look at us now… stuck here. Trapped in this… this mess." His voice wavered, dipping from anger to something raw, a bitterness that only made him reach for the bottle again.
Bryan huddled closer to the wall, squeezing his eyes shut, wishing he could disappear. This wasn't the dad he remembered, the dad who used to lift him onto his shoulders, who would come home smiling even after a long day's work. The man in front of him was a shadow of that memory, lost somewhere in the depths of his struggles.
"All I ever wanted," his father mumbled, slumping into an old chair, "was to give you and your mom a good life. But no, it's never enough." He scoffed, taking a long swig from the bottle, his face tightening as he swallowed. "Nothing's ever enough."
Bryan's mother quietly moved toward him, wrapping her arms protectively around him, her face weary but calm. She whispered soft, comforting words, but her eyes looked far away, a distant sadness that Bryan couldn't quite understand at that age. He nestled into her side, trying to drown out his father's voice, his small heart heavy with confusion and fear.
In that moment, Bryan felt trapped in his own home, caught in a storm of emotions he couldn't control. He didn't understand why his father had changed or why his mother looked so tired all the time. All he knew was that he wished he could be somewhere else, somewhere far from the pain, somewhere safe. It was a wish that would grow stronger each day.
Gardevoir sensed the shift in Bryan, the way he'd drifted into his thoughts, his face shadowed by old memories. She reached out, resting a hand on his arm, a gentle tug back to the present. Her eyes met his with a quiet understanding, and Bryan blinked, grounding himself as her familiar warmth soothed him. He took a steadying breath, feeling a little more like himself again.
But then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glance from his mother. She hadn't fully noticed him, but every now and then, her gaze wandered in his direction, as if sensing something familiar. The last thing he wanted was for her to recognize him right now, especially with Metagross floating beside him like a beacon, drawing curious looks.
With a quiet sigh, Bryan turned away, moving further into the trees and shadows at the edge of the park. He couldn't risk being seen, not here, not yet. Metagross hovered after him, its metallic gleam catching the light, while Gardevoir leaned in closer, her presence steady and calming. Bryan kept his head down, feeling the weight of memories as he walked away from the family he had once known, reminding himself that he wasn't ready to face them. Not today.
Bryan left the park, but he couldn't help casting one last glance over his shoulder. His gaze settled on his family, and just for a moment, his mother looked up, meeting his eyes. There was a flicker in her expression, a glimmer of recognition mixed with something he couldn't quite place. Before she could fully process it, Bryan turned away, blending back into the city streets.
As he walked, he felt Metagross's familiar voice resonate directly in his mind, a low, steady hum that only he could hear.
"Emotional response detected. Subject: maternal figure. Recognition: threshold barely avoided. Calculated emotional attachment: high."
Bryan gave a small, rueful smile at Metagross's logical rundown. It was oddly comforting, how his Pokémon could break down even the most complex feelings into simple, precise terms. He reached out, giving Metagross's side a light tap.
"Thanks, big guy," he murmured, feeling the reassuring weight of his Pokémon floating beside him, solid and dependable as ever.
Bryan continued down the city streets, with Gardevoir close by his side, affectionately keeping pace, and Metagross hovering just behind. He didn't really have a destination in mind; he was simply letting his feet lead him through the familiar streets. Memories and distant voices of his past echoed in the back of his mind, grounding him as he took in the city he'd once called home.
It wasn't until he stopped that he realized where he had ended up. Standing right in front of him was the Saffron Gym. A surge of emotion welled up as he took in the sight. This was Sabrina's place—the gym of his childhood friend who was now one of the city's most formidable leaders.
His gaze shifted to the side wall, where a framed picture of her was displayed. There she was, her gaze fierce but graceful, capturing the commanding presence she'd become known for. Sabrina had grown up, and he couldn't deny how beautiful she looked. He was struck by how much she had changed, yet he could still see the friend he'd once known beneath the serious expression.
It was hard to believe he'd left her behind so abruptly all those years ago, with no explanation, no goodbye. They'd shared a bond back then that he hadn't found with anyone else, a connection born from the darkest parts of their lives.
Bryan felt a pang of guilt as he stared at Sabrina's picture, memories flooding his mind. Leaving her had been one of the hardest parts of running away. He hadn't just left a friend; he'd left someone who truly understood him. Back then, Sabrina was the only one who saw through the cracks, who knew the weight he carried from his father's angry outbursts and his own need to escape. But one night, after yet another argument at home, he'd reached a breaking point. He couldn't take the cold silences, the simmering anger, or the occasional slap that would leave him in tears. He'd just…left.
In a way, running from Sabrina was running from his whole life here, his family, and every painful memory this city held. He had been a scared, broken kid, hoping that starting fresh with Ralts his first Pokémon and friend on the road would somehow give him a chance to heal. The journey had taken him far, maybe farther than he ever imagined. But now, standing here, he felt the weight of all he'd left behind, the people he'd hurt by vanishing without a word.
Just then, a familiar voice pulled him back to the present.
"Sorry, but the gym's closed for the day," came a calm, clear voice from behind him.
Bryan turned, and there she was. Sabrina stood before him, older, poised, and with the same intense gaze he remembered from their childhood. But she looked right through him, not a flicker of recognition in her eyes. His heart twisted slightly as he realized she had no idea who he was.
As Sabrina stood before him, Bryan felt a familiar, subtle echo reverberate in his mind a sensation he'd known well from childhood. She was reaching out with her psychic abilities, gently probing as if trying to sense something deeper. He smirked faintly; it was just like old times. With a practiced calm, he cleared his mind, shutting down any thoughts she might pick up on. He still remembered the technique they'd developed together to keep his mind shielded from her abilities.
Sabrina's gaze shifted to his Pokémon, her eyes widening slightly. Gardevoir stood loyally by his side, a Pokémon known for its elegance and empathy. Beside her, Metagross hovered silently, its imposing, metallic form hinting at immense power. These weren't Pokémon you'd typically see in Kanto, and that fact didn't escape her notice.
"You're… the Sunset Champion," she said, recognition flickering in her voice. "The one who defeated Cynthia in Sinnoh and then… walked away." She eyed him with curiosity, her tone restrained but respectful.
Bryan held her gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips as he let her words sink in. He hadn't known why he'd been given a title, let alone one that had reached all the way back here. With a casual shrug, he replied, "Something like that."
Bryan stood there for a while, silently watching Sabrina, as if the years between them had dissolved in an instant. She looked so different from the child he had known, yet in many ways, she was still the same. Her long, teal hair cascaded down her back in waves, shining in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the image of the shy, quiet girl he had once shared everything with. The once round softness of her face had transformed into sharp, elegant angles. Her features had matured, but they carried the same strength he remembered the same quiet friendliness that he had always enjoyed being around with.
Bryan couldn't help but feel a pang in his chest. His eyes traced the curves of her face, her slender frame, and the quiet, composed way she carried herself. She was beautiful. Strikingly so. It was as if the years apart had only sharpened her presence, turning her into a figure of quiet authority, like a force of nature he hadn't been prepared for. He didn't want to admit it, but the sight of her stirred something deep inside him, something that mixed with regret and guilt. He had left her behind. The child he once was had run away, not just from his father's abuse, but from the one person who had understood him better than anyone. Sabrina had been his closest friend, the one person who saw him for who he was, and yet he had just disappeared from her life without a word. It tore at him now, more than he wanted to admit.
Sabrina's voice broke through his thoughts, and her words felt like an echo of the past, but with a sense of duty that was new. "You know, giving up a title like that isn't something to take lightly." she said, her voice calm but firm. "A Pokémon Master represents more than just strength. It's not about winning battles for yourself; it's about carrying a responsibility. It's about showing others what a trainer should aspire to be."
Her words made Bryan feel small, as if they were cutting through the walls he had built around himself. The guilt of abandoning her, of leaving everything behind, surfaced again. He had run away to escape the violence, but he had never considered the weight of his departure. Sabrina wasn't just a Gym Leader now. She had a purpose, a reason for everything she did. And it was as if, in that moment, Bryan realized he had left behind something far greater than he had understood as a child.
He glanced at her, seeing how her words were more than just reprimands they were a reflection of everything she had grown into. A part of him wanted to step forward, to apologize, to tell her everything that had happened, but he couldn't. Not yet. Sabrina had moved on, and so had he. But the pain of leaving her behind still lingered.
Bryan shifted slightly, trying to avoid the intensity of Sabrina's gaze. It felt like the weight of her words was pushing against the walls he had carefully built around himself, and he didn't like it. He cleared his throat, his voice steady but cold. "I didn't want to be tied down with that kind of obligation. It's just... a title," he said, as if to dismiss the significance of it all. "I didn't want to be stuck in something that's all about responsibility, all about being the face of something bigger than yourself."
Sabrina's expression shifted, a slight narrowing of her eyes that conveyed her displeasure. She crossed her arms, her lips pressing into a thin line. "A title that you earned," she said, her voice still calm but with a firmness that was hard to ignore. "You defeated Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh, and then you just... gave it up? A Pokémon Master doesn't walk away from something like that. It's not just for fun. It's a representation of everything we stand for. People look up to that title, and it deserves respect."
Bryan stiffened at the words. She was right, but the idea of being bound by something like that—it felt suffocating. The very thought of being tied to anything, even something as monumental as the title of Pokémon Master, reminded him of the chains he had fought so hard to escape from.
There was a bitter irony in it all that gnawed at him. He had run away from his family, from his past, from the responsibilities that weighed him down. He had walked away from Sabrina without a word. Now, here he was again, running; running from the title, from expectations. Running, just like he always had.
Sabrina's voice interrupted his thoughts, softer now but still laced with a quiet disappointment. "I respected you. I still do. But giving up that title, like it meant nothing..." She shook her head. "You're better than that."
And in that moment, Bryan felt the sting of her words. He wasn't sure if she was talking about the title, or if she was talking about him.
Sabrina's expression softened further as she stepped closer, her attention shifting back to Metagross. She placed a hand gently on its metallic surface, her fingers brushing against the cold steel. "Metagross... You were the one who faced Cynthia's Garchomp, right? I've seen that battle. It was a close one."
Her voice was still steady, but there was a trace of admiration in her words now. "It came down to the wire. I know how powerful Cynthia's Garchomp is. To defeat it like that… impressive." She paused, taking in the towering Pokémon. "Metagross is incredible."
Bryan could feel the subtle pride in her voice as she patted the steel giant. The words were more than just praise—they carried weight, as if acknowledging the struggle they both went through. Sabrina's gaze shifted to Bryan, softer now. "You were both incredible. But still..." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Giving up the title right after such a powerful victory… it seems strange."
Bryan could feel her eyes on him, searching for an answer. She respected him, that much was clear, but the question lingered. Why give it all up so quickly?
Her voice was quieter this time. "You could've had so much more, if you'd kept it."
Bryan swallowed, the weight of her words sinking in. The familiar ache of guilt was creeping back again.
Bryan hesitated, his gaze shifting away from Sabrina's intense stare. "I wanted to go back home," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sabrina's brow furrowed for a moment, then her eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You're from Saffron?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. "I didn't think…" She trailed off, unsure how to continue.
Bryan didn't respond, instead keeping his focus on the ground, not daring to meet her gaze. Sabrina studied him for a moment longer, her confusion deepening. There was something about him that seemed so familiar, but she couldn't place it.
Sabrina shook her head slightly, brushing aside the surprise that someone from Saffron had wandered in with such powerful Pokémon. She then eyed Gardevoir and Metagross with a renewed intensity. As the Gym Leader of Saffron, she was not one to let anyone, even a mysterious trainer, upstage her or her city.
"I'm not one to let a challenge slip by," she said, her voice calm but her competitive edge sharpening. "How about a battle? I'd like to see how your skills compare."
Bryan's lips quirked into a small smile. The way Sabrina's competitive nature came through so easily reminded him of their childhood, their secret spot where they'd race and compete over the smallest things. She'd always been the type to hate losing, no matter how small the challenge.
She hasn't changed a bit, he thought, the nostalgia settling in as he remembered those carefree days. Always competitive, even when we were kids. He had to fight back a chuckle, the memory of those old games feeling almost bittersweet now.
But Bryan kept his expression neutral, not wanting to reveal too much. Instead, he nodded, accepting her challenge. The last thing he wanted was to stand out too much—but a battle with Sabrina was something he couldn't resist.
Bryan reached for a Pokéball and gently recalled Metagross, the large Pokémon vanishing in a flash of light. Gardevoir, however, remained at his side, her serene presence calming the air around them.
Sabrina, always ready for a challenge, took out her own Pokéball, and in a flash, Alakazam appeared, its psychic energy crackling in the air. The battle was set.
Bryan smirked, his voice playful as he addressed Sabrina. "Gym Leader versus Champion, huh? Seems a little unfair." he teased, a hint of pride in his tone.
Sabrina raised an eyebrow, a confident grin spreading across her face. "Gym Leaders don't always bring out their strongest Pokémon right away," she replied. "If we did, no one would ever get past us."
Bryan chuckled and nodded, conceding the point. He looked back to Gardevoir, her posture regal and graceful. She stood confidently by his side, ready for the battle ahead.
Alakazam, however, had other ideas. As soon as it locked eyes with Gardevoir, a goofy expression appeared on its face. Its eyes grew wide with hearts, clearly smitten by her presence. It floated toward her, love-struck.
Gardevoir, with a cool glance, sassily turned her back on the infatuated Alakazam. She floated away, barely giving it a second glance, then turned around to nudge it back toward Sabrina, all while giving it an exaggerated look of disinterest. Alakazam, still with heart-shaped eyes, floated back to Sabrina, but as it landed, it tripped and fell over, still staring at Gardevoir with an utterly lovestruck gaze.
Bryan couldn't help but laugh. "Guess someone's a little too distracted," he said under his breath, shaking his head.
Sabrina's eyes narrowed as she watched her Alakazam struggle to regain focus. "Alakazam," she muttered, half-exasperated, half-amused, "focus!"
Sabrina shook her head, watching Alakazam struggle to regain focus. The psychic Pokémon snapped out of its lovesick trance with a sharp shake of its head, as if shaking off the effects of the infatuation. It gave Gardevoir one final, lingering glance, before turning back to face Bryan.
"Alright, Alakazam," Sabrina called. "Let's show them what we can really do."
Alakazam's eyes sharpened, its psychic energy visibly swirling around it. It hovered, its body glowing faintly as it prepared for the battle. Gardevoir stood still, her calm expression unwavering as she silently awaited the command. Bryan's hand was resting on his pocket, his eyes locked on the battle ahead.
"Gardevoir," Bryan said, his voice steady, "use Psychic!"
Without hesitation, Gardevoir's eyes began to glow with a soft green light. A powerful wave of psychic energy surged forward, slamming into Alakazam with a force that rattled the air. The impact left Alakazam stumbling backward, but it quickly recovered, floating back into position with a determined look.
"Counter with Shadow Ball!" Sabrina called out.
Alakazam's hands began to glow with dark energy, and with a quick motion, it shot a swirling orb of shadowy power straight toward Gardevoir. The attack was swift, but Gardevoir was faster. She floated to the side, the ball of energy whizzing past her.
"Psychic again!" Bryan shouted, his confidence rising.
Gardevoir's psychic powers intensified, lifting Alakazam into the air and slamming it back down onto the ground. Sabrina gritted her teeth, but she knew it was still far from over.
"Alakazam, use Focus Blast!" she called.
The moment Alakazam was released from Gardevoir's hold, it gathered a ball of energy in its hands and hurled it straight at Gardevoir. This time, Gardevoir wasn't fast enough to dodge. The blast hit her squarely, sending her skidding back.
Bryan frowned, but didn't flinch. "Gardevoir," he said softly, "You okay?"
She gave him a calm nod, her determination shining through. Bryan smiled and called, "Now, finish it with Moonblast!"
Gardevoir's eyes glowed bright, and with a flick of her wrist, a radiant beam of light shot toward Alakazam, who barely had time to raise a hand before the beam hit. The impact sent Alakazam sprawling to the ground, unable to continue.
Sabrina sighed, looking over at Bryan with a mix of respect and amusement. "I see you're not just a 'one-day' champion. I can see why you beat Cynthia." she said, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Sabrina approached Bryan, a smile creeping onto her face as she admired Gardevoir's strength. "You're not someone I expected to meet today," she said, her tone more relaxed than before.
As she returned Alakazam to his Pokéball, the psychic Pokémon suddenly broke free, rushing toward Gardevoir with surprising speed. It knelt in front of her, holding out its hands like a lovesick fool, clearly infatuated.
Gardevoir raised an elegant eyebrow and, with an exaggerated sigh, turned her back to him. With a huff, she floated a few feet away, clearly unimpressed.
Alakazam's heart-shaped eyes followed her, undeterred, but Sabrina couldn't help but roll her eyes in amusement. "Alright, that's enough, Alakazam," she said, placing her hand on the Pokémon's shoulder and gently guiding him back. "Come on, you're embarrassing yourself."
With one last wistful glance at Gardevoir, Alakazam allowed himself to be returned to his Pokéball, much to Sabrina's relief.
Sabrina extended her hand toward Bryan, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You know, the world never really learned your name. You made it all the way to the finals of the Battle Frontier, about to face Cynthia. You beat her, but never revealed your name. Why?"
Bryan's heart skipped a beat. He had hoped to keep his identity hidden. It wasn't that he didn't want recognition for his achievements, but the fame that came with it... it wasn't something he could handle. He had already walked away from one life; he couldn't go back to it.
He let out a soft breath before answering. "I didn't want the spotlight," Bryan said quietly. "It's not about the name. I never needed it. I wanted to disappear, not be the center of attention."
Sabrina's eyes softened for a moment, but then she tilted her head slightly, sensing the unspoken parts of his words. Her gaze shifted briefly, and Bryan could feel the familiar pressure of her psychic abilities trying to breach his mind. But, without hesitation, he tightened his mental defenses, keeping his thoughts locked away.
Sabrina, startled by her inability to read him, pulled back slightly, eyes widening in mild surprise. "I can't… You're blocking me," she said softly, almost to herself.
Bryan met her gaze, his expression calm but resolute. "I beg your pardon?" Bryan inquired, pretending to be ignorant of her ability to read minds.
Bryan finished shaking Sabrina's hand, his grip firm but brief. He didn't linger, knowing he needed to move on. "I have to go," he said, his tone quiet but resolute. "I have some few important missions that I need to do. It was a great battle, Sabrina."
Sabrina watched him, the words feeling final, almost as if he was slipping away again like a childhood friend she'd lost so many years ago. She nodded, though there was an edge of uncertainty in her voice. "You can come back to the gym anytime." she said, almost as if offering an invitation. "I'll be here of course, that is of course if there are no trainers coming to challenge." Her eyes narrowed slightly, watching him as he began to walk away, but there was something lingering in her gaze a recognition she couldn't quite place.
Deep in her mind, though, something gnawed at her. She couldn't shake the feeling that something about him was unsettling. More specifically, how she couldn't read his thoughts. It was a rare thing, one of the only situations where she couldn't access someone's mind. And in a way, it disturbed her. The only person who had ever managed to block her out so completely...
Her brow furrowed. "Only one person has done that before," she thought, a shiver of recognition running through her.
She quickly shook the thought away, though, dismissing it for the moment. "If you ever want to face me in battle again," she called out to him, her tone almost a challenge, "I'll be here."
Bryan turned back to her and nodded. "Thank you." Before he adds. "And can you please...not tell anyone about me?" He asked and Sabrina could only grin, softly nodding before Bryan continued walking away.