"X..."
Not only was Alakazam confused, but even Sabrina herself was completely bewildered. Who could possibly understand what just happened? Did she just get locked out of all her own moves?
This was the Gym Challenge, and now she couldn't even use her attacks? So what was she supposed to do next? Just stand there and watch Robert and Haunter put on a show? Maybe let her own Alakazam beat itself up?
If Haunter could read her mind, he would probably clasp his hands together and smugly say, "Well, it's not impossible. As the most talented member of the Gastly family, I can definitely grant such a request, and even take on harder ones."
Looking at Sabrina's baffled face, Robert couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "See? This is what happens when you play dirty. If you'd fought me fair and square, this wouldn't have happened. But now, almost all of your attacks are sealed. How do you plan to win now?"
Indeed, while it was satisfying to use tactics like this in the games, pulling off such a frustrating move in a real-life battle was even more enjoyable.
Sabrina stood frozen for a few seconds, stammering as she tried to think of a new move for Alakazam. "You... you should use... uh..."
But after trying to speak multiple times, she realized that Alakazam simply hadn't learned any non-Psychic moves. Though her Pokémon had a lot of potential moves to choose from, it had never gotten the chance to train in them before evolving.
In other words, right now, Alakazam had nothing but Psychic-type attacks and a handful of support moves. No offense, no strategy, just pure helplessness.
Sabrina's expression darkened as she took in this cruel reality. Then, out of nowhere, she collapsed onto the ground, tears welling up in her eyes.
She—Sabrina, the fearsome Psychic Gym Leader—was breaking down.
"You... you bullied me! Waaaah! You're a bad guy!" she cried, her voice shaking. "Fine! You win! Take your badge and get out of here! I don't ever want to see you again!"
With that, she threw the Marsh Badge at Robert. Before he could react, she teleported away using her Psychic abilities.
Alakazam, seeing its trainer vanish, was momentarily torn between staying or following. But after a brief hesitation, it disappeared as well, leaving Robert standing alone in the now eerily silent arena.
"Uh..." Robert blinked at the Marsh Badge lying on the ground. Then he glanced at the spot where Sabrina had been standing. "Did I... go too far? No, no, I was just playing by the rules... right?"
He turned to Haunter, who was now floating toward him with a smug expression. The Pokémon's look clearly said, "Well, you made a girl cry. Now take responsibility."
"Gastly~," Haunter murmured innocently.
Robert narrowed his eyes. "Don't give me that look. You're the one who used Imprison, not me."
Haunter shrugged as if to say, "Not my fault I'm good at what I do."
Robert sighed. "Whatever. Since the battle is over, we should leave. Someone else can handle Sabrina's emotional breakdown."
As he picked up the Marsh Badge and recalled Haunter into its Poké Ball, a sudden notification rang in his head.
Ding!
Congratulations! You have defeated Alakazam and unlocked a new achievement! You've received 1 Psychic Energy Cube!
Congratulations! You have defeated special ability user Sabrina! Achievement unlocked! You have successfully awakened Psychic abilities!
You have earned 350 points for defeating Alakazam!
You have earned 1000 points for obtaining the Marsh Badge!
Robert stared at the system notifications in shock. "Wait... what?! Not only did I get 1350 points and a free Psychic Energy Cube, but I also awakened my own Psychic abilities?!"
At first, he was stunned. But soon, his confusion was replaced by excitement.
"So, not only do I have my Healing ability, but now I can actually use Psychic powers too? Does this mean I can gain even more abilities in the future?"
He had always wondered if there was a way to gain additional special abilities beyond Evergreen's healing power. Yet, after pondering for so long, he had never figured out the exact conditions.
Now, it was clear: defeating strong ability users might be the key.
As Robert left Saffron Gym, badge in hand and a new power awakened, he set his sights on his next destination—Celadon City.
---
Meanwhile, back inside Saffron Gym, deep in the private living quarters, Sabrina had thrown herself onto her bed, sobbing uncontrollably. Her entire body trembled with frustration and embarrassment.
For the first time in years, she had lost—and in such a humiliating way.
The sound of her cries echoed through the room, eventually catching the attention of an older man standing just outside her door. His name was Sachi—Sabrina's father and the former Gym Leader of Saffron City.
(Side note: In certain adaptations, Sachi is portrayed as one of Team Rocket's higher-ups, but in this version, he is simply a caring father.)
From the moment Robert had stepped into Saffron Gym, Sachi had been keeping an eye on the battle. He always monitored the matches, mainly because he knew his daughter's cruel nature. If she won, things were fine. But if she lost… well, she had a tendency to turn losing trainers into human dolls, storing them away in her eerie "toy collection."
As a result, Sachi often had to step in and secretly free those unlucky challengers whenever Sabrina wasn't looking.
But this time was different.
Not only had Robert won, but he had also done something unimaginable—he had made Sabrina cry.
Sachi was both shocked and furious. On one hand, he was surprised. His daughter, who had long since shut herself off from emotions, was now visibly heartbroken. On the other hand, as a devoted father, he couldn't help but be angry at the boy who had caused her tears.
Yet, despite his anger, he knew deep down that this was a good thing.
Sabrina had been emotionally frozen for years, unable to connect with others. If Robert had managed to break through that wall, maybe—just maybe—she could start to heal.
With that thought, Sachi stepped into the room.
"Sabrina," he called gently.
At first, she flinched, ready to lash out with her powers. But when she saw it was her father, she hesitated.
"Dad..." she whispered.
For a moment, she stared at him. Then, unable to hold it in any longer, she ran into his arms, sobbing even harder.
Sachi held his daughter close, patting her back reassuringly. "It's okay, Sabrina. Let it all out."
As he comforted her, he silently cursed Robert for making her cry—but at the same time, he was secretly grateful. If not for Robert, he might never have had this chance to reconnect with his daughter.
From this moment on, Sabrina's hatred had a new target. She had lost the battle, but in her heart, she vowed that one day, she would get her revenge on Robert. Next time they met, she would make sure he paid.