The violent clash between surging water currents and psychic waves sent shockwaves through the battlefield. Beneath their feet, the massive pool churned like a storm-tossed sea. Green staggered back several steps, droplets splashing across her delicate face, the crystal water only accentuating her porcelain complexion with an added glow.
This woman really lives up to her title—the Gym Leader of Saffron City, the most renowned psychic expert in all of Kanto. And here, on her own turf, her offense and defense are nearly flawless. If I'm thinking of winning purely with strength, it's impossible.
Half-kneeling in the pool, Green wiped her wet face roughly with one hand, mentally comparing their strengths. Her Blastoise was her most reliable powerhouse. Sure, her first partner was Jigglypuff, and Ditto had been with her for a long time, but neither of them excelled in this kind of direct clash. Only Blastoise, her fully evolved starter, could face this head-on.
Even though that shameless guy ran off on his own… the reason he told me to make this water pool…
Looking down at the enormous pool that seemed to stretch endlessly, Green's expression shifted as she realized the trick. The wasteland-like scenery around her was all an illusion. In reality, she was still inside Silph Co., in a chamber meant for Pokémon battles. Blastoise's pool, though seemingly made just for Lance's escape, actually served another critical purpose: it gave Green a physical landmark.
Without this pool as a reference, she would've soon lost all sense of direction inside Sabrina's illusions. Once that happened, defeat was guaranteed.
I should've known… that guy. Even when he ditches me, he leaves behind a way to turn the tables. Just a few casual words from him, and now Sabrina and I are locked in a stalemate, neither of us able to finish the other off quickly.
And truthfully… Green was far from helpless.
Her eyes sharpened as she raised her head toward Sabrina, her tone steady and probing:
"...Why are you only using Alakazam? Even if it's your strongest, shouldn't a Gym Leader use more than one Pokémon? Let me guess—your other Pokémon aren't here, are they? Saffron is wrapped in this massive psychic barrier. I bet your Pokémon are stationed all over the city, leading that psychic army of yours. Right?"
Sabrina floated silently in midair, arms crossed. She was quiet for a long moment before letting out a cold chuckle.
"…And if that's true, what of it? Alakazam alone is enough to finish you off, little girl."
"Talking big isn't very elegant, you know~~"
Green blinked her beautiful eyes playfully, then let out a sweet laugh:
"...Sabrina-nee, can I ask you a question?"
Her voice was soft and teasing, the kind of tone that would have melted a man on the spot.
But Sabrina wasn't a man. To her, Green's fox-like charm was nothing but nauseating. With a cold, mocking laugh, Sabrina replied:
"…You're plotting something again, aren't you? Fine. I've got plenty of time to waste. Ask your question."
Green's lips curved into a mischievous smile.
"Sabrina-nee, do you… like Darling? Oh, don't blush! If it's true, I won't judge. I like him too—so much it drives me crazy—but if our feelings for him end up making us enemies, that would be such a shame. How about this: I was here first, so I should have seniority, right? But I'm generous. Why don't you let me go, and I'll share him with you—fifty-fifty?"
"Silence! How could I possibly—"
"Ahh, so you are a tsundere after all! Liking someone but stubbornly denying it? Sabrina-nee, if you keep acting like this, you'll never find happiness."
Sabrina froze,Green's words piercing sharper than any blade. For a moment, those icy violet eyes flickered, betraying the faintest ripple of thought. But it was fleeting.
Her expression hardened, and she snapped back with venom:
"…That man abandoned you just now. And you still claim to love him?"
Green put on an exaggeratedly pitiful look, eyes shimmering like a wounded kitten.
"That's why I want to negotiate with you! Look, he abandoned me and abandoned you too. Isn't he just the worst scumbag ever? Why don't we join forces, hunt him down together, and split him fifty-fifty? I'll take the right side, you take the left! Fair deal, right?"
The act was flawless. If she could trick Sabrina into joining her, she'd not only escape danger but also drag that infuriating man down for revenge. Green's heart bubbled with smug satisfaction at the thought.
But Sabrina was far too proud for that.
"…Pathetic. Leave revenge to me alone. I'll take you down right here, and inherit your hatred as well."
Tch. This woman really is impossibly cold and overbearing.
Green cursed inwardly. She honestly couldn't fathom why Lance—or anyone—would mess with such a terrifying woman. Realizing her trick had failed, Green dropped the act. Her smile faded, her tone sharp and scornful:
"…You stubborn old hag. I was being nice, offering you a chance out of respect, but you don't appreciate it."
"Little girl," Sabrina said coolly, eyes narrowing. "I knew him before you did. If anything, you're the interloper."
"Who says? Don't forget—I stole—"
Green bit her tongue, cutting herself off. Stealing wasn't something to brag about.
Sabrina's smirk was merciless.
"So you admit you're just a thief. A filthy little stray girl from the sticks. Go back to the countryside where you belong, picking berries and begging for scraps. You've no place in the big city."
Her words cut like knives. Green's pale face flushed crimson, her pride and shame colliding.
This was her most painful secret. Orphaned, starving, doing whatever it took to survive—her heart had always carried that deep inferiority complex. Even now, when she could afford beautiful clothes, she rarely dared to wear them, convinced she didn't deserve them.
How could this woman see through it so easily? Those glowing violet eyes—they pierced her soul, unearthing the wounds she tried hardest to hide.
Fear pricked at Green's chest. Sabrina couldn't exactly read minds, but she could sense weaknesses, dragging them into the light.
Flustered, Green lashed back without thinking.
"...So what if you live in a big city? You're nothing but an aging hag pretending to be pure, acting like some eternally untouched maiden when you're already halfway to menopause!"
Sabrina's icy face flushed scarlet. Her body trembled with fury, veins bulging at her temple.
"…Little brat. I'll break your arms and legs, carve your pretty face into ribbons, and we'll see if you can still spew such insolence."
"Ha! Resorting to violence because you can't beat me with words? I'm not afraid of you!"
Green flicked back her damp bangs, showing off the delicate curve of her ear—and the shimmering gem dangling from her earring. With a sly, triumphant smile, she declared:
"See this? A permanent Moon Stone earring. Darling gave it to me just for this moment—to help me defeat you. Watch closely, Sabrina. This is the combined power of me and my beloved! Clefairy, evolve—into Clefable!"
Blinding light erupted, wrapping Clefairy in radiant brilliance. When it faded, a graceful Clefable stood proudly at Green's side.
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