"Didn't you already have Ralts? Why did you still catch that Noctowl?"
Seeing Ash subdue the now-completely incapacitated Noctowl, Sabrina couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"This Noctowl has excellent potential—and it's a shiny," Ash replied calmly. "I don't really need it myself, but it'll be a good fit for Gary. Given Gary's current strength, this Noctowl could develop very well under him."
After placing the Poké Ball containing the Noctowl into his bag, Ash turned back. Ralts floated down happily and nestled into his arms. Ash gently patted her green head before returning her to her Poké Ball.
That evening, Ash and Sabrina finally arrived at Violet City. Their first stop was the Pokémon Center, where they registered, booked a room, and prepared to challenge the Gym the next day.
It was already late, and with their relationship now clear, sharing a room felt completely natural. Although Cynthia felt a trace of jealousy, she also knew this was something she couldn't change.
"Well~ Ash… you're still awake?"
Near midnight, Sabrina stirred. Half-asleep, she noticed a faint light and saw Ash seated at the desk, reading information displayed on a screen.
"Go back to sleep," Ash said softly. "I'll stay up a bit longer. Even though I know most regional Pokémon data, Gym rules differ from place to place. It's better to prepare in advance."
Sabrina's drowsy voice interrupted his thoughts, but Ash didn't mind. With his strength, he wasn't worried about the Gym itself.
The real issue was that—aside from Pikachu—his remaining Pokémon were only at Elite level. He needed a clear understanding of the Gym Leader's style.
Ash's reputation was immense, but the chance of being recognized on the street was still slim. No one expected Ash Ketchum to be casually walking beside them, and few people examined strangers closely.
The Violet Gym Leader, Falkner, specialized in Flying-type Pokémon. His signature badge was the Zephyr Badge, and his strength had already reached the Quasi–Champion level.
He couldn't be underestimated.
"Ralts and Eevee are still lacking," Ash thought quietly. "They need to grow stronger—fast. If necessary, I'll have to use more extreme training methods."
The next morning, Ash rose early and finished washing up. Sabrina, on the other hand, clung to the bed, her habit of sleeping in clearly unchanged.
"Sabrina, get up. We're challenging the Gym today," Ash said, sitting beside the bed and lightly tapping her cheek.
"Mmm… just a little longer…" she murmured, brows knitting lazily.
"If we're late, it'll throw off the schedule," Ash said helplessly as he lifted the blanket. A rush of cool autumn air immediately made Sabrina curl up.
Summer had already passed, and the autumn breeze was crisp. Sabrina, dressed casually, shivered slightly—an image that didn't escape Ash's notice.
Seeing her reluctance, Ash chuckled, teasing her lightly to finally coax her awake.
"Hey—!" Sabrina exclaimed, startled, then glared at him before quickly pulling the blanket back around herself.
"You're impossible," she muttered, though there was no real anger in her voice.
Ash simply smiled.
The day of the Gym challenge had begun.
"Why don't you keep sleeping?"
Seeing Sabrina's flushed cheeks, watery eyes, and dazed expression, Ash couldn't help but smirk.
Instead of replying, Sabrina wisely chose to get up and change her clothes. As she moved around the room, she deliberately ignored Ash's gaze. Every time Ash teased her by tapping one of her sensitive spots, she would fall silent—and then obediently do whatever he said afterward.
Ash found her reactions fascinating.
Compared to Cynthia, Sabrina was far more straightforward, and that unique way of communicating between them made him enjoy her presence even more.
Pokémon Center Restaurant
"You four should eat properly," Ash said calmly. "You'll only have energy after you're full."
Inside the Pokémon Center's restaurant, Ash and Sabrina sat together for breakfast, while Ash's Pokémon ate specially prepared Pokémon food nearby.
The meals were produced by a Food Maker Ash had obtained through a lucky draw. It could prepare food suitable for both humans and Pokémon, with perfectly balanced nutrition—especially ideal for Brock and Suzie's dietary standards.
Sabrina, on this trip, had brought only one Pokémon—Alakazam. As a pure Psychic-type, Alakazam only needed to eat once a day and usually spent the rest of its time meditating to train its mental energy.
After breakfast, Pikachu returned to its usual position on Ash's shoulder. Sabrina floated beside him using psychic power. Although Ash had told her many times not to rely on it unnecessarily, she insisted every time—until Ash eventually gave up trying to stop her.
"Is that the Violet Gym?" Sabrina asked, looking at the tall purple building ahead. "It looks more like a watchtower."
"Yes," Ash replied. "That's the Violet Gym. The Gym Leader specializes in Flying-type Pokémon. From a matchup perspective, this is currently very unfavorable for me."
After entering the Gym's grounds, Ash evaluated the situation calmly. Aside from Pikachu, his available Pokémon were at a clear disadvantage.
The Noctowl he had just caught hadn't been trained yet, and Ash had no intention of using it in this battle. With Ralts already covering the Psychic-type role, Noctowl didn't fit his fighting style at all.
This Gym battle would be a true test.
(End of Chapter)
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