Sabrina's voice was like a blade of ice, making the hair on the back of Ethan's neck rise. He blinked, suddenly aware of where he was—sitting among a group of Team Rocket grunts, with none other than the Psychic Gym Leader of Saffron City at their head.
"I wasn't shaking for no reason," Ethan stammered quickly, bowing his head. "I was just… excited to be able to serve you, Director Sabrina."
A snort broke the silence. Tem, the bald officer at her side, couldn't hold back his laugh.
"Excited? To serve her?" he sneered. "No one's excited to deal with this woman. All she ever does is use her powers to crush people. Who in their right mind could stand it—"
He never finished. Tem shot into the air as if pulled by invisible strings, flailing in panic. Sabrina's cold voice followed, slicing through the tension.
"What's wrong? You don't like others serving me?"
"N–no, Director! Not at all!" Tem blurted, sweat pouring down his face. "It's… it's an honor! Truly!"
Sabrina's hand flicked. Tem went flying out of the restaurant, crashing in the dirt with a yelp.
Ethan exhaled slowly. Good. As long as she's focused on him, she won't notice me just yet.
But Sabrina's attention snapped back. "Raise your head."
Ethan obeyed, lifting his gaze. Her piercing blue eyes lingered on him. "You're rather good-looking," she said at last. "Pour me some coffee."
He hurried to obey, pouring carefully. But when she took the cup, her next words froze him solid.
"You're not one of us."
Ethan's mind went blank.
Her smile widened faintly. "Don't bother denying it. I noticed you earlier, hiding behind the trees, watching me. The Rocket grunt you followed was one I had hypnotized. Every step you took was under my eye."
His scalp tingled. She knew everything… from the start.
Sabrina leaned forward slightly. "Don't worry, I won't harm you. Not now. I'm only curious—do you own a Munchlax?"
Before Ethan could answer, light flashed from the two Poké Balls on his belt. Charmeleon and Munchlax appeared at her command.
Her smile deepened. "So it was you."
"But relax," she added smoothly. "I won't harm you—not yet. The future tells me that our battle isn't meant to happen here."
Ethan forced his breath steady. So she foresaw this too?
Gathering courage, he asked, "If not now… then when?"
"You'll know when the time comes," Sabrina replied.
Ethan said nothing more. Instead, he calmly poured himself a cup of coffee, sat opposite her, and recalled his Pokémon.
For the first time, it was Sabrina who blinked in surprise. After all her intimidation, he dared to sit across from her openly, unflinching. "Interesting," she murmured, sipping her coffee.
Minutes later, the door slammed open. Tem returned, still battered, his eyes going wide as he spotted Ethan.
"You!" he shouted. "Why are you here? This boy—he's the one who ruined our mission last time! Director Sabrina, restrain him at once!"
"I know," Sabrina said calmly. "I permitted him to sit here."
Tem's jaw dropped. "You allowed—? But he's—"
"Enough," she cut him off, and he instantly felt himself lifted again, gasping in terror until he shut his mouth.
"Then report," she ordered.
Tem bowed, trembling. "Director… our occupation of Lavender Town has met resistance. The trainers here are stronger than expected. Especially the woman commanding the Garchomp—her strength is beyond our current cadres. We need your intervention."
At this, Ethan nearly smiled. So Cynthia's training is already paying off. They're actually afraid of her.
Sabrina's expression turned thoughtful. "Garchomp… yes. I saw it in my vision as well. Its power surpasses that of your officers. Very well. I'll take charge."
She gestured sharply. Tem went flying out the door once again, sprawling in the dirt.
Then Sabrina rose to her feet, her gaze settling on Ethan. "Come. Our confrontation begins soon."
Ethan followed, keeping his composure. "One question. Since you can foresee the future… have you already seen how our battle ends?"
Her lips curved into a smile. "Of course. I win. Decisively."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. A clean victory? No… she's bluffing. If she truly knew she would win, she wouldn't wait. She doesn't know.
And that uncertainty was all the opening he needed.