Seeing Sabrina suddenly enter the Gym, Joy Xue was momentarily stunned before speaking:
"This is… Gym Leader Sabrina? What brings you to Songzao Gym?"
Sabrina instantly switched to her usual aloof demeanor and replied coldly:
"It's nothing. I invited Gym Leader Red to visit Saffron Gym last time. This time, he invited me here for some exchange and learning."
Joy Xue nodded in understanding.
"Oh~ I see."
She patted the seat beside her.
"Come sit, Gym Leader Sabrina. These two disciples of Gym Leader Red are quite impressive."
For some reason, looking at Joy Xue's gentle and elegant demeanor—
Sabrina felt an inexplicable irritation.
The next second—
she used Teleport to appear on the other side of Red.
However, unlike Joy Xue who sat close—
Sabrina deliberately left two seats between them.
Even so—
her expression remained cold.
Red opened his mouth, awkwardly smiling.
"About last time… thank you, Gym Leader Sabrina. Without your help, I might've really been in trouble."
Sabrina's expression softened slightly.
"That was only natural."
Joy Xue clasped her hands and smiled.
"Yes, when I first met Gym Leader Red, he had just inherited the Gym."
"He was quite… inexperienced back then."
Red felt his scalp tingle.
Why do their words sound like they're stabbing each other…
Why are they both here at the same time?! I'm about to capsize here!
Xiaowen smiled quietly from the side, hiding her contribution.
"Seems like Gym Leader Sabrina and Gym Leader Red are quite close."
Joy Xue said while gently stroking Latias.
Sabrina replied expressionlessly:
"Of course. As fellow Gym Leaders, we naturally have more to talk about."
"Unlike you—standing among other Joys, no one can tell who's who."
"What did you say?! Are you provoking the Joy family?!"
Joy Xue's chest heaved with anger.
Sabrina remained indifferent—
as if she hadn't said anything at all.
Red stood up desperately.
"I suddenly have something to do—how about I go to the restroom—"
"No." Joy Xue shook her head firmly.
"No." Sabrina's voice echoed directly in his mind.
Red was on the verge of tears.
What did I do to deserve this…
Just then—
a figure in a maid outfit appeared like a beam of hope.
(Ninetales Maid Outfit)
"Ninetales, save me!"
Red transmitted via telepathy.
Ninetales sighed.
"…Master, honestly."
At that moment—
Ninetales appeared in an exquisite maid outfit.
A collar around her neck, fluffy fox ears atop her head, and several soft tails swaying behind her—
like a fairy straight out of a storybook.
"Excuse me, could you move a little? I need to clean."
Her charming voice echoed softly.
Joy Xue turned around—
stared at Ninetales—
then at Red—
opened her mouth—
but ultimately shook her head.
"…Gym Leader Red, I'll visit another time. I have something to attend to."
She mounted Latias and left.
Latias glanced at Ninetales thoughtfully.
Clearly—
her disguise meant nothing to a Legendary.
After Joy Xue left—
Sabrina's aura softened.
From an untouchable Psychic Queen—
back to the shy girl from the hotel.
Red suddenly felt a sting in his shoulder—
remembering that bite.
Sabrina glanced at Ninetales and frowned slightly.
"…Gym Leader Red has quite unique tastes."
Red frantically signaled Ninetales.
Ninetales sighed again.
"It wasn't Master's request. I just think it looks nice."
Sabrina froze.
"…I see…"
She sat quietly, fingers twisting together.
"…About Champion Island… I'm sorry."
"I should've informed you earlier. I really didn't know you were there."
Red smiled.
"If not for you restoring my psychic power, I might not have made it."
"And you're also part of Team Rocket—"
"Don't say that!"
Sabrina's face instantly flushed red.
The memory of their psychic fusion—
that strange, intimate sensation—
made her flustered.
Red quickly changed the topic.
"By the way, didn't I invite you to go shopping on Champion Island?"
"The food street's gone, but Songzao City has one too."
"Want to go together?"
Sabrina nodded slightly.
"…I'll wait for you tonight."
"You must not break your promise."
"Of course. Pinky swear."
They hooked fingers.
Meanwhile—
on Latias' back—
Joy Xue frowned.
"Gym Leader Red is clearly upright… so why would he let a girl dress like that to clean?"
Latias conveyed what she saw.
"…Wait, you mean that girl is actually a Pokémon?!"
Latias nodded.
Just then—
Red initiated a video call.
"Sorry about earlier. Did Ninetales scare you?"
"She's a Pokémon, not human. She just likes wearing that outfit."
"Right, Ninetales?"
He had her revert to her original form and rubbed her fluffy head.
"Next time you visit Songzao Gym, I'll treat you properly."
"We even have hot springs."
Joy Xue's mood improved—
but her face turned slightly red.
"Who wants to go to hot springs with you?!"
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