Pokemon: A different Ash

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"Well~~~ I'm a person who likes to mess around, but I think if you're here, I can definitely catch up!" Ash squeezed his chin thoughtfully, then smiled.

Sabrina paused slightly at Ash's words, secretly pondering how much trust he had placed in her despite them knowing each other for less than a day. Subconsciously, she wondered if this was what it felt like to be trusted. The feeling was unexpectedly comforting.

"Hee... Aren't you worried that I won't come to help you?" Sabrina asked, covering her mouth with her hand as she smiled faintly.

"No way. In the past, maybe I would have been worried, but now? There's no need. Besides, if you didn't want to help, there wouldn't be any point in trying to catch up, right?" Ash said confidently.

Sabrina fell silent again. Truthfully, she hadn't thought too much about her actions at the time. She had followed Ash instinctively, worried about what might happen. This was something she wouldn't have done before.

"Still, it's a bit reckless," she said. "Not everyone will be there to help you."

"I know, I know! But didn't I see you here just now?" Ash replied with a grin, waving off her concerns.

The two continued walking, chatting as they went. The atmosphere was lighthearted, and Sabrina seemed increasingly at ease.

"Hmph! Look at them," Misty said from behind, a note of dissatisfaction in her voice. "They're getting along way too well for people who've only known each other for two days."

"Exactly!" Brock chimed in, gazing at the pair ahead. "This is what they call a pink aura. Truly enviable!" He looked positively dreamy.

Hearing this, Misty bristled. "How is that even possible? Not everyone is like you, Brock, unable to resist a pretty face. Ash isn't like that!"

Still, as she watched Ash and Sabrina laughing together, a sliver of doubt crept into her mind. They'd only just met, yet their bond seemed so natural. Maybe Brock wasn't entirely wrong.

Her thoughts conflicted. One part of her argued that the two couldn't possibly have such a connection so soon, while another part fretted that Brock might actually be onto something. Her mind swirled with uncertainty.

"Ash probably wouldn't," Misty finally said, "but Sabrina... she might."

"Exactly my point!" Brock said, his tone loaded with the wisdom of his many failed attempts at romance. "It's always easier when it's the other way around—a girl showing interest in a boy."

Misty sighed, feeling a faint sense of unease. Looking at Sabrina's cheerful demeanor as she walked beside Ash, Misty couldn't shake a growing sense of rivalry.

Even as a girl, Misty couldn't help but sigh. Sabrina's grace, appearance, and poise seemed far beyond her own. Her own figure and presence felt inferior in comparison, and Sabrina's Psychic abilities and skill as a trainer only added to the gap. Misty couldn't forget how easily she had been defeated, leaving her feeling discouraged and outclassed.

"Huh? We've already walked quite far from the city. I think I'd better stop here!" Ash remarked as he realized how far they had wandered while talking.

Lost in their conversation, neither of them had noticed the distance they'd traveled. The unexpected appearance of Team Rocket earlier had also distracted them, making them lose track of time and place. If Sabrina kept walking, she'd practically be escorting him all the way to Celadon City.

"Ah!" Sabrina suddenly stopped. She had been so engrossed in their chat that she hadn't realized how far they'd gone. Glancing back toward Saffron City, her cheeks flushed slightly.

She didn't know why, but walking this far with Ash hadn't felt like a chore. On the contrary, she felt strangely at ease, as though their conversation could go on forever. Hearing Ash mention parting, however, brought a reluctant pang to her heart.

"Then... I'll stop here," she said, trying to maintain her composure. "Be careful on your journey, and good luck with the Pokémon League!"

"Okay, I will," Ash replied with his usual bright smile.

"That... that..." Sabrina hesitated, her tone faltering.

"Huh? What is it?" Ash asked, noticing her hesitation. He waited patiently, sensing that she was trying to gather her words.

"Well... If you have a chance to come to Saffron City again, could you come and see me?" Sabrina blurted out, her voice sincere and direct.

Her straightforwardness stemmed from her unfamiliarity with social interactions. After she spoke, she nervously fidgeted with the hem of her clothes, her expression filled with anticipation.

Misty, standing nearby, stared in wide-eyed disbelief. She had been trying to convince herself otherwise earlier, but this moment left no doubt. As a girl, she could read the signs clearly—Brock had been absolutely right.

Brock, meanwhile, watched the scene unfold with an exaggerated sigh, feeling as though he'd just been handed a basket full of lemons. The bitterness was palpable.

"Hmm? Sure!" Ash replied cheerfully. "After I collect all the Badges, I'll definitely come back. Then, you can show us around Saffron City!"

Sabrina's face lit up with a delighted smile. The usually composed and stoic Psychic seemed more like an excited young girl at that moment.

"Okay, it's a deal!" she said happily, her joy apparent in her tone.

Misty observed the exchange, her gaze narrowing with hostility. She felt an overwhelming sense of rivalry but knew better than to provoke Sabrina, lest she find herself transformed into a doll again.

Brock, watching both girls, could only shake his head in exasperation. "Ash, you really are a sinful guy," he muttered to himself.

"All right then! We're off! Bye!" Ash waved cheerfully.

"Goodbye, and may the wind always be at your back!" Sabrina called out, waving contentedly.

With that, Sabrina watched as Ash, Misty, and Brock departed. The trio had claimed the Gold Badge and left Saffron City, heading toward their next destination: Celadon City.