Pokemon:I'm redThe strongest champion

"In that case, I accept your challenge."

Sabrina's cold voice echoed through the Saffron Gym. She stood with an air of confidence, her piercing gaze locked onto Robert.

"Before we begin, let me explain the challenge rules of Saffron Gym. This is a one-on-one battle. If all of one side's Pokémon are unable to fight, the match is over. The Gym Leader cannot switch Pokémon, but the challenger may switch at will. Do you understand?"

Robert nodded firmly. "I understand."

"Good. Then let's begin. Cathy, you're up."

Sabrina tossed a red and white Poké Ball into the air. A bright red light flashed, revealing a yellow fox-like Pokémon with shoulder armor and a sleepy expression.

[Pokémon Data]

Name: Cathy

Category: Confusion Pokémon

Type: Psychic

Height: 0.90m

Weight: 19.50kg

Gender: Female

Ability: Inner Focus (Prevents flinching)

Hidden Ability: Magic Guard (Takes no damage except from attacks)

Stats: HP (27), Attack (31), Special Attack (31), Defense (25), Special Defense (28), Speed (31)

Moves: Teleport, Confusion, Light Screen, Trick, Recover

Item Held: None

Strength: Elite Primary Peak

Robert quickly analyzed the situation. "A 3V individual value, elite-level strength... Sabrina really is on another level. But with her Psychic powers amplifying Cathy's abilities, she'll likely be even stronger."

Still, Robert wasn't worried. He reached for a Luxury Ball and threw it onto the battlefield.

"Come out, Haunter!"

A shadowy, floating Pokémon materialized in front of him. Its eerie grin widened as it made a playful face at Cathy, taunting her.

"Haunter, stop playing around! Use Shadow Ball!"

Haunter immediately formed a dark, pulsating sphere and hurled it toward Cathy. Sabrina's eyes glowed faintly, and in an instant, she transmitted a command telepathically to her Pokémon.

Cathy vanished just before the Shadow Ball could hit, reappearing safely on the other side of the battlefield.

Robert's eyes narrowed. "So, this is the power of a top-tier Psychic..."

Sabrina smirked. "Confusion, now!"

Cathy's eyes glowed blue as a powerful psychic force rippled through the air, heading straight for Haunter.

"Dodge it! Sink into the shadows!"

Haunter slipped into the darkness, avoiding the attack. Confusion struck the ground where he had stood, kicking up dust. Cathy glanced around, trying to locate her opponent.

Sabrina frowned slightly. "This is bad..."

She quickly recalibrated her strategy. "Cathy, maximize Confusion and create a protective barrier! Stay alert!"

Cathy nodded and unleashed an invisible shield of psychic energy, surrounding herself in an impenetrable barrier.

Robert smirked. "Psychic may be powerful, but it won't help you if you can't hit your target."

Sabrina's eyes glowed brighter. "True. But I have another strategy."

Robert watched as Cathy's barrier pulsed with energy. "She's waiting for Haunter to reappear... but I won't let her dictate the pace of this fight."

"Haunter, strike from the shadows! Use Lick!"

A ghostly tongue lashed out from the darkness, striking Cathy before she could react. She shuddered as paralysis took hold, her movements slowing.

Sabrina's expression darkened. "Impressive... but this battle is far from over."

She clenched her fist, channeling more of her Psychic energy into Cathy, trying to counteract the paralysis. Cathy struggled but managed to regain some mobility.

Robert took advantage of the opening. "Haunter, Shadow Ball!"

Another dark sphere formed and rocketed toward Cathy, landing a direct hit. Cathy staggered backward, visibly weakened.

Sabrina frowned. "Cathy, Recover!"

A soft glow surrounded Cathy, healing some of her injuries. Robert sighed. "Healing moves, huh? This could drag out the fight..."

"Not if I end it now! Haunter, Hypnosis!"

Haunter's eyes glowed as hypnotic waves pulsed toward Cathy. Sabrina gritted her teeth. "Cathy, Teleport!"

But the paralysis slowed Cathy's response. The Hypnosis hit, and Cathy slumped to the ground, asleep.

Robert pumped his fist. "Now's our chance! Haunter, finish this with Shadow Punch!"

Haunter's fist glowed with dark energy as it shot forward, landing a decisive blow. Cathy collapsed, unable to continue.

Sabrina sighed and returned Cathy to her Poké Ball. "Well played, Robert."

Robert exhaled, relieved. "That was tougher than I expected."

Sabrina walked toward him, her usual cold demeanor softening slightly. "Few trainers manage to push me like that. You have earned the Marsh Badge."

She handed him the badge, and Robert took it with a grin. "Thanks, Sabrina. This was a battle I won't forget."

As he turned to leave, Sabrina spoke again. "Be careful, Robert. Your skills will draw strong opponents... and not all of them will play fair."

Robert glanced back at her. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

With that, he stepped out of the Saffron Gym, ready for the next challenge.