Pokemon: A different Ash

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"Ash, what are your plans next?" Misty asked as they wrapped up their discussion about Pokémon, shifting the conversation to the journey ahead.

"Nothing special. We'll continue moving while it's still early," Ash replied confidently.

Glancing at the time, Ash noted that it was still morning—he had woken up quite early—giving them plenty of time to eat before setting off.

"That's right," Brock agreed with a nod.

"You've just recovered. Are you sure you're okay?" Misty asked, her tone tinged with concern. After all, Ash had just woken up, and she wasn't entirely sure how he was feeling.

"Don't worry, I'm fine! Let's go. Hurry up and pack your things. We'll be sleeping in the wild again later," Ash reassured her with a grin. He gently nudged Misty toward the dormitory, leaving her no choice but to follow and pack her belongings. About 20 minutes later, the three of them were ready to go.

As they stepped out of the Pokémon Center, a bark rang out. Ash looked around, only to spot a familiar figure leaning against a pillar near the entrance. The person tapped the ground impatiently with their foot.

Mature and elegant, with long, flowing hair, the sight made Brock's eyes widen in amazement. His heart practically leaped out of his chest.

"Um?" Ash muttered, noticing the figure glance toward them as the door opened. When their eyes met, the figure smiled, her demeanor softening.

"Miss Sabrina?" the trio exclaimed in unison. The woman before them was none other than Sabrina, who had been discharged from the hospital earlier that morning.

"I'm here to find you, Ash," Sabrina said, stepping forward with her hands clasped behind her back, her usual aloofness replaced by a touch of reserve.

"Hmm? You're looking for me?" Ash asked, puzzled.

"Yes. I forgot to give you something." Sabrina brought her hand forward, revealing a gold, round Badge resting in her palm. Unlike other Gym Badges, its design was simple and understated, but the pure gold gave it an air of elegance.

Sabrina explained, "I realized after I left that I hadn't given you the Badge. You earned it fair and square. Whether it was me or... the other me, you defeated us both beautifully. This Badge belongs to you."

"Thank you for bringing it," Ash said, taking the Badge. To be honest, if Sabrina hadn't shown up, he might have forgotten all about it. It would've been embarrassing to realize halfway down the road that he needed to go back and ask for it.

Sabrina smiled gently. "It's nothing. I should be thanking you. By the way, where are you all headed next?"

"We're going to the next city," Ash replied, pocketing the Badge.

"I see," Sabrina murmured, lowering her gaze. A hint of disappointment flickered across her face. Having lived a solitary life for so many years, Sabrina felt a rare connection to Ash, who had helped her in a way no one else had. The thought of parting ways saddened her, a feeling she had never experienced before.

"Then... let me see you off," Sabrina said, masking her disappointment with a warm smile.

"Won't this delay you?" Ash asked, concern evident in his voice.

"It's okay! It's still early, and no one from the Gym has arrived yet," Sabrina replied, waving her hand dismissively. Her tone was a bit awkward—she clearly wasn't used to casual conversation.

"Alright then," Ash said, deciding not to refuse her kind offer.

"Let's get moving!" Sabrina and Ash walked side by side as the group set off. Misty and Brock followed behind, observing Sabrina's demeanor with astonishment.

"It's unbelievable. She's like a completely different person! Is this really the same Sabrina we met before?" Misty whispered, noting the occasional smile that brightened Sabrina's face.

"She's still the same person," Brock said, his tone thoughtful. "But her personality has done a complete 180. And do you smell that in the air between her and Ash? There's something... interesting brewing." He gave a knowing smirk.

"What are you talking about?" Misty asked, confused. "What air? I don't smell anything."

"Based on my years of experience, I'd say it might be—"

"Pikaaaa!" Pikachu's sudden panicked cry cut Brock off mid-sentence. The group immediately snapped to attention, looking up to see Pikachu caught in a mechanical claw, being lifted off Ash's shoulder.

"Pikachu!" Ash yelled, leaping forward and grabbing onto the arm holding Pikachu. He clung tightly, but the claw continued to lift him off the ground, ascending rapidly. Sabrina instinctively reached out to grab Ash but missed.

"Ash!" Misty and Brock cried in alarm, watching helplessly as their friend was carried into the sky.

"What's happening?" Sabrina demanded, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Hmph! Since you asked the question sincerely!" 

"I will tell you mercifully!" 

The familiar voices filled the air as a hot air balloon in the shape of a Meowth floated into view, the mechanical arm descending from its basket. 

"Ugh, it's them again!" Ash groaned, recognizing the culprits immediately. "Team Rocket!" 

"Prepare for trouble!" Jessie announced. 

"And make it double!" James added. 

"To protect the world from devastation!" Jessie declared. 

"To unite all peoples within our nation!" James continued. 

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Jessie proclaimed. 

"To extend our reach to the stars above!" James concluded. 

"Jessie!" 

"James!" 

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!" Jessie said confidently. 

"Give up now or prepare to fight!" James finished. 

"Meowth, that's right!" 

"Who are they?" Sabrina asked, perplexed by the bizarre introduction as she kept pace with Misty and Brock, who were chasing after the balloon. 

"They're Team Rocket," Misty explained, her tone exasperated. "They specialize in stealing other people's Pokémon." 

Sabrina frowned at the explanation and looked up at the floating balloon. She didn't care about Team Rocket's antics, but she couldn't ignore Ash's safety. Without hesitation, she increased her pace, quickly pulling ahead of Misty and Brock. 

"She's really fast," Misty said, surprised. "Psychic powers aside, her physical fitness is incredible!" 

Meanwhile, Ash held on tightly as the balloon continued to rise, with Pikachu struggling in the mechanical claw above him. "Pikachu, hang on! I'll get you out of there!" Ash shouted, determination blazing in his eyes.