Sam was startled, but quickly calmed down.
Sabrina had barged into his room without permission—why should he be the one panicking?
Looking at Sabrina and pretending to be calm, he asked, "What did you come to see me for?"
Sabrina said, "Nothing. I just wanted to congratulate you on getting your fourth Badge."
She looked a little flustered, as if she had something to say but was embarrassed to say it.
Sam replied, "It's nothing special. When you're strong enough, getting the Badge comes naturally."
He looked at Sabrina again and asked, "Is there anything else?"
Sabrina hesitated for a moment before suddenly asking, "What is your relationship with that Karen?"
Sam burst out laughing. So that was what this was about!
It seemed Sabrina was really the type who appeared cold on the outside but was actually very sensitive inside.
Sam didn't know exactly what kind of relationship he and Sabrina had, but he knew very well that he still occupied a place in her heart.
Sabrina seemed to have a strong prejudice against Erika, probably because of him.
After thinking for a moment, Sam said, "We're friends."
"Friends?"
Sam nodded. He liked seeing the jealous expression on Sabrina's face, so he deliberately answered that way.
"How close of a friend?"
Sabrina's expression immediately changed.
Sam suddenly realized he might be pushing things too far. Given Sabrina's personality, if he teased her excessively, he would probably get himself into trouble.
He quickly explained, "The same kind of relationship I have with Misty."
Only then did Sabrina's expression soften.
She suddenly changed the subject.
"You're fighting Mudsdale tomorrow. How are you preparing for it?"
Sam looked confident at first, then sighed helplessly.
"I don't have a clue. I don't know how to fight it."
He continued, "Mudsdale is a Pokémon with incredible defense."
Sabrina nodded.
"The only way to defeat Mudsdale is to have greater endurance than it."
That gave Sam a headache. It was the most difficult condition to satisfy.
None of his Pokémon seemed to specialize in endurance.
"Then what Pokémon should I use?"
Sabrina thought for a moment.
"Use Scyther."
This time, Sabrina and Sam had come to the exact same conclusion.
The two of them began discussing how Scyther could be used against Mudsdale.
Sabrina carried a faint fragrance, and being alone in the same room with her made Sam feel somewhat distracted.
Eventually, it grew late, and Sabrina prepared to leave.
Looking at Sabrina's beautiful face, Sam suddenly asked,
"Sabrina, do you like me?"
If Sam hadn't already noticed Sabrina's feelings, he would never have dared ask such a question.
Given Sabrina's personality, she would probably have slapped him immediately.
Still, he couldn't help asking. Her actions had already made it obvious that she cared about him.
Sabrina froze for a moment, then instantly blushed.
She looked both angry and embarrassed.
Sam also felt somewhat awkward.
Still, he looked directly into her eyes.
Unexpectedly, Sabrina quickly regained her composure.
"Yes, I like you."
Then she added,
"But it's impossible for us to be together."
"Why?"
Sam was confused.
"Because I won't be with someone who already has a girlfriend."
After saying that, Sabrina turned and left.
Only then did Sam realize that this had been the source of all Sabrina's awkwardness.
He suddenly called out to stop her.
"Sabrina, actually, Erika doesn't hate you either. The two of you could become very good sisters."
Sabrina paused for a moment, stunned.
Then she left without saying another word.
That night, Sam couldn't fall asleep.
He kept thinking about how to handle the situation between Sabrina and Erika.
The next morning, Sam arrived at Hapu's Gym with dark circles under his eyes.
Sabrina noticed them immediately and more or less understood what had happened, but Misty looked puzzled.
"Brother Sam, didn't you sleep last night?"
Sam smiled awkwardly.
"It's nothing. I just didn't sleep very well. I can still battle."
Everyone arrived at the Gym.
Hapu had been waiting there for a long time.
Recently, many Trainers seeking qualification for the Masters Tournament had come to challenge Hapu at his Gym, so he had started waiting there early every morning.
Although there had been many challengers, very few had managed to defeat him.
Karen had been one of them yesterday.
Whether there would be another one today remained to be seen.
Sam stepped forward and explained his purpose.
The two sides then summoned their Pokémon.
[Pokémon]Mudsdale
[Category] Draft Horse Pokémon
[Type] Ground
[Ability] Own Tempo / Stamina
[Hidden Ability] Inner Focus
[Strength] High Elite Level
Sam also threw out a Poké Ball and summoned his Pokémon.
[Pokémon]Scyther
[Type] Bug/Flying
[Category] Mantis Pokémon
[Ability] Swarm
[Hidden Ability] Steadfast
[Strength] Elite Peak Level (Seventh Stage)