Pokemon: Psychic Master

At the Lumiose City Pokémon Center, Johan and his team were greeted by the ever-energetic Audino.

"Dew-da~~!"

Audino gave Johan a sweet smile as he stepped inside.

Unlike other regions where Joys are typically accompanied by Chansey or Blissey, Kalos Pokémon Centers are usually supported by Wigglytuff or Audino.

This particular Center featured Audino, which is a Normal-type Pokémon with exceptional hearing capabilities.

Audino can detect even the faintest sounds and vibrations, making it an invaluable asset for medical and rescue work. Its ability to sense heartbeats allows it to monitor physical and emotional states with unparalleled precision.

"Ka-kah~~(^^)"

Gengar enthusiastically waved at the blushing pink Pokémon. Audino shyly tilted its head and returned an equally cheerful smile, its demeanor soft and warm.

"It seems to like you, Johan," Nurse Joy remarked with a chuckle.

Johan laughed. "It seems like everyone likes me a little too early."

By now, Johan was used to being recognized by the Joy family across regions. He had long suspected that they had a private group chat titled "Joy Worldwide."

As usual, after a brief conversation, Nurse Joy requested a signature and a photo.

"Gengar is in your hands, Nurse Joy," Johan said with a smile.

Although Gengar had insisted it felt fine after its first attempt at Mega Evolution, Johan wanted to ensure there were no adverse effects.

Moreover, staying in the Pokémon Center felt safer than staying at Sycamore's research facility—Johan had a hunch that Gengar might "redecorate" the lab's facilities overnight.

While Gengar was undergoing its check-up, Johan sat in the lounge, sipping on coffee brought by Audino.

"Thank you," Johan said, nodding in gratitude.

Nurse Joy approached and casually asked, "Johan, are you in Kalos to challenge the Kalos League?"

Johan blinked in surprise, a wry smile crossing his face. "No, I'm just here for the ice sculpture competition in Snowbelle City."

He wasn't like Ash, running off to each region to start anew, catching and training Pokémon from scratch.

"Oh, the Ice Sculpture Competition!"

Their conversation drifted to casual topics until a news broadcast caught Johan's attention.

On the television, Lysandre appeared, dressed in his signature black attire. Beside him stood a regal Pyroar as reporters swarmed him for interviews.

He declared, "The latest invention from Lysandre Labs, the Holo-Caster, will be available to the public soon."

The reporter conducting the interview was none other than Malva, one of Kalos's Elite Four and a news anchor known for her sharp wit.

"He's changed a lot," Nurse Joy observed. "But Lysandre is such a kind person."

She recounted how Lysandre had once provided aid to struggling communities and Pokémon in need, a kindness she had witnessed firsthand.

Kind, huh? Johan mused, choosing not to comment.

Lysandre's transformation wasn't just physical—his worldview had shifted dramatically.

Still, Joy's comment gave Johan an idea.

Lysandre's descent into extremism stemmed from the ingratitude of those he helped, people who exploited his generosity without remorse.

This disillusionment painted the world in a "survivor's bias," leading him to focus solely on its flaws.

But the truth was, countless others genuinely appreciated and respected him. Perhaps this angle could be a way to reason with Lysandre in the future.

"Johan," Nurse Joy's voice interrupted his thoughts, "Gengar's check-up is complete."

She handed over the report with a warm smile.

"Gengar is exceptionally well-trained. Its stats far exceed the standard benchmarks for its species. Truly remarkable."

"Ka-kah~!"

Gengar, now back at Johan's side, stood with its arms crossed, a smug grin plastered across its face.

However, Nurse Joy added, "That said, it's a bit drained from overexertion. I recommend at least a day of rest."

Johan sighed and gave Gengar a pointed look. "Hear that? Rest."

"Ka-kah…"

Gengar scratched the back of its head sheepishly, disappointed that it wouldn't be ruling Lumiose's "underworld" that night.

The Next Morning

Johan woke to the familiar sensation of Gengar licking his face—a routine that, surprisingly, he no longer found annoying.

Sitting up, he ruffled Vulpix's fur, earning a soft "Oowu~~" from the sleepy Pokémon as it pouted and tried to fix its disheveled coat.

Nearby, Kubfu snored softly, drooling as it dreamt of training. Even in its sleep, its little arms moved in a push-up motion.

"Dragonair," Johan called out as he headed to the bathroom. "Wake up Kubfu and get ready; we're heading out."

"Draaa~~"

A soft hum and a tiny jolt of electricity later, Kubfu startled awake, its nose bubble popping with a loud "plop!"

As the team assembled, Tinkaton proudly presented Johan with a gleaming gold monocle.

"You made this?" Johan asked, impressed.

"Cha~~ Cha!"

The monocle wasn't just stylish; it featured a fine gold chain with a slot at the end designed to hold the Key Stone securely. It was functional and sophisticated—a perfect blend of utility and charm.

Dressed in a black suit, monocle in place, Johan's appearance blended seamlessly with Kalos's romantic atmosphere.

When he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he muttered, "Looks like I'm one trench coat away from being a classic villain."

After breakfast at the Pokémon Center, Johan strolled into a nearby café to meet Sycamore.

When the professor saw Johan, he paused for a moment before laughing.

"That look suits you, Johan."

The two shared a cup of coffee before heading toward their destination: The Coffee Manor.

The Coffee Manor

Located in eastern Lumiose City, the Coffee Manor was an old estate with a storied history.

Sycamore explained, "This manor is run by an elderly couple who take in stray or abandoned Pokémon. Over the years, it's become a haven, akin to a daycare, but with a twist."

The Pokémon here weren't trained for battles. Instead, they were taught life skills: cooking, cleaning, brewing coffee, and even gardening.

Many Kalos cafés sourced their staff from this manor, giving the Pokémon fulfilling roles outside of combat.

"I recruited several of my own Pokémon helpers from here," Sycamore added.

Soon, their taxi pulled up to the grand gates of the Coffee Manor.

Standing at the entrance was an Indeedee, bowing politely as if it had been expecting them.

"Dee-dee~~"

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Powerstones?

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