Mega Stone and Key Stone!
Kalos, Lumiose City.
From a distance, the iconic Prism Tower stood tall, piercing the sky.
Bathed in sunlight, the tower's surface refracted a soft, radiant glow, showcasing a unique architectural beauty.
Inside the Prism Tower lay Lumiose Gym, making the structure not just a landmark of Lumiose City, but also a hub for aspiring trainers.
In Johan's memory, the Lumiose Gym Leader was Clemont, an expert in Electric-type Pokémon and a man fondly nicknamed "The Zap Genius."
He was known for creating bizarre gadgets, which often exploded, giving their users an unintentional "perm."
Clemont had a younger sister, Bonnie, an adorably bubbly girl who often accompanied him.
But considering that Ash was still just a seven-year-old kid at this time, Clemont was likely still in school himself.
Fortunately, Johan wasn't here to challenge gyms, so the identity of the current leader wasn't of much consequence to him.
Still, he couldn't help but chuckle at a curious trend: every region seemed to have an Electric Gym Leader who excelled in engineering and mechanics.
From Hoenn's Wattson, who built the underground "New Mauville," to Sinnoh's Volkner, who transformed Sunyshore City into an energy-efficient marvel, these innovators shaped their regions.
Even Kalos's Clemont showed promise, despite being young.
Only Kanto's Lt. Surge stood out—a rugged military man with little interest in invention.
"Ka-kah~~"
Gengar held up a tourist brochure provided during the flight, comparing the map to their current location.
Lumiose City was laid out in a radial pattern, with Prism Tower at its center, roads fanning outward like spokes on a wheel.
According to the brochure, Professor Sycamore's Lab was situated on South Boulevard, on the city's southern outskirts.
Nearby were three popular cafés: Café Soleil, Café Lysander, and Café Introversion.
Lumiose City was renowned for having the most cafés of any city in the Pokémon world, a testament to its thriving coffee culture.
"Good thing there's no river of sewage running through the city," Johan muttered, glancing at the map on his Pokédex.
Imagine if there were some kind of boat parade—people might end up seasick rather than charmed.
Thankfully, while Lumiose City drew inspiration from Paris, it avoided mimicking its messier aspects. The streets were clean, with no trace of litter or unsightly piles.
And since the Ice Sculpture Contest wasn't being held in Lumiose City itself, they could enjoy their time here without feeling rushed.
Gengar waved down a man in a blue uniform leading several Skiddo.
"Ka-kah!!"
The man approached with a friendly smile.
"Hello, sir. Do you need a ride on a Skiddo?"
Skiddo were docile Grass-type Pokémon with remarkable endurance. They could sense a rider's emotions through their horns, making them ideal for leisurely sightseeing.
"Yes, please," Johan said, smiling.
"Just one?"
Johan glanced at Gengar, whose eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Better make that two," he said with a chuckle.
Johan mounted one Skiddo with Vulpix in his arms, while Gengar climbed onto the other.
The cobblestone streets of Lumiose City stretched out before them, flanked by charming, sun-dappled buildings.
Sycamore trees lined the avenues, their branches swaying gently in the breeze.
With every step, the tranquil beauty of the city enveloped them, from its laid-back architecture to the warm glow of the afternoon sun.
Clip-clop.
The rhythmic sound of Skiddo hooves filled the air.
Vulpix sat nestled in Johan's lap, its curious eyes darting from one sight to another.
Not far away, a woman carrying a parasol strolled leisurely, leading her Pokémon—a Furfrou styled in an elegant Matron Trim.
"Look over there," Johan said, pointing in the opposite direction.
A gentleman in a crisp white suit and round hat walked alongside a Furfrou sporting the debonair Dandy Trim.
"Oowu~!"
Vulpix's eyes sparkled with wonder.
"If you'd like, we can get you styled like a queen," Johan teased.
"Oowu~ oowu~!"
The little fox's eyes gleamed at the thought of being a queen, but it quickly shook its head, blushing furiously.
It couldn't handle being that fashionable!
Johan burst out laughing, ruffling its head affectionately.
"Don't worry. I'd never make you look ridiculous. How about a cute little princess dress instead?"
Vulpix snuggled closer, relieved.
"Wait, where's Gengar?" Johan suddenly realized.
The answer came in the form of rapid hoofbeats.
Clip-clop-clop-clop!
Gengar rode his Skiddo at full gallop, a look of sheer terror on both their faces.
Skiddo's horns allowed it to sense emotions—and Gengar's chaotic thoughts had overwhelmed the poor creature.
Visions of Johan becoming a ghost, Gengar conquering Lumiose's underworld, world domination, and ghostly pirate adventures had flooded Skiddo's mind.
Eyes wide with panic, it raced down the street, carrying Gengar further and further away.
"Ka-kah—!!"
The ghost cackled as the two vanished into the distance.
Johan & Vulpix: "..."
They exchanged a glance.
"Well," Johan said finally. "That's going to be a problem."
"Oowu~?"
"With Gengar? Nah, I'm worried about the Skiddo."
After much apologizing, Johan managed to calm the traumatized Skiddo with some energy cubes.
Its trembling eventually stopped, and it returned to the nearby Skiddo station.
"Sorry about that," Johan said sheepishly to its handler.
Then he shot Gengar a glare.
The ghost Pokémon scratched its head, mumbling excuses about the Skiddo's lack of mental fortitude.
Grabbing Gengar by the horns, Johan dragged him toward Sycamore's Lab.
Located on South Boulevard, the lab was an elegant building with white stone pillars and an inviting, open design.
As they approached, the automatic doors slid open.
"Mr. Johan?"
A boy in a white lab coat greeted them with a bright smile.
"Alain?" Johan asked.
"Yes! Welcome!" Alain said, bowing deeply. "Professor Sycamore asked me to wait for you."
"Thanks," Johan replied with a grin.
Inside, Sycamore's Lab was smaller than Oak's but no less impressive.
The glass walls of a long hallway gave a clear view of a simulated forest habitat, home to Pokémon like Floette, Diggersby, and Heliolisk.
Among them were numerous starter Pokémon from Kanto and Hoenn, brought here to support Sycamore's research on Mega Evolution.
Finally, they reached Sycamore's main lab.
The professor was examining data on a Garchomp when he turned and greeted them warmly.
"Johan! It's been a while."
"It has, Professor," Johan replied with a smile.
While Johan and Sycamore caught up, Gengar wandered over to the Garchomp.
"Ka-kah~~"
"Garchomp?"
Confused, the dragon retreated a step, unsure why the ghost was grinning so mischievously.
In the lab, Sycamore handed Johan a box.
Inside were a Mega Stone and a Key Stone.
"This is a Mega Stone for Gengar," Sycamore explained. "It's paired with this Key Stone. Please take them—it's my gift to you."
Johan was stunned.
A Mega Stone for Gengar?
But… it didn't look like the one he already had.
And the Key Stone was unmistakably genuine.
"Ka-kah?"
Gengar peeked through the wall, its eyes widening.
Had it just heard "Key Stone"?
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Powerstones?
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