Gengar, Mega Evolution!
Three chapters today due to patreon being 21 chapters ahead instead of 20.
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"Professor Sycamore, this is a bit much, don't you think? It's too valuable," Johan said hastily.
Mega Evolution, still in its early stages, was understood and utilized by only a handful of trainers. Even if it became widely known, both Mega Stones and Key Stones would remain prohibitively expensive.
Sycamore chuckled and explained, "It's not a gift, per se."
He continued, "I hope you can use this Key Stone and your Gengar's Mega Evolution to help me gather some data."
For years, Professor Sycamore had dedicated himself to the study of Mega Evolution. However, due to limited data and resources, much about the phenomenon remained a mystery.
He still lacked a comprehensive understanding of Mega Stones, Key Stones, and the bond between Pokémon and their trainers that facilitated Mega Evolution.
Even basic data on the types of Mega Stones and their compatibility with specific Pokémon was incomplete.
Johan stared at the shimmering crystal in the box, lost in thought.
He wasn't one to accept such a significant favor lightly. Mega Stones were incredibly costly, and even Key Stones—though more general in their usage—were no trivial matter.
Finally, after a brief silence, he reached into the box and picked up the Key Stone, saying, "If that's the case, I'll accept just the Key Stone for now."
Sycamore blinked in surprise. "Johan, the Key Stone needs to be used with a Mega Stone to—"
Johan smiled and cut him off. "Don't worry, Professor. I already have a Mega Stone."
He turned to Gengar, who grinned mischievously and extended its tongue. Nestled on the tip was a glittering stone it had been toying with.
"Bla-bla-bla," Gengar teased as it flicked the Mega Stone with its tongue.
Sycamore stared, dumbfounded.
"This is…"
"If I'm not mistaken," Johan said, "this is Gengar's Mega Stone. The one you analyzed might belong to a different Pokémon entirely."
Sycamore scratched his head in embarrassment. "Ah, I see... I must have made a mistake in my data analysis."
Still, he couldn't help but marvel. "To think you already had a Mega Stone for Gengar, Johan. That's remarkable."
Johan glanced at Gengar, who was happily tossing the Mega Stone into the air.
"It was... a lucky find," he admitted.
After all, the Mega Stone had been discovered near Gengar's ancient resting place—a fortunate coincidence.
Sycamore felt a twinge of guilt. He had invited Johan all the way to Lumiose City, only to misidentify a Mega Stone. Now, he couldn't even follow through on his promise of a Mega Stone.
After a moment's thought, Sycamore said, "How about this: you help me collect data on Mega Evolution for now, and in the future, if you need another Mega Stone, I'll make sure to get you one."
"Professor, there's no need for that. The Key Stone alone is already—" Johan began.
But Sycamore interrupted with a grin. "Actually, I have another favor to ask."
Johan paused, raising an eyebrow. "You're full of requests today, huh? Well, let's hear it."
He decided to accept the arrangement. After all, he didn't have other Pokémon ready for Mega Evolution at the moment.
Besides, he reasoned, the Key Stone was already a priceless gift.
Sycamore nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Then we're settled."
At last, Johan slipped the Key Stone into his pocket.
With this, Gengar's Mega Stone and Key Stone were finally complete!
[Key Stone: A stone imbued with the power of bonds. It is the key to unlocking the Mega Stone, enabling a Pokémon to Mega Evolve.]
As Sycamore prepared to discuss Mega Evolution in greater detail, Johan suddenly remembered something.
"Professor, actually, I have a favor to ask as well."
Sycamore, intrigued, turned to him.
"It's about a café I run back in Hoenn…"
Johan explained how his café was currently closed due to a staff shortage. Although the Rocket Trio was expected to return after their film project, he needed temporary employees to keep the business running smoothly.
Being in Lumiose City, a place with a thriving coffee culture, Johan hoped to find suitable candidates.
"I didn't know you were a fellow coffee lover," Sycamore said with a laugh. "I can definitely help. I know just where to look for the right employees."
He paused. "But if some of the staff are Pokémon...?"
Johan's eyes lit up. "That would be perfect! It might even make communication easier."
Sycamore chuckled and promised to help find employees for the café.
With that matter resolved, Sycamore's expression turned eager.
"Well then, Johan, shall we give Mega Evolution a try?"
The professor's enthusiasm was infectious. Johan hesitated for a moment but found himself nodding.
As he pondered the logistics, Johan felt a sudden chill.
Turning, he found Gengar staring at him with sparkling eyes, the Mega Stone glowing faintly in its mouth.
At the same time, the newly-acquired Key Stone in Johan's pocket began to emit a soft vibration.
Johan frowned. "Wait a second... Are we about to initiate Mega Evolution already?!"
The synchronization between him and Gengar was undeniable. A faint energy thread seemed to link them, shimmering with the power of their bond.
The bond was so strong it left Johan momentarily speechless.
"Isn't this a bit sudden?" Johan asked nervously.
"No better time than now," Sycamore said. "And I'll be your opponent."
Sycamore's partner Pokémon, a Garchomp, stood at his side. Although it wasn't as formidable as Cynthia's, it was still a capable battler.
"Let's do it!" Sycamore declared confidently.
Despite his reservations, Johan knew this was a unique opportunity.
"Alright," he sighed.
In the battle arena at the back of the lab, Johan and Sycamore stood at opposite ends of the field.
In the middle were their partners: Gengar and Garchomp.
Spectators included Sycamore's assistants Alain and Sophie, who were recording data, as well as a third guest: Gurkinn, the Gym Leader of Shalour City and a Mega Evolution mentor.
Gurkinn, arms crossed, observed Johan intently.
"Hmm… That energy… Is it Aura?"
While Gurkinn couldn't use Aura himself, his partner Lucario was an expert in its manipulation, allowing him to sense traces of it in Johan.
"Battle... start!" Alain raised his hand.
Sophie activated her instruments. "Recording Gengar's first Mega Evolution data… ready."
At the center of the arena, Johan and Gengar locked eyes.
The sounds of the outside world faded away, leaving only the synchronized thrum of their heartbeats.
Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.
"Are you ready, Gengar?" Johan asked softly.
"Ka-kah!!" Gengar clenched its fists, baring a feral grin.
A radiant energy surged between them, their bond manifesting in the air like a shimmering thread.
Johan raised his hand, the Key Stone glowing in response.
With a commanding voice, he shouted, "Gengar, Mega Evolve!"
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Powerstones?
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