“Mew’s Happy House” (BONUS)
Back in Cameran Palace.
Now aware of the situation at the Tree of Beginning, Queen Ilene hosted a grand reception for Johan and his team, treating them with the honor reserved for "Aura Guardians."
At the Banquet
Johan stood on the balcony, gazing at the misty, lush Tree of Beginning in the distance.
Marveling at nature's magnificence, he found himself lost in the sheer wonder of the world's mysteries.
{In essence, this is what 'Aura' truly is.}
Next to him, Lucario sat casually on the railing, recounting the knowledge of Aura passed down from Sir Aaron.
To be honest, Lucario wasn't the best teacher—it poured out all the information at once, regardless of difficulty or complexity.
Fortunately, Johan wasn't an ordinary student. What he couldn't grasp immediately, he noted down for later study.
After all, as a psychology student, memorizing information was his forte.
"So, it's basically like the Force or chi," Johan muttered to himself.
"Lucca?"
"Nothing," Johan replied, waving his hand dismissively.
Closing his eyes, he extended a faint Aura outward from his body.
The sensation resembled radar. In the darkness of his mind, he could sense distinct signals, each unique in size and character, representing various life forms.
The more he used this ability, the more natural it became.
At this rate, he joked to himself, he might be able to charge up a Spirit Bomb—uh, an Aura Sphere—in a few years.
"What about you?" Johan asked. "Have you decided what you want to do next?"
Thanks to Johan's subtle guidance, Lucario seemed much better than before—steadily emerging from the shadows of its past.
Lucario paused, rising to its feet. It gazed over the expanse of Cameran Palace and its surrounding city.
After a long moment of contemplation, it spoke:
{Not yet. But I think... I should protect this kingdom.}
It was both a duty and an honor.
Johan smiled knowingly. Lucario's decision didn't surprise him.
"If you ever feel restless, you can go explore. Look for Mew—it might help you travel wherever you want. Maybe come to Hoenn for a while, too."
"Lucca!"
Lucario nodded firmly. Its eyes gleamed with determination.
With a leap from the balcony, it vanished into the city below, its form weaving through the streets and alleys of the kingdom Sir Aaron had given his life to protect.
"Such a great Pokémon…" Johan clicked his tongue.
"It'd be perfect as a barista at the café—three times as efficient as anyone else."
"You thinking something weird again?"
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
He turned to see Cynthia holding two plates of dessert, her expression caught between indecision and curiosity over which to eat first.
Johan chuckled.
"Cold desserts aren't the best choice on chilly nights," he advised.
"Hmm…" Cynthia nodded thoughtfully, then handed him the plate of ice cream cake.
"You take it, then."
Johan sighed, amused. "Thanks, I guess?"
Boom!
Fireworks lit up the night sky.
The dazzling display marked the festival's conclusion and carried prayers for the year's bounty.
The vibrant hues painted the heavens, casting radiant reflections in their eyes.
"So beautiful…" Cynthia murmured in awe.
"It really is," Johan agreed.
"By the way, I heard your café has opened?" Cynthia asked suddenly.
"Yeah," Johan replied with a smile. "Next time you're in Hoenn, I'll treat you to a cup."
Cynthia pressed her lips together, considering. She wasn't fond of bitter drinks, but… if Johan was inviting her…
"Sure," she said softly.
Johan's thoughts strayed further.
If Cynthia were to promote his café, the effect would be unstoppable.
Before he knew it, he was imagining her helping out at the café…
Cough.
"You two…"
Another voice joined the scene.
It was Caitlin.
Johan, now more attuned to psychic auras after awakening his Aura, sensed her approach clearly.
"Come enjoy the fireworks with us," Cynthia called cheerfully, waving Caitlin over.
"Hmph!" Caitlin huffed at Johan, wrinkling her nose before trotting over to cling to Cynthia's arm.
"Don't let me catch you slipping—I'll challenge you one day!" she muttered.
Johan rubbed his temples, exasperated.
This spiky little hedgehog…
If she kept pushing him, he might just bring Mewtwo around to teach her a lesson about the vastness of psychic power.
The Next Day
At the Tree of Beginning's summit, Mew happily played with Vulpix, Gengar, Dratini, and the others.
Gengar popped out of the shadows, pulling a goofy face at Mew.
"Ka-kah!"
"Meeww~"
Mew froze momentarily before bursting into laughter, twirling in midair.
Gengar scratched its head, sipping milk tea as a puzzled expression crossed its face.
Does this kitten have a screw loose?
Meanwhile, Vulpix approached Mew to seek advice on using Aurora Veil.
Mew tilted its head thoughtfully, then conjured a transparent barrier with a wave of its paw.
But Vulpix shook its head. That was Light Screen, not what it wanted to learn.
Mew, thinking it was part of the game, spun happily in circles instead.
Elsewhere, Johan was busy setting up Mew's Happy House, assisted by Tinkatuff, Aggron, Metagross, Garchomp, Lucario, and others.
Thanks to Steven's pre-made setup, the assembly was quick and simple.
Gaming consoles, televisions, smartphones, and other electronics filled the space.
Internet wasn't necessary—everything ran on downloaded single-player games or preloaded TV shows.
As for power?
Electric-type Pokémon living nearby could handle that, or Mew itself could generate electricity with its moves.
The Happy House also included a Mew-themed slide, cradle, and other childlike toys—fitting for Mew's playful, childlike nature.
Its favorite? A small exercise wheel.
Inside it, Mew gleefully ran like a tiny hamster.
Of course, no house would be complete without snacks.
Small refrigerators and shelves were stocked with treats, ensuring Mew's transformation into the ultimate homebody.
"Just don't let it meet Mewtwo," Johan mused.
The last thing I need is Mew undoing all of Mewtwo's hard-won character growth…
As soon as the Happy House was ready, Mew darted inside eagerly.
With impressive dexterity, it retrieved a soda from the fridge and a bag of chips from the shelf.
Curling up on its plush sofa, it began watching Bubble Piplup Adventures with great enthusiasm.
For a moment, Johan couldn't help but wonder:
Is Mew trolling me?
Back in Cameran Palace
To thank everyone for their efforts, Johan treated the group—and their Pokémon—to a hearty meal.
It nearly bankrupted him.
Aggron and Garchomp, in particular, devoured food like black holes.
Afterward, the group shared stories of their adventures and exchanged experiences, with Johan finally getting a good look at Caitlin's peculiar Duosion.
He offered precise diagnoses and suggestions for its unique evolutionary quirks, which Caitlin accepted with rare humility.
"Have you been overloading your Duosion with too much psychic energy?" Johan asked pointedly.
It wasn't entirely her fault—her immense psychic power was difficult to control.
Fortunately, the issue wasn't severe. Once Duosion evolved, it would likely stabilize.
For now, Johan advised Caitlin to prioritize rest and relaxation.
As the day wound down, Steven set off to explore the mineral deposits around the Tree of Beginning with Mew's permission.
Meanwhile, their Pokémon engaged in various activities:
Gengar and Garchomp huddled in a corner, giggling like fanboys as they binge-watched Bubble Piplup Adventures.Vulpix and Cynthia's Eevee sparred with Iron Tail, the resounding clangs leaving Johan apprehensive.Dratini and Milotic struck up an unlikely camaraderie, prompting Dratini to wonder if they were distant relatives.
By evening, the group strolled through Cameran Palace one last time, basking in the festival's lingering charm.
It wasn't a particularly busy day, but it was fulfilling nonetheless.
On a sunny Tuesday morning, Johan confirmed that Mew was thoroughly immersed in its games and shows.
He felt a slight pang of guilt.
Am I corrupting an innocent child?
But at least Mew wouldn't feel so lonely anymore.
With everything in order, it was time to return home.
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Powerstones?
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