Pokemon: Psychic Master

5 bonus chapter's coming out at 11 AM EST. So I ask that you withhold you're powerstones until then.

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Kanaz City Pokémon Academy, Pokémon Psychology Consultation Room

Johan sipped his coffee while scrolling through the latest news, particularly articles related to poachers.

At the same time, he continued answering questions from people seeking help with Pokémon psychology online.

By now, Johan's reputation as an expert on Pokémon psychology was growing steadily. While not yet a world-renowned authority, he was undoubtedly gaining recognition.

Common issues, in particular, had become second nature to him.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

A sudden noise drew his attention. Without looking, Johan knew the source—Tinkaton.

The sound was identical to what he'd grown accustomed to hearing on the Isle of Armor when it hammered away at Corviknight feathers every day.

Turning toward the noise, Johan's suspicions were confirmed.

In the corner, Tinkaton was crouched over its hammer, tinkering with something. Beneath the massive mallet lay several smooth, sharp blades.

What caught Johan's eye was how easily the blades—made of some unknown material—bent and deformed under Tinkaton's hammer.

Wait...

Johan blinked, his brain catching up.

Are those... Bisharp's blades?

When had Tinkaton gotten those?

Piecing it together, Johan remembered that one of the poachers they encountered in Snowbelle City had owned a Bisharp.

Nearby, Gengar cheerfully pulled another blade from its mouth and handed it to Tinkaton.

"Ka-kah~!"

Tinkaton wiped its forehead with a tiny hand and gave Gengar an appreciative nod.

The two were getting along swimmingly.

It became clear that during the chaos, Gengar must have swapped Tinkaton's ability and stealthily pocketed Bisharp's blades.

Johan silently mourned Bisharp's misfortune for about three seconds.

Knock, knock.

A knock on the door broke his train of thought, followed by someone entering without waiting for an invitation.

"Johan."

It was Steven, his face adorned with a friendly smile. "Congratulations on winning the Ice Sculpture Contest!"

"Kubfu~!"

Kubfu, who had been dozing on a single-seater couch, jolted awake.

Sensing an opportunity, it leaped to its feet, planted itself in Steven's path, and struck a battle-ready pose.

"Ku! Ku~!"

"Halt! This path is mine to guard!"

Steven: "???"

Johan pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperation evident. He walked over, grabbed Kubfu by the thick fur on its back, and gently moved it aside.

Steven watched, dumbfounded, as Johan effortlessly lifted the sturdy little Pokémon with one hand.

The rumors were true—Johan really was a top-tier martial artist.

No wonder Hoenn's Elite Four member, Bruno, had invited him to spar.

"Ku?"

"This is one of my students," Johan explained, giving Kubfu a meaningful look.

Realizing its mistake, Kubfu bowed apologetically to Steven.

"Ku~!"

My sincerest apologies!

Turning back to Johan, Kubfu's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Its trainer wasn't just talented—he was nurturing students left and right.

Surely, greatness was all but assured!

"Johan, was that...?"

"He's been listening to too many stories about ancient warlords," Johan replied offhandedly.

Recently, not just Kubfu but the entire group—including Gengar—had grown obsessed with Johan's nightly storytelling sessions.

Johan waved dismissively. "Don't mind him. It's his first time in the consultation room."

Steven nodded in understanding, though he couldn't help but feel curious about the new addition.

"By the way, how's your Lileep doing?" Johan asked, changing the subject.

Steven's expression softened into a smile. "Thanks to your guidance, it's slowly adjusting to its new environment and has started training."

"That's great to hear," Johan replied. Reviving ancient Pokémon and helping them adapt to modern life was no easy task.

"Coffee?" Johan offered.

"No, thanks." Steven shook his head, suddenly remembering the real reason for his visit.

He explained that he wasn't there for himself but on behalf of a family friend—specifically, an old associate of his father.

"Who is it?" Johan asked.

Steven elaborated.

The family in question, the Parkes, had a Pokémon suffering from a unique issue—it had stopped sleeping altogether, day or night, causing considerable distress in the household.

After seeking help from various sources, they eventually turned to Steven, who immediately thought of Johan.

"A Pokémon that doesn't sleep?"

Johan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. This was definitely solvable.

After all, whether through hypnosis, soothing techniques, or other methods, Johan—or even Gengar and Vulpix—could handle most sleepless Pokémon.

If push came to shove, Tinkaton's hammer would surely provide a permanent solution.

Still, Johan asked, "What kind of Pokémon are we dealing with?"

"Hypno."

Johan froze. "...What?"

Hypno, known as the Half-Awake Pokémon, was a Psychic-type with a tapir-like appearance. It spent most of its time dozing and was known for feeding on the dreams of humans and Pokémon alike.

Given its sleepy nature, a sleepless Hypno was as concerning as it was baffling.

Sitting in Steven's car en route to the Parkes' rural home, Johan reviewed what he knew about Hypno.

Steven also provided some context about the Parkes family.

The family patriarch, Mr. Bend Parkes, had worked alongside Steven's father, Joseph Stone, during Devon Corporation's early days.

As one of the company's major shareholders, Mr. Parkes had played a crucial role in its foundation. However, ten years ago, he had retired from corporate life to enjoy a quiet existence on a small farm outside Rustboro City.

Their house came into view—a cozy wooden cabin nestled among snowy hills.

As the car pulled up, a pair of elderly figures emerged to greet them.

Standing beside Mr. Parkes were several Pokémon:

A Haxorus and Darmanitan flanked him, exuding a quiet but imposing presence.

Meanwhile, his wife, Mrs. Shannon Parkes, was accompanied by an Ariados, Charjabug, Joltik, and Farfetch'd.

The couple warmly welcomed Johan and Steven, leading them inside the cabin.

The interior was cozy, warmed by a Magcargo nestled within the hearth.

Mr. Parkes explained Hypno's situation in detail, his voice tinged with concern. Mrs. Parkes looked equally worried.

"Can I see it?" Johan asked.

The couple led him upstairs to a closed door, warning him to be cautious.

"It's been irritable from lack of sleep," Mr. Parkes said.

"No problem," Johan reassured them, smiling as he placed a calming hand on the door.

He opened it slowly.

Inside, a Hypno hovered midair, surrounded by thick black smoke that twisted and churned like a living nightmare.

Johan froze.

The smoke's shifting shapes... looked unsettlingly familiar.

Hypno noticed them and turned sharply, its bloodshot eyes glowing with fury. The smoke around it surged violently.

Gengar stepped forward, flashing its signature grin.

"Ka-kah~!"

"Want to experience true terror?"

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