Pokemon: The Gameboy Effect-Chapter 213: Coaching Mega Evolution

(A/N: A new Legend has arrived—Bradley Brown! Welcome aboard! Bonus Chapter! Also got any ideas for what item his Mega Stone could be embedded in? A Mega Ring feels kinda lame, not gonna lie.)

In the Tower of Mastery at LV 80, challengers faced the daunting Mega Lucario at LV 75.

John had already crushed Korrina once with a tactical approach, and she wouldn't be foolish enough to fall for the same trick twice. She would adapt. That much was certain. On top of that, if he wanted to challenge the Refining Tower again, his best bet would be using his red Gyarados. For now, though, it wasn't the time for another attempt.

As for the Gym in Sala City, that could wait.

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Right now, he had something far more important on his mind—the Mega Ring. If he had the Mega Ring, then what about Mega Evolution?

Recording the game, John took the Mega Ring and his Pokemon down to the beach to test it out. But as he stood there, staring at his team, he realized something.

"So... how do I actually perform Mega Evolution?" He scratched his head in confusion.

Was he supposed to shout "Mega Evolution!" like in the anime?

He glanced at the Mega Ring on his wrist and then at his Pokemon—Gardevoir, Venusaur, Steelix, and Garchomp. He decided to start with Gardevoir since it had been with him longer than the others.

Taking a deep breath, he raised his arm dramatically. "Gardevoir! MEGA EVOLVE!"

Gardevoir tilted its head, utterly unphased.

John blinked.

Nothing happened.

"Huh?" He looked around, as if expecting someone to pop out and explain what went wrong. But there was no one. Just him, his confused-looking Gardevoir, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Feeling heat rush to his face, John rubbed the back of his head. "Okay, good thing no one saw that... that would have been embarrassing."

He let out a sigh. "If only Gurkinn's guide had actually explained how to perform Mega Evolution... but no, of course not. That old man just loves being cryptic."

Then it hit him.

He did have a teacher.

Gurkinn wasn't much help, but there was someone else who might be.

Without wasting another second, John pulled out his phone and dialed his Principal, Saul Badman.

The call connected almost immediately.

"Mr Badman!"

"Ah, John. What's up?" Saul's calm voice came through the receiver.

"I got my hands on a Key Stone and a Mega Evolution stone, but... I have no clue how to actually make Mega Evolution happen. Do you have time to teach me? If you're too busy, I get it—"

"Oh, I've got time. I've been waiting for you to ask for help. Finally, something that actually requires my expertise. Otherwise, I'd start thinking my title as a teacher was just for show!" Saul let out a hearty laugh.

John exhaled in relief. "Thanks, teacher! Where should I meet you?"

"Battlefield No. 40 in the battle zone. Get here ASAP."

"Got it. Be there soon!"

Hanging up, John recalled his Pokemon and climbed onto his Flygon, soaring straight toward the Academy Harbor. From there, he grabbed his sonic bicycle and pedaled toward the battle area. Within minutes, he arrived at the designated battlefield, where Saul was already waiting.

"Teacher! I'm here!" John called out.

Saul smirked. "Took you long enough."

John ran up, catching his breath.

"I heard you recently earned the title of Senior Breeder at the camp," Saul said, arms crossed.

"Yeah... I got lucky. Plus, Professor Daisy helped me out a lot."

Saul clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't be so modest. When I was your age, I lost my mind just getting my Junior Breeder title. You, on the other hand, are already ahead of the game."

John scratched his chin. "Maybe I'm not that strong... maybe everyone else is just... kind of bad?"

Saul burst into laughter. "You remind me of myself. I used to think like that, too. Thought I was untouchable. Then I got my ego smashed in a battle, and let's just say—I learned humility real quick."

John chuckled nervously.

"Just messing with you," Saul added with a grin. "You're young. It's normal to be a little cocky. As long as you don't do anything reckless, my old bones can back you up when needed."

John's heart swelled with appreciation. "Thanks, teacher."

Back when he first started out, he kept his head down, never daring to make waves. He had too many rare items and Pokemon—too many things people would want to take from him. If word got out that he had a Mega Evolution stone, or that he possessed multiple Shiny Pokemon, he could be in danger. But now? With Saul as his mentor, he finally felt like he had solid ground to stand on.

"Alright," Saul said, getting serious. "You want to learn Mega Evolution? First, tell me—how much do you actually know about it?"

John thought for a moment. "I mean... I've seen it on TV. But the school never really taught how it works."

"Then let me ask you a question." Saul held up a finger. "What do you think is the essence of Mega Evolution?"

"Bond," John answered instantly.

Saul's eyes widened slightly, clearly impressed. "That's right. Mega Evolution is built on the bond between Trainer and Pokemon. But tell me this—how do you cultivate that bond?"

John frowned in thought. "By spending time together. Fighting, living, doing everything as a team."

Saul nodded approvingly. "Good. You understand the foundation of it." He then crossed his arms. "But let me ask you—do you believe your bond with your Pokemon is strong enough?"

John hesitated. "I... think so? Maybe?"

"Doubt means no," Saul stated firmly. "If you hesitate, then you already know deep down that your bond isn't strong enough."

John clenched his fists.

"Mega Evolution isn't just about battling together. It's about trust. About being in perfect sync." Saul looked him in the eyes. "When you reach that level of connection, you won't have to hope that Mega Evolution works. You'll know it will."

John took a deep breath. "Understood, teacher!"

"Good. Since you already understand how to build bonds, I won't waste time lecturing you on that." Saul reached into his pocket and pulled out his own Mega Ring. "What I will teach you is how to use the Key Stone to channel its power into the Mega Evolution stone. That's the key to making it happen when your bond is strong enough."