"…"
Ron whipped his head toward Indeedee—then back to Penny, stunned.
He'd experienced this yesterday with Ditto too, but dismissed it as trivial. Now, he realized: he'd just heard Penny's thoughts—because Indeedee was reading her mind, and somehow, Ron had tapped into Indeedee's perception.
"What—what's wrong?" Penny stammered under Ron's intense gaze. Already flustered by Indeedee's stare, her cheeks burned hotter.
"Nothing." Ron shook his head, scooping up Indeedee. "I'll be right back."
He carried Indeedee to Zubat's cave.
Indeedee's eyes widened in shock. "Eevee?"
"Don't ask me—I don't know either," Ron muttered, staring at the Pokémon.
This had happened once before—when Zubat ate crows from the farm—but he'd ignored it. Now, it seemed like an uncontrollable ability, almost like an unmastered skill. So far, it only worked on Pokémon. But if he could harness it… combined with Indeedee's power, they could uncover anyone's secrets. A game-changer for business.
"How do you control your mind-reading?" Ron asked.
Indeedee touched its horn, confused. For it, this talent was as natural as hearing—thoughts simply flowed in; it just filtered what to focus on.
Ron sighed. No technique to learn here. "Never mind. Not urgent." He patted Indeedee's head.
Rain poured as they hurried back. Inside, Penny was mid-story when Ron burst in, shielding Indeedee from the downpour with his hand.
She stood, scanning the room.
"Towels are there," Ron said, pointing to a shelf.
Penny fetched one, handed it to Ron, then cradled Indeedee, gently drying its damp fur.
"How did you know I needed that?" she asked, puzzled.
"Lucky guess," Ron said—just as Indeedee let out a playful chirp.
Penny didn't press further, softly towel-drying Indeedee's head.
Once dry, Ron hung the towel back up.
---
Meanwhile, in Kalos…
Abigail and Serena left the market empty-handed. No Evolution Stones to be found.
"Maybe Cyllage has some?" Serena suggested. "It's got mines and rare Pokémon. The Gym Leader uses Rock-types too."
Abigail agreed. It was already afternoon—they adjusted their route to reach Cyllage in time for the Contest.
"You only have Gengar?" Serena asked, eyeing Amber trailing behind Abigail.
"Just her."
"For the second Gym, you'll need at least three Pokémon," Serena recalled. "Though Mr. Grant only uses two."
"Is that a rule?"
"Not exactly—but she's strong."
Abigail hadn't considered a second Pokémon. Growing up with Gengar, she'd never wanted another—new partners would inevitably steal attention, no matter how fairly she tried to divide it.
Serena laughed at her conflicted expression. "But Cyllage's Contest is solo! One Pokémon's enough. Battle Mr. Grant first—if you lose, catch a new partner. But practice your appeal routine first!"
Having watched Contest replays with Serena, Abigail understood the rules. She nodded, sticking Lumiose's Poké Ball stickers onto Gengar's ball as they walked.
That evening, they found an open field for practice.
Serena's Sylveon would compete. Abigail watched, chin in hand, as Sylveon danced through its moves.
"Sylveon, use Moonblast!"
Silver light erupted. Sylveon leapt into Serena's arms, then floated down gracefully as glittering dust scattered.
"Now—Draining Kiss!"
They landed in perfect sync, bowing to Abigail.
"Syl~"
Abigail clapped enthusiastically. Watching Serena's radiant performance, she thought of Haley—the multi-time Flower Dance Queen. Would she become a Coordinator if she were here?
---
Back in Pelican Town…
Haley sneezed, patting her Sunkern's head. She glanced at Emily, who was sorting gems with Fearow.
"What if… I went on a journey too?"
"You?" Emily snorted, eyeing the sofa Haley had just wrecked. "Could you even survive out there?"
"Of course!"
"Then clean the sofa first, future adventurer?"
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