29. Catching Psyduck

After completing the Celadon Gym challenge, which had left Paul slightly flustered but victorious, he had successfully earned his fifth badge. He decided to stay in Celadon City for nearly a week longer.

The reason Paul lingered was the excellent training facilities available in Celadon City. Celadon University offered free access to comprehensive equipment for both skill training and basic physical conditioning within its gymnasium, a boon for any trainer.

Moreover, the university's scholars provided complimentary services, including video recordings of training sessions and detailed data analysis. It was truly a trainer's paradise.

Celadon University was a specialized academy dedicated to Pokémon research, far surpassing typical trainer schools. Its focus was solely on cultivating scholars and researchers who would contribute meaningfully, avoiding subpar outcomes.

Paul visited again today, specifically to arrange a thorough physical checkup for his Pokémon before leaving the city.

The university's training grounds were open to the public, and assisting trainers like Paul with Pokémon observation also served as practical study for the students.

Consequently, Paul's request was approved almost immediately upon submission. Inside a vast, circular field, three young, spectacled students nodded earnestly at Paul, signaling him to begin.

The area, including the dome overhead, was equipped with ultra high speed cameras and various energy detectors. The setup rivaled even the Pokémon League headquarters in sophistication.

"Thank you for your time, scholars. I'll start now," Paul said politely, acknowledging the three students before releasing his first Pokémon.

"First up! Empoleon!"

"Empol!" Empoleon emerged with a commanding presence, striking a pose as if wearing a cloak, its wings spread wide.

"Empoleon, use Hydro Pump!"

Empoleon aimed at a large target on the wall and unleashed a powerful torrent of water.

The impact echoed.

"Wow, this Empoleon is quite strong," remarked the student monitoring energy output, clearly surprised.

"Indeed. Its muscle definition and plumage color are optimal. It's evident this young man employs excellent care and training methods," affirmed the student focused on physical observation, nodding.

"Alright, please proceed with the next one!"

"Go, Charmeleon!"

...

After more than an hour, the three students departed, satisfied, leaving Paul with several evaluation reports.

Paul carefully reviewed the status of his current Pokémon team.

(Supplementary settings for context:

* Energy Level 1 5: Infant

* Level 6 15: Normal

* Level 16 35: Elite

* Level 36 45: Gym Leader Level

* Level 46 65: Elite Four Level

* Level 66 80: Champion Level

* Level 81 85: Pseudo Legendary Level

* Level 86 94: Minor Legendary Level

* Level 95 105: Major Legendary Level

* Level 105+: Unique/Mythical Level

"Number 1 Empoleon: Energy Level 48. Evaluation: Elite Four Level. Appearance Evaluation: Excellent. Skill Power Limit: 124."

"Number 2 Pidgeot: Energy Level 45.5. Evaluation: Near Elite Four Level. Appearance Evaluation: Super Excellent. Skill Power Limit: 108."

Reading Pidgeot's assessment, Paul smirked slightly. He had specifically instructed Pidgeot not to use Brave Bird; the 108 limit was based solely on Hurricane. * If it used Brave Bird, its power would likely reach 150 *, he guessed.

He continued reading.

"Number 3 Charmeleon: Energy Level 38. Evaluation: Gym Leader Level. Appearance Evaluation: Excellent. Skill Power Limit: 99."

"Number 4 Ivysaur: Energy Level 36. Evaluation: Gym Leader Level. Appearance Evaluation: Excellent. Skill Power Limit: 99."

"Number 5 Squirtle: Energy Level 34. Evaluation: Near Gym Leader Level. Appearance Evaluation: Excellent. Skill Power Limit: 95."

"Number 6 Cottonee: Energy Level 45. Evaluation: Near Elite Four Level. Appearance Evaluation: To be determined. Recommended evolution using a Sun Stone. Skill Power Limit: 80~"

"Number 7 Haunter: Energy Level ?? Evaluation: ??"

"Number 8 Machoke: Energy Level 38. Evaluation: Gym Leader Level. Appearance Evaluation: Good. Recommended continued muscle development. Skill Power Limit: 90."

Paul looked exasperated. * Haunter, are you seriously messing with me like this? *

Haunter communicated telepathically, "Hey kid, you know Uncle Haunter is too powerful. What if I blew up their fancy equipment?"

Paul felt helpless. He knew Haunter was strong, but the extent remained a frustrating mystery.

"Cott!" Cottonee looked up at Paul expectantly, rubbing against him gently, radiating the scent of sunshine from its recent period of intense photosynthesis. It remembered their agreement: evolution once its energy level was high enough.

"Alright, settle down, you little fuzzball. I'll get trapped by you," Paul chuckled, retrieving the Sun Stone from his backpack. "Here. I already got it ready for you."

Cottonee chirped happily and placed the Sun Stone on its forehead.

A bright light flashed.

The soft cotton transformed into slightly yellowish wool. Long tufts hung behind it, framing two small, green, sheep like horns and a small brown body.

The potentially mischievous Whimsicott completed its evolution!

"Whims!" The newly evolved Whimsicott threw itself into Paul's arms. * Definitely a clingy one *, Paul thought.

He patted the top of Whimsicott's head, a sly grin spreading across his face. * Who will be Whimsicott's next unsuspecting victim? * he wondered.

Utilizing Celadon University's exercise equipment, Paul put his Pokémon through another two hour basic training session before finally leaving the university, satisfied.

Passing through the central business district, Paul couldn't help but marvel at its size; a single area seemed almost as large as an entire town.

After a long walk, he reached the edge of Celadon City, an area referred to in the original text by the funny name 'Yoyo Yo District'.

* What kind of name is that? * Paul mused.

"Kid, be careful. Something feels off here. There's residual psychic energy everywhere, it smells like Hypnosis!" Haunter's telepathic warning came from Paul's shadow.

"Interesting," Paul smirked. Whatever could make Haunter take notice was likely related to Psychic or Ghost type Pokémon. With Haunter nearby, Paul wasn't overly concerned.

Just then, a missing person poster on a wall caught Paul's eye. The picture showed a boy with thick eyebrows, wide eyes, and a slightly goofy grin. * That looks exactly like Ash Ketchum, doesn't it? * Paul frowned.

"Have you seen Arnold? Do you know this child?!" Suddenly, Paul felt enveloped in a surprisingly strong hug.

* Whoa! Can't breathe! * Paul struggled frantically, finally pulling his head free to see a plump woman looking at him with desperate excitement.

"Phew! Ma'am, please try not to get too excited, I'm just a kid!" Paul gasped, still catching his breath.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I just thought perhaps you'd seen my son," the woman apologized profusely.

"Arnold? What happened?" Paul asked, looking again at the missing person poster, puzzled by the Ash lookalike situation.

The concerned woman led Paul to a nearby bench on the street, and they sat down to talk.

"Your son, he's missing?" Paul inquired gently.

"Yes, Arnold disappeared suddenly. I've searched everywhere, but I can't find him," Arnold's mother explained, tears welling up.

"Is Arnold the only one?" Paul pressed.

"No, several children have gone missing recently," she replied, pointing to a row of similar posters lining the wall.

* I smell mischief *, Haunter communicated telepathically.

"If this is a prank, it's gone way too far," Paul muttered, frowning deeply.

"It's certainly strange," a familiar voice interjected. Officer Jenny approached them. "All the missing individuals are children, and it's happening repeatedly. We don't have any leads."

It seemed Officer Jenny was already aware of the situation but lacked a solution.

"Looks like Officer Jenny is working hard on this," Paul observed, shaking his head slightly as he watched Arnold's mother sit lost in thought. Paul sighed. He felt compelled to investigate.

After speaking further with Officer Jenny, Paul learned that the missing children shared no commonalities apart from being children, which seemed illogical.

"Let's check the Pokémon Center," Paul decided, heading towards the local Center in this district.

Just as he might have expected, the Pokémon Center was crowded, primarily with children.

After speaking with Nurse Joy, Paul noticed something peculiar. Not only the people, but even the Pokémon in the Center seemed drowsy and listless.

"This isn't good, the situation is quite serious," Haunter's voice echoed in Paul's mind. "These individuals have all been subjected to powerful Hypnosis. If it isn't counteracted soon, it could become life threatening."

While observing the affected Pokémon, Paul unexpectedly spotted a familiar, perpetually confused face: Psyduck!

* I didn't expect to see this one here *, Paul thought with interest, picking up the Psyduck and examining it. * This Pokémon has potential, but training it would be incredibly frustrating. Plus, it has a knack for showing up at the worst possible moments *, Paul mused. * Misty can deal with it *. He remembered the powerful Golduck from the Orange Islands. * Now that's a strong and cool looking Water type *.

Putting the bewildered Psyduck back down, Paul stroked his chin, contemplating his next move.

"Haunt?"

* Hmm? Haunter? That's right! *

Paul pulled Haunter out from his shadow. "Aren't you supposedly a master of Hypnosis? Tell me! Can you locate the source of these hypnotic waves?!"

Haunter's disembodied eyes darted around as Paul held it. "Piece of cake! When it comes to Hypnosis, that guy is just a novice compared to me," Haunter boasted, waving its ghostly fists arrogantly.

"Officer Jenny, please cooperate with me. My Haunter should be able to find the one responsible!" Paul reported to Officer Jenny.

"Okay! Thank you for your help. Our police force will offer full cooperation," Officer Jenny nodded seriously. Recognizing Paul as a legitimate trainer with a Pokédex, she trusted his capabilities.

"Well, Haunter?" Paul prompted.

Haunter closed its eyes, concentrating. "Found it! I've pinpointed the hypnotic wavelength!"

"Let's go, Haunter!"

"Haunter!" Haunter called out, leading the way.

Paul and Officer Jenny followed Haunter closely, pursuing the psychic trail until they arrived at a skyscraper.

"Haunter! (Kid. It's on the roof of this building.)"

Paul nodded and informed Officer Jenny, "The source of the hypnotic wavelength is on top of this building!"

"Alright! Watch me bring them to justice!" Officer Jenny declared, following Paul determinedly into the building.

Reaching the rooftop, Paul was taken aback by the sight. "There's a villa on the roof of a skyscraper!? * The world of the rich is truly bizarre *," he thought.

Officer Jenny frowned. "Regardless, I'm making an arrest today!"

"Don't be hasty. Let's assess the situation first. It's very likely the missing children are inside that villa," Paul advised, cautiously gripping a Poké Ball, ready for battle as they slowly approached the villa.

The two crept silently to the door. Paul gestured, and Haunter grinned, phasing through the door in its transparent spirit form to scout inside.

Haunter reappeared, looking perplexed. "I don't quite know how to explain this, but there's no immediate danger. Go on in."

Paul felt increasingly confused. * What is going on? This is getting weirder and weirder *.

He nodded to Officer Jenny, who promptly kicked the door open with impressive force.

Boom! The door flew open!

Paul watched, momentarily impressed. * Nice kick! I mean, good work! *

Inside the expansive banquet hall, numerous well dressed individuals in suits milled around, surrounding two Pokémon.

"Drowzee and Hypno?" Paul identified the two Pokémon. * So these two are the culprits *.

"That's right, it's these two pests! Let's get 'em, Paul!" Haunter hovered eagerly beside him, its ghostly hands twitching as if anticipating grabbing the Psychic types.

Paul shot Haunter an annoyed look. * What kind of weird thoughts are always running through your head? *

"What is happening here?" Officer Jenny stepped forward, demanding an explanation. A middle aged man with glasses, identifying himself as the president of the local Pokémon Fan Club, hurried over to explain. He stated that the Drowzee and Hypno belonged to their club.

Apparently, to combat insomnia caused by the stresses of city life, the club members had asked the Hypno to use its abilities to help them sleep better.

"So, this is a side effect, correct?" Haunter interjected, stroking its nonexistent chin thoughtfully. "Hypno's Hypnosis is naturally meant for Pokémon. These humans insisted it affect them, so Hypno had to alter its hypnotic wavelength to meet their needs."

"And that caused the children to disappear and the Pokémon to become lethargic?" Paul asked for confirmation.

"Exactly. This Hypno is still quite young and inexperienced. It altered its own wavelength so much that it became unstable. The intended hypnotic effect is weak, but it produced numerous unintended side effects," Haunter explained, glancing disdainfully at the Hypno. "Doesn't even understand basic Hypnosis, little amateur."

Paul remained silent.

The Hypno looked indignant. * Such disrespect! If I weren't sure I'd lose, I'd give you a psychic smack right now *, it seemed to think.

The Pokémon Fan Club members now understood they had caused a serious problem and looked towards Officer Jenny with uncertainty.

"Paul, do you know how to resolve this?" Officer Jenny asked anxiously. Now aware it was an unfortunate mistake, her priority was damage control.

Paul turned to Haunter. "Can you fix this?"

Haunter scoffed, "Simple. But I don't need to intervene directly just yet. Find one of those suited gentlemen. I'll demonstrate my skills and help you find the children first."

Paul relayed Haunter's request to Officer Jenny. The middle aged president of the Pokémon Fan Club stepped forward, expressing his willingness to help rectify the situation he had inadvertently caused.

"Go ahead, Haunter," Paul indicated towards the president.

Haunter floated over to the man and began its own Hypnosis. Its eyes glowed red, and those nearby could hear Haunter chanting strange words.

The corner of Paul's mouth twitched. Only he, through their connection, could hear Haunter's actual chant: * You are a dog, you are a dog, you are a dog... *

As Haunter's Hypnosis took hold, the president dropped to his hands and knees and started barking. He then scrambled towards a back door, running out into the garden.

Officer Jenny followed quickly and discovered all the missing children there, hypnotized into believing they were Pokémon.

After carefully carrying all the children out of the garden, Officer Jenny looked at the group, who were still unwilling to wake up, with a developing headache.

"What's the next step?" Paul asked Haunter, giving it a stern look. After making a fool of the club president, Haunter had better have a real solution, or Paul would ensure it went without treats for three days.

"It's very simple," Haunter explained, pointing towards the Drowzee. "Use that Drowzee, the younger one, not the Hypno. Its psychic wavelength is naturally opposite to Hypno's. Just have it use its own Hypnosis to counteract the lingering hypnotic waves."

With the solution identified, Paul, Officer Jenny, and the club members took the Drowzee and began visiting all the affected people and Pokémon, carefully restoring them to their normal state one by one.

Once everything was resolved, Paul finally left the Pokémon Center, relieved. He just needed to pass through a street known for Pokémon breeders, and then he could finally leave Celadon City.

"Hey kid, you've got a goofy follower," Haunter noted, floating beside Paul.

"Huh?" Paul turned around. "Psyduck?!"

There it was, the Psyduck, clutching its head and looking up at Paul with its characteristic vacant stare.

"Aah!" Paul turned and ran wildly in the opposite direction.

Psyduck watched him go, tilting its head. "Psy?"

The Psyduck, having inadvertently scared Paul away, held its head and turned around, just in time to see a girl with a single ponytail in shorts chasing after a Poké Ball that had rolled nearby.

"Psyduck," the Psyduck uttered, a strangely knowing look in its eyes as it lightly tapped the rolling Poké Ball.

"My goodness! What is THIS?!" A girl's scream echoed through the street.