Chapter 112: Preparation
After the intense projectile drill concluded, Scyther stood panting heavily, its exoskeleton splattered with mud but its eyes bright with exertion and accomplishment. It had managed to intercept nearly all the mud balls during the final phase of Abra's telekinetic assault.
Xiu walked over, offering praise alongside a fresh Oran Berry. "Good work, Scyther." He then led the tired Pokémon towards the riverbank.
Using a bucket, Xiu began carefully rinsing the mud off Scyther's carapace, checking for any hidden scrapes or bruises beneath the grime. He then took out a stiff brush and started methodically scrubbing away the remaining dirt. The hard exoskeleton was remarkably resilient, showing little sign of damage despite the repeated impacts, like polishing armor.
Even the previously damaged scythes, now fully regrown, seemed unaffected by deflecting the mud balls. 'Are they… harder now?' He made a mental note to ask Professor Oak later if repeated stress and regrowth could increase the density or strength of a Scyther's blades, much like human bones strengthening under load.
Or maybe it's the trace metals integrating…
— — —
Later, during dinner in the Institute's kitchen
Xiu decided to broach the subject he'd considered earlier. "Professor," he began casually, between bites of rice, "I was observing Scyther's scythes today after training. They seem… tougher than before they were damaged and regrew. Is it possible that the stress of breaking and regenerating actually increases their hardness?"
Professor Oak considered the question while chewing thoughtfully. "An interesting hypothesis," he conceded. "However, your observation likely overlooks several confounding factors." He swallowed, then elaborated. "Firstly, Scyther itself is still in a significant growth stage. Its entire exoskeleton, including the scythes, is naturally hardening and strengthening over time. Secondly," he added, "the elevated metallic elements you've been supplementing in its diet, even at low levels pending the real experiments, are undoubtedly being integrated, subtly altering its physical composition, and increasing its overall density and resilience." He concluded firmly, "Attributing the perceived increase in hardness solely to regeneration after damage ignores these more significant biological processes."
"Ah, I see. That makes sense," Xiu nodded, accepting the Professor's more comprehensive explanation. He fell silent again, his mind drifting back to the other, more pressing issue.
Professor Oak, noticing Xiu's renewed frown, the way he absently poked at his food, sighed inwardly. "Alright, out with it, Xiu," he said, his tone softening slightly. "Still worrying about Abra, aren't you?"
Xiu looked up, surprised by Oak's perceptiveness. "Is it that obvious?"
"Your focus has been elsewhere all afternoon," Oak stated simply. "Ever since we reviewed your diagnostic results this morning." He put down his chopsticks. "Spit it out. What's troubling you now?"
Xiu hesitated, then decided bluntness was best. "Professor," he asked directly, "accelerated evolution. Is it possible? For Abra, I mean?"
Oak raised an eyebrow. "Forcing evolution? Why would you consider that?"
"Because," Xiu explained, frustration tinging his voice, "its psychic power is growing too fast! Faster than its control can keep up, even with the training. If its brain development is the limiting factor, maybe… maybe evolving it into Kadabra, forcing that maturation… could it stabilize the power? Solve the leakage problem?" It felt like a desperate gamble, a potential shortcut born of fear.
Professor Oak listened patiently, then shook his head firmly. "Highly improbable," he stated bluntly. "And incredibly risky." He elaborated, "Firstly, no one fully understands the precise mechanisms of Pokémon evolution. It's not just physical growth; it's a complex biological and energetic transformation. Artificially inducing it, especially in a Pokémon with existing neurological instability like Abra's… the potential for catastrophic failure is immense."
He continued, his tone grave. "Secondly, even if you could successfully force an evolution, there's absolutely no guarantee it would solve the underlying problem. Abra's condition appears to be a fundamental mutation in its psychic core, its brain structure. Evolution might simply give it a more powerful, more mature brain that is still incapable of properly regulating its energy. Imagine," he added grimly, meeting Xiu's gaze, "an out-of-control Kadabra, or worse, an unstable Alakazam. Which scenario do you think is more terrifying?"
The image sent a fresh wave of dread through Xiu. Oak was right. Forcing evolution was too unpredictable, the potential consequences disastrous.
"The path forward," Oak stated firmly, "requires understanding, not brute force. We need to study the mutation itself, not just try to bypass it." He paused. "But you seem resistant to the idea of direct research, hesitant about my methods."
"Professor," Xiu countered respectfully but firmly, "past breakthroughs, scientific progress… they didn't happen in a vacuum, did they? Researchers built upon the work of those who came before. How many seemingly impossible problems were eventually solved?"
"True," Oak conceded. "But those predecessors often worked with known variables and established principles. We," he gestured implicitly towards Abra, "are dealing with something entirely new. An unprecedented anomaly. And," he added pointedly, "you are not one of those predecessors, Xiu. You lack the foundational knowledge, the specialized training. Wanting to tackle this directly yourself… it's admirable, perhaps, but unrealistic. Don't mistake enthusiasm for expertise. Even the greatest geniuses stand on the shoulders of giants." He paused. "What if I were added to the equation? What if we tackled this together?"
Xiu looked down, considering. Oak's offer was tempting. Access to his knowledge, his resources… but the price? Potentially turning Abra into a permanent lab subject? He remembered Oak's earlier comment about wanting Abra as a research specimen.
"Professor," Xiu began carefully, formulating a different approach, "perhaps forced evolution isn't the answer. But what about… suppression? Finding a way to temporarily dampen Abra's psychic output, slow its growth, give its control mechanisms time to catch up?"
Oak looked intrigued. "Suppressing psychic energy without causing neurological damage? Highly complex. How would you propose achieving that?"
"I…" Xiu hesitated. He didn't have a concrete plan yet, just a vague idea forming. "Study Abra's brainwaves, its energy patterns during meditation versus active power use. Identify the source of the instability, the leakage. Then… maybe develop a counter-frequency? A targeted psychic 'interference' signal? Or perhaps," he added, thinking of the specialized Poké Ball, "some kind of technological dampener?"
Professor Oak fell silent, genuinely considering Xiu's proposal. It was… unorthodox. But not entirely without merit. Targeting the symptoms rather than the cause. 'Stabilization through external means...' He looked at Xiu, a suspicious glint entering his eyes. "This sounds… surprisingly specific. Have you already formulated a hypothesis?"
Xiu met his gaze steadily. "Just… exploring possibilities, Professor." He decided to press his advantage. "To even attempt such research, however… I would need access to your laboratory equipment. The brainwave scanners, the psychic energy analyzers, maybe even fabrication tools…"
Oak remained silent for a long moment, evaluating. Xiu's idea was unconventional, perhaps even naive from a purely biological perspective— but it was creative. And the boy's determination was undeniable. 'Perhaps letting him pursue his own path, under supervision, is the best course for now,' Oak mused. 'At worst, he fails, learns his limits. At best… he might actually stumble upon something interesting.'
"Alright, Xiu," Oak finally conceded, a decision made. "You want to try suppressing the symptoms instead of addressing the root cause? Very well." He leaned back. "The laboratory facilities are extensive. You'll need my approval for specific instrument usage, naturally, but… consider them available for your… project."
The unexpected agreement, the access granted… it felt like a significant victory for Xiu. Especially given Professor Oak's earlier reluctance. 'Maybe he is willing to genuinely help, not just study Abra.'
"Thank you, Professor," Xiu said sincerely.
"Don't thank me yet," Oak replied dryly. "This is still your problem to solve. I'm merely providing the tools." He stood up, indicating the meal was over. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have my own research to attend to."
Xiu quickly cleared the table, his mind already racing, formulating experimental protocols, calculating energy frequencies. He needed to get back to the warehouse and discuss this new plan with Abra.
Professor Oak was right. This wasn't a battle he could fight alone. He needed Abra's cooperation, its insight into its own condition.