"Alright! Both of you, get back inside, now!" Director Bao Ba's sharp command cut through the tense standoff outside the window. He looked exasperated, perhaps even slightly alarmed, by the display – Xiu's reckless jump and Abra's instantaneous catch. "This situation hasn't reached the point of desperate measures yet!"
Though Bao Ba couldn't access their telepathic exchange directly, the raw emotional fluctuations – Xiu's fierce determination, Abra's quiet despair, and the sheer desperation of the moment – were palpable even from a distance. And Xiu's own physical condition, the visible strain from the psychic feedback and emotional turmoil, was becoming increasingly apparent. He had a rough grasp of the core dilemma.
Xiu and Abra exchanged a final, loaded glance. Understanding the implicit command, Abra gently lowered Xiu back through the open window into the study.
Bao Ba gestured them back towards the chairs, waiting until they were settled again before speaking, sorting through his thoughts.
"Based on Alakazam's scan and the observed power output," He began, his tone regaining its analytical calm, "your Abra's core problem appears to be a fundamental lack of psychic regulation – likely due to a missing or underdeveloped internal mechanism, what we might crudely call a 'limiter'. This prevents fine control, leading to constant, unstable energy leakage, which in turn affects its surroundings."
He paused, meeting Xiu's gaze. "Therefore, the immediate priority isn't necessarily 'curing' the underlying condition – which may be impossible – but finding a way to suppress or manage the energy leakage. Mitigate its effects. That should buy you time to seek a more permanent solution; seek someone with deeper expertise."
"Does the Director know of any way to help Abra control its power?" Xiu asked, latching onto the glimmer of hope.
Bao Ba leaned back, steepling his fingers. "This specific condition… innate Telekinesis coupled with an inability to Teleport due to lack of fine control… it's exceptionally rare. Unprecedented, even in my personal experience. And I must stress, I am primarily a Breeder and collector, not a specialized psychic Pokémon researcher." He hesitated. "However… based on Alakazam's insights and my own decades of experience working with psychic types, I can offer a potential strategy. Not focusing on the missing 'limiter', but on strengthening Abra's conscious control over its existing power."
As he spoke, Xiu felt that distinct mental touch again – Alakazam, establishing a direct telepathic link. This time, the connection felt different from Abra's raw, emotional transmissions. It was clearer, more stable, precise… 'like high-definition compared to Abra's fuzzy analogue signal,' Xiu thought fleetingly.
Data flowed directly into his mind – complex diagrams of psychic energy flow, intricate mental exercises, techniques for focusing and channeling power, methods for building mental 'shields' and 'filters'. It was an overwhelming influx of information, theoretical and practical, drawn from Alakazam's (and presumably Bao Ba's) combined knowledge.
From the outside, Xiu probably looked like he'd simply zoned out, staring blankly ahead. Abra, beside him, seemed similarly affected, floating motionlessly, likely receiving a tailored version of the data stream.
After several minutes, the intense flow of information ceased. Bao Ba spoke again, summarizing the core concept.
"Essentially, rigorous mental training," He explained. "Exercises to enhance Abra's focus, its ability to consciously direct and contain its psychic energy. It won't fix the underlying lack of a limiter, but it might allow Abra to learn to manually suppress the leakage through sheer force of will and mental discipline. Simultaneously," He added,
"I can prepare some specialized medicine, based on Alakazam's analysis of the residual energy signatures. Something for you, Scyther, and Happiny to take regularly, designed to bolster natural resistance to chaotic psychic influence, mitigate the negative effects of prolonged exposure."
"Hmm~" Xiu murmured, still processing the complex information Alakazam had shared. It was a potential path forward, at least.
"Of course," Bao Ba cautioned firmly, "this is only a temporary measure— a stopgap. To truly understand, and perhaps even resolve, this unique condition… you need someone with far greater expertise in Pokémon genetics, psychic phenomena, potentially even species mutation. Someone… prominent in the field."
Xiu looked up, catching the implication. "The Director has someone in mind?"
Bao Ba nodded slowly. "In the Kanto region… indeed, perhaps in the entire known world… there is one name that stands above all others when it comes to comprehensive Pokémon research." He paused for dramatic effect. "Professor Samuel Oak."
The name hit Xiu with the force of a physical blow. 'Oak? Professor Oak? The Professor Oak?' He wasn't just familiar with the name; it was legendary, iconic, intrinsically linked to the very essence of the Pokémon world he remembered. The leading research authority, the mentor figure, the man some jokingly called Ash Ketchum's 'real father'...
"Director," Xiu said, recovering quickly, "Professor Oak is… arguably the most famous Pokémon Professor in the world. Contacting someone of his stature, securing his help… surely that would be incredibly difficult?"
Bao Ba shrugged casually, though his eyes held a knowing glint. "Perhaps. But do you have a better option right now?"
Xiu fell silent. The answer was obvious. No. Bao Ba was right. This was the only viable path towards a potential long-term solution for Abra.
"Alright," Xiu said after a moment's thought, decision made. "I understand. I'll find a way. I'll go see Professor Oak." The direction was clear now, thanks to Bao Ba's guidance. Without it, he would have been completely lost.
His gaze drifted towards the Poké Balls containing Scyther and Happiny clipped to his belt. The familiar frown creased his brow. The risk…
As if reading his thoughts, Bao Ba spoke again, his tone gentle but firm. "Leaving them behind… do you truly think that's the best solution? For them? Or for you? Perhaps," He suggested pointedly, "you need to learn to trust them more. Trust their resilience. Trust their bond with you. Taking them with you… everyone watching out for each other… might be safer in the long run."
"I know…" Xiu murmured, his own answer sounding unconvinced. He turned towards the Scyther's Poké Ball, expression conflicted. "This situation… Abra's condition… following me now carries significant risk. More than before. You understand that, right?" He projected the thought, hoping Scyther grasped the ongoing danger.
He released Scyther. It materialized, looked around, then took a deliberate step forward, positioning itself firmly beside Xiu. No hesitation. Its meaning was clear.
"Okay~" Xiu sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, calming his own turbulent emotions. He nodded acceptance.
After a brief mental exchange confirming Scyther's decision, Xiu recalled all three Pokémon. He looked back at Bao Ba. "Does the Director have any other instructions? Or requests?" He sensed there was more to this meeting than just Abra's diagnosis.
Bao Ba leaned back, his expression becoming carefully neutral again. He recalled his own Alakazam, then spoke slowly. "Originally… yes, I did have something I wanted to ask of you. A favor, perhaps. But now, given this complication with your Abra… it seems inappropriate."
Xiu waited silently, listening.
Bao Ba continued, seemingly talking to himself as much as to Xiu. "You know my grandson, Yuto. He's nearing graduation from his Trainer school. Unlike many of his peers aiming for university or League positions, he's… determined to travel. Challenge the Gyms, collect badges, compete in the Kanto League Conference. The traditional journey." He sighed softly. "And I respect his decision, his ambition."
"Hmm~" Xiu murmured noncommittally.
"He's capable," Bao Ba continued, looking directly at Xiu now. "Strong Pokémon, good instincts, physically resilient." He leaned forward slightly. "But the problem is his personality! He's too straightforward, too trusting. Doesn't know how to read situations, how to be diplomatic. And that righteous streak of his… always wanting to intervene, to fix things… it rubs people the wrong way. Constantly gets him into trouble."
He spread his hands helplessly. "Here, in Fuchsia City, under my influence, I can usually smooth things over, shield him from the worst consequences. But out there? Traveling alone? People won't care who his grandfather is. His naivety, his bluntness… it could get him seriously hurt. Or worse."
He finally came to the point. "So, I was looking for someone… reliable. Someone stable, level-headed, quick-witted… trustworthy. Someone to travel with him, keep an eye on him, maybe steer him away from unnecessary trouble. And frankly, Xiu," he admitted, "you fit the bill perfectly."
Xiu wasn't surprised. He'd suspected something like this was coming, piecing together Bao Ba's unusual interest in him since the Certification Center. 'So that's why he mentioned Happiny's registration issues? To gauge my reaction and my priorities?'
"Then you underestimate me, Director," Bao Ba grinned suddenly and continued, realizing Xiu had seen through the pretext. "Helping Yuto wouldn't have been just a favor. I would have fully funded your journey, provided resources, connections. A 'sponsorship', if you will. Consider it a meeting gift, alongside resolving the Happiny issue. And traveling, challenging Gyms, experiencing different regions… it's invaluable for any aspiring Breeder or Trainer. You would have benefited immensely."
"Perhaps," Xiu conceded. "But now, with Abra's condition…" His face turned solemn again. Traveling openly, potentially attracting attention while dealing with Abra's unstable psychic energy… it seemed too risky.
"Indeed," Bao Ba sighed, genuinely regretful this time. "A pity." He shook his head, then gave a wry chuckle. "Honestly, watching you two together… both so stubborn, so intense… I dread to think of the chaos you might have caused."
Xiu just offered a polite, noncommittal smile in response. Even without Abra's complication, he knew he would have refused. Acting as Yuto's minder, his chaperone? It sounded exhausting. He remembered watching Ash Ketchum's companions – Brock, Misty, Tracey – constantly cleaning up his messes, providing logistical support, acting as glorified babysitters and bodyguards.
Damn that! He'd rather forge his own path, even if it was harder. Being someone else's 'grandson-by-proxy'? No thanks. Let someone else take that job.