"You've done this sort of work before, haven't you?" Professor Oak remarked, watching Xiu expertly portion out specialized nutrient pellets into designated feeding troughs scattered across the habitat. Xiu moved with a practiced efficiency, interacting calmly with the various Pokémon – Rattata, Pidgey, Nidoran – that gathered nearby, showing no signs of fear or hesitation. He certainly didn't carry himself like a novice.
Professor Oak's observation wasn't just casual. Distributing rations correctly in a diverse habitat required more than just pushing a cart. Carnivore blends needed separating from herbivore pellets; omnivore mixes required careful placement. Understanding the approximate intake of different species, knowing which preferred communal feeding versus solitary meals, recognizing which grass-types primarily relied on photosynthesis and only needed supplemental water – these were details a newcomer wouldn't grasp.
Xiu didn't miss the probing nature of the question. "I spent some time working at Fuchsia City Safari Zone," he replied vaguely, focusing on watering a group of thirsty Oddish with a nearby hose. The small plant Pokémon closed their eyes blissfully, stretching their head-leaves towards the spray, making soft rustling sounds of contentment.
"Taking care of the resident Pokémon was part of the daily routine." He deliberately omitted his actual job title (garbage collector) and the specific context (Rescue Station volunteer work). 'Let the Professor draw his own conclusions. If he assumes I'm an experienced keeper or assistant breeder, that's his interpretation.' It wasn't technically a lie, just… cleverly framed— a little misdirection.
He knew this approach carried risks – appearing more experienced than he was could be easily exposed. But it also established a baseline of competence, preventing Professor Oak from dismissing him as a complete amateur.
"Hmm, Fuchsia's Safari Zone," Professor Oak murmured thoughtfully, seemingly accepting the partial truth. He watched as Xiu gently interacted with the Oddish, a faint smile touching his lips. "They seem comfortable with you."
Xiu returned the smile, genuinely relaxing for a moment as one of the Oddish trustingly bumped its leafy head against his leg. "These little guys are harmless enough." Facing these simple, trusting creatures felt worlds away from the dangers he'd been navigating recently.
Professor Oak nodded silently, holding his chin, his sharp eyes appraising Xiu again. "Good affinity," he noted quietly to himself. Getting wilder Pokémon, even park-acclimated ones, to accept human presence so readily wasn't always easy. Ordinary people were often too fearful; typical trainers too focused on battle or capture. It required a certain calmness, an understanding beyond simple command.
They continued the feeding and watering routine, covering the expansive backyard habitat. It took nearly an hour to complete the tasks properly. By the time they finished, the morning sun was climbing higher, approaching mid-morning.
"Alright then," Professor Oak said, wiping his hands on a cloth. "Shall we head inside? Talk properly?"
He led the way back towards the main laboratory building, opening a side door that led directly into a comfortable, sunlit living room area, presumably staff quarters or a reception space within the institute. Xiu followed quickly.
"Have a seat," Professor Oak offered, gesturing towards one of two plush orange sofas facing each other across a low coffee table piled with Pokémon-related journals and magazines. "Can I get you anything? Tea? Water? That's about all the options the lab offers, I'm afraid."
"Water would be fine, thank you, Professor," Xiu replied politely, sinking into the surprisingly comfortable sofa.
Professor Oak nodded and disappeared briefly through another doorway, presumably towards a kitchen area.
Left alone for a moment, Xiu allowed himself to relax slightly, taking in his surroundings more carefully. The room was spacious, carpeted in a soft pink. The sofas were large, inviting.
Behind the opposite sofa stood a large, wall-mounted bookshelf crammed with more books. An older-model computer terminal sat on a desk connected to the bookshelf near the entrance. Potted plants and framed photographs – of Professor Oak with various Pokémon and/or colleagues – adorned the walls, giving the room a lived-in, comfortable feel despite its location within a research institute.
Soon, Professor Oak returned carrying two simple glasses of water, placing them on the coffee table. He settled into the sofa opposite Xiu.
"Thank you," Xiu said again, taking a glass. He held it, but didn't drink immediately. He decided to address the core issue directly, before the conversation could meander again. "Professor," he began, meeting Professor Oak's gaze steadily, "about my Abra… what exactly did you mean earlier? What's wrong with it?"
Professor Oak took a sip of his own water, regarding Xiu over the rim of his glass. "No need to rush, young man," he chided gently. "Before we delve into diagnostic specifics… tell me why you came here. To Pallet Town. To my doorstep."
Xiu hesitated for only a second. He recounted Abra's story again – its unique abilities, its exile, its capture, the subsequent incidents, Director Bao Ba's assessment, Alakazam's scan confirming the unstable psychic leakage, and finally, Bao Ba's recommendation to seek Professor Oak's unparalleled expertise. He laid out the facts clearly, concisely.
"Bao Ba sent you?" Professor Oak raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He murmured the name thoughtfully. "That old gold-toothed badger… still meddling, is he?" He chuckled softly, a hint of old rivalry or perhaps grudging respect in his tone.
"He's one of the finest practical Breeders in the world," Professor Oak acknowledged fairly. "His understanding of Pokémon physiology, genetics, and husbandry… it's second to none, certainly surpasses my own in many practical aspects. If he couldn't find a straightforward solution to your Abra's condition…" He let the implication hang, his gaze sharpening again as he looked at Xiu. "Then coming to me… seems rather futile, wouldn't you say?"
Xiu felt a familiar wave of frustration. 'Another deflection. Just like Bao Ba initially.' Professor Oak seemed hesitant to engage directly. 'But Bao Ba wouldn't have sent me here if he truly thought it was useless.' There had to be another angle.
He decided to try appealing to Professor Oak's core identity: a researcher. "Professor," he began again, shifting his approach, "perhaps this isn't just my problem. Perhaps it's also… an opportunity. For you."
"Oh?" Professor Oak leaned back, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Go on." He adopted an expression of mild interest, waiting.
Xiu took a breath, choosing his words carefully. "What is the primary focus of your research, Professor?"
"Pokémon, of course!" Professor Oak replied readily, stating the obvious. "Their origins, behaviors, abilities… the fundamental mysteries of their existence. It's common knowledge."
"And Abra's current condition," Xiu pressed, "this innate Telekinesis without Teleport, this uncontrolled psychic leakage… is this phenomenon documented? Understood? Or is it," he leaned forward slightly, "rare? Perhaps even unique, in the known world?"
"Extremely rare," Professor Oak conceded cautiously. "Anomalous, even"
"Exactly," Xiu seized the opening. "So why would you, the world's foremost Pokémon researcher, turn away such a rare opportunity? A chance to study this anomaly firsthand? To potentially unlock secrets about psychic Pokémon development, perhaps even mutation? Solving Abra's problem… wouldn't that represent a significant scientific breakthrough? Another 'first' to add to your already extensive list of accomplishments?" He played directly to Professor Oak's presumed scientific curiosity, his ego.
He watched Professor Oak's reaction closely. 'Would the lure of groundbreaking research overcome his apparent reluctance?'
To Xiu's surprise, Professor Oak just chuckled again, a dry, knowing sound this time. "A clever argument, young man," he acknowledged. "Appealing to my vanity as a researcher." He took another sip of water. "But you forget," he added casually, "psychic powers, especially uncontrolled ones, are inherently dangerous. Studying them carries significant risks, not just to the subject, but to the researcher as well." He smiled faintly. "And frankly, at my age, with my existing reputation… I have more than enough 'firsts' to my name. I don't need this particular one, especially given the potential hazards involved."
Xiu felt his carefully constructed argument crumble. He stared at the old Professor for a few seconds, processing the polite but firm refusal, then sighed inwardly, letting his shoulders slump slightly in defeat. "I see," he murmured, looking away. "My apologies for taking up your time, Professor. I seem to have… miscalculated."
He picked up his water glass, draining it in one gulp. 'Alright, Plan A failed. Time to think of Plan B. Or C. Or maybe just leave.' Relying on others, especially figures this powerful and potentially capricious, was always a gamble.
Professor Oak owed him nothing. And studying potentially dangerous psychic phenomena clearly held little appeal compared to the risks involved.