The lab had quieted after the scans. Assistants busied themselves in adjacent rooms, analyzing early readings from Iron Thorns, while the mechanical hum of the research platform faded to a background whisper.
Professor Oak poured two cups of tea from a small kettle he kept in a corner, then handed one to Kai, who took it silently.
They sat by the large window overlooking Pallet Town's fields. Roaring Moon rested outside in the shade, keeping an eye on the laboratory. The sun had begun its climb across the sky, casting warm light through the glass.
"I still remember when you first came to me as a boy," Prof. Oak said, staring into his cup. "You asked about Pokémon from dreams. Ones that didn't match any entry in the Pokédex. I thought you were just... imaginative."
Kai took a sip, eyes calm. "They weren't dreams."
"No," Prof. Oak said with a chuckle. "Clearly not. But even then, I suspected you were different. It's not just your skill as a Trainer. It's your connection—to time, to space, to Pokémon themselves."
Kai stayed quiet, his gaze drifting to the scanner where Iron Thorns stood in near-meditation. "They don't belong in our present. Not really. They're echoes of a possible future… or an impossible past. I'm still not sure."
Professor Oak leaned forward. "That's what fascinates me. The term 'Paradox' isn't just poetic—it's literal. These Pokémon defy the logic we built our world on."
Kai nodded slowly. "They're not artificial, but they feel… designed. Some behave wildly. Others bond easily. Roaring Moon listens like a partner. Iron Hands follows instinct like a machine."
Prof. Oak looked thoughtful. "You've built trust with them. That's the part most researchers don't understand. These Pokémon aren't just anomalies to be studied. They're alive. They feel. You showed them kindness. And they stayed."
Kai turned to Oak. "I didn't want the world to know. If people saw what they could do, it would cause panic. Or worse, obsession."
Professor Oak's expression turned serious. "You're right. Already, there are whispers in academic circles. Researchers in Kalos and Sinnoh are trying to replicate your success. But they lack your bond. Your caution."
Kai's grip on his cup tightened. "If they chase power instead of understanding, they'll hurt themselves—and the Pokémon."
Prof. Oak reached into a drawer and pulled out a simple, aged notebook. He handed it to Kai.
"These are my original notes on paradox theories. Pre-Sada. Pre-Turo. They were dismissed then, but I think you'll find some of it aligns with what you've experienced. You're not alone in trying to piece this together."
Kai accepted it silently.
"You'll have to make a choice one day," Prof. Oak continued. "Whether to keep hiding… or to teach others how to approach these Pokémon with respect. When that time comes, I'll stand by you."
Kai finally met Prof. Oak's eyes. "Not yet. But maybe one day."
The moment lingered in quiet understanding.
Then, with a faint smile, Prof. Oak leaned back. "Now tell me—how did Chimchar handle the flight?"
Kai gave the slightest chuckle. "Clung to my jacket like a scared Aipom. But he'll never admit it."
Prof. Oak laughed aloud, the tension broken.