Chapter 117: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Xiu knew that simply relying on Pokéblocks wouldn't solve Abra's core issue, nor maximize Scyther's potential. Training, experience, perhaps even evolution… those were still crucial, but optimizing their diet felt like a foundational step he could control, a way to provide the best possible support given his current resources and knowledge.
'And maybe, he thought, recalling his own experience eating the 'cookies', discover some unexpected benefits along the way.' He remembered reading about berries beyond the basic Kanto varieties – fruits with complex effects, used in advanced potion-making. Perhaps by carefully combining and preparing ingredients, he could unlock subtle synergistic effects.
This line of thought kept his steps brisk as he returned to the warehouse after his brief, slightly odd chat with Professor Oak. He needed to test the latest batch of Abra's reformulated Pokéblocks.
He walked towards the designated training area within the expansive backyard paddock where Abra and Scyther were already engaged in their respective drills. He stopped them briefly. "Alright, break time," he called out. "New batch to sample."
He approached Abra first, holding out a small beaker containing the pale green, slightly reformulated Pokéblocks. "Here," he projected mentally, offering the beaker. "Try these. Let me know how they compare to the previous batch."
Abra paused its telekinetic practice. It regarded the beaker silently for a moment, then, without opening its eyes, levitated a few of the small cubes towards itself, consuming them internally.
Xiu then turned to Scyther, who had finished its agility drills and was now practicing its Focus Energy technique. "You too, Scyther," Xiu said, holding out a few of Abra's new Pokéblocks. "Just a taste test."
Scyther cautiously accepted one of the offered cubes, sniffing it first before carefully crunching it down. Abra remained impassive, expressionless as it consumed its portion. Scyther, however, immediately recoiled after swallowing, its whole body giving an involuntary shiver, mandibles clicking rapidly.
Xiu chuckled. "Too sour?" he asked Scyther, then popped one of the pellets into his own mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "Hmm, maybe a little tangy, but not that sour. I think it's okay." He knew the Rawst Berry base, while lacking the overt bitterness of the Persim Berries he'd removed, still had a distinct tartness, especially when concentrated. Balancing that tang with other nutrient-dense but potentially bland ingredients was the challenge he'd been wrestling with for days.
This wasn't just about swapping ingredients; it required recalibrating the entire formula – binder ratios, nutrient densities, complementary flavor profiles. This was already the fifth iteration of Abra's new physical-focused Pokéblock recipe.
The previous four attempts had failed – either unpalatable, nutritionally unbalanced, or physically unstable, crumbling too easily. Crafting effective, customized Pokéblocks from scratch was far more complex than simply following a recipe.
'No wonder those professional Pokémon food companies charge so much. They had teams of researchers, decades of experience, access to ingredients he could only dream of.'
'Still, he thought, recalling Director Bao Ba's advice, making them yourself is ultimately better.' Cheaper in the long run, safer, and allows for precise customization. It was a core tenet of advanced breeding, and a skill Xiu was determined to master.
"Well, Abra?" Xiu prompted telepathically after giving it a minute to process. "How does it feel? Any different from the last batch?"
Abra finally responded, its mental 'voice' calm, analytical. "The effect feels… slightly stronger than the previous iteration, but," it added a crucial qualifier, "it can be better."
Xiu sighed inwardly. 'Stronger effect, but still room for improvement.' He considered Abra's feedback. "Adding more of the core strengthening agents might make the taste too sour," he projected back thoughtfully. "And there's a limit to how much your system can absorb effectively anyway."
Simply increasing the concentration of one ingredient wasn't always the answer. Pokémon metabolism had its limits; flooding the system wouldn't necessarily lead to better results. Finding the optimal balance, maximizing absorption efficiency… that was the real challenge.
Each Pokémon species, even each individual, had different tolerances and different absorption rates. This required careful observation and constant adjustment.
He knew Professor Oak wouldn't help with something this 'low-level'; Pokéblock formulation was considered basic Breeder work. He was on his own here. "Okay," he projected back to Abra, "I'll keep working on it. I'll see if I can refine the balance further, maybe enhance the absorption through different preparation methods." He deliberately projected confidence, wanting to reassure Abra, even if he felt uncertain himself.
He then turned his attention to Scyther. "And you? How did the new batch of your Pokéblocks feel today?" He'd made minor tweaks to Scyther's formula as well, incorporating more minerals based on Oak's analysis of the fragments.
"About the same," Scyther communicated back via Abra's relay.
Xiu nodded, unsurprised. "Makes sense," he replied aloud, patting Scyther's shoulder. "The changes were subtle. You won't feel the effects immediately after just a few days." He thought of the potential Scizor evolution. "This formula… it might not seem different now, but trust me, it's laying the groundwork. You'll understand later… when the time comes."
Scyther just tilted its head, clearly not understanding the cryptic remark, but having survived solely by scavenging before meeting Xiu, it never complained about food. Consistent meals, whatever the formula, were a luxury it didn't take for granted.
Xiu watched them both for a moment – Abra resuming its meditation, Scyther returning to its drills – a familiar mix of responsibility and affection welling up. "You'll understand in the future," he murmured again, more to himself this time. "We'll get there."
— — —
A few mornings later, Xiu decided it was time to implement another change, this one focused on Abra.
"Alright, team!" he announced after their usual early morning warm-up run (Scyther easily outpacing him, Abra floating serenely overhead, Happiny mostly just waddling enthusiastically). "New addition to the morning routine!" He looked pointedly at Abra. "No floating allowed during the run anymore. You walk. Or… hop, I guess."
The reason was simple. While focusing on Abra's mental control was crucial, Professor Oak's diagnosis highlighted its physical weakness and relying solely on Telekinesis for movement meant its muscles were barely used, potentially leading to atrophy over time.
'How could its body possibly support its increasingly powerful brain if it never engaged physically?' Xiu thought. Completely unbalanced. Eating healthy wasn't enough; physical exertion was necessary for overall health and development.
He'd tried suggesting this to Abra before, gently, but had been met with passive resistance. Abra could walk, technically, but clearly preferred floating. Why expend physical energy when psychic levitation was effortless?
But now, armed with the diagnostic results and a clearer understanding of the stakes, Xiu wasn't suggesting; he was insisting. 'Multi-pronged approach. Nutritional support and physical conditioning.'
Hearing the command, Abra reluctantly lowered itself to the ground, landing silently on its small feet. It looked distinctly unhappy about the prospect.
"Let's go!" Xiu called out, starting the jog again. Scyther took off beside him. Happiny toddled along gamely. Abra… Abra hopped, slowly and reluctantly.
Interestingly, as they circled the large backyard paddock, several of the resident Pokémon – a Tauros, a couple of Nidoran, even the large Rhyhorn that usually just lounged near the rocks – seemed intrigued by the unusual sight of the group running together.
They actually started following along, joining the run, perhaps stimulated by the activity, their own dormant instincts stirred. Soon, Xiu found himself leading a small, impromptu herd around the paddock, the ground trembling slightly under the Rhyhorn's heavy tread.
'Maybe, Xiu mused, they just want to run free too…'
Xiu kept glancing back, making sure Abra wasn't cheating, wasn't resorting to even low-level levitation. It hopped along stubbornly, clearly exerting itself, but keeping up. 'Good.'
After half an hour, Xiu peeled off from the 'running club', heading back towards the warehouse. 'Time to start preparing for breakfast. The others can continue running if they wish... but in contrast to the day I arrived here, he reflected, this place certainly feels… livelier.' More active than the quiet, almost stagnant atmosphere he'd first encountered. Perhaps his presence, his training activities, had inadvertently shaken things up.
He had barely stepped inside the warehouse when Abra suddenly floated in right behind him, immediately resuming its preferred mode of transport now that the 'forced march' was over.
Xiu chuckled, looking at the psychic Pokémon who seemed to be trying to look nonchalant. "How was that?" he asked teasingly. "Tiring?" He picked up the bowl containing Abra's specially formulated Pokéblocks and held it out.
"Good work, it's best to eat right after exercise like this."