Chapter 129: Invitation
Xiu didn't dwell on Professor Oak's complex motivations or the potential implications of his own hypothesis regarding Scizor's evolution. His immediate concern shifted back to Abra. 'That conversation… it confirmed my fears about Abra's condition, but offered no concrete solution.' Oak's advice boiled down to 'study more' or 'let me handle it', neither of which felt satisfactory or safe.
As soon as he returned to the relative privacy of the warehouse, Xiu released Abra from its Poké Ball. He needed to explore another idea, something sparked by their shared experience during Scyther's chaotic transformation – the feeling of channeling energy, of acting as a conduit.
"Abra," he projected urgently, establishing the telepathic link, "remember during Scyther's evolution? That feeling of energy surging? The struggle between evolution and its instability?"
Abra opened its eyes, regarding Xiu strangely for a moment, then gave a slow, almost imperceptible mental nod.
"Did you feel it too?" Xiu pressed. "That resistance? Scyther's body fighting against the uncontrolled surge?"
Another slight nod from Abra.
Relief washed over Xiu. 'So it wasn't just me.' Abra had sensed the internal conflict as well. This confirmed his nascent idea. "The problem," he explained, thinking aloud but projecting clearly, "is the uncontrolled growth, the leakage of excess psychic power. What if… what if we could find a way to drain that excess power? Safely? Redirect it? Prevent it from building up to dangerous levels?"
Abra remained silent, processing the concept. Xiu knew the risks. Purposely tapping into that unstable energy? Trying to channel it away? It was incredibly dangerous. One misstep, one loss of control during the process, and the consequences could be catastrophic – potentially even worse than Scyther's near-meltdown.
"But," Xiu argued internally, justifying the risk, "doing nothing is also a death sentence. Just slower. Director Bao Ba's medicine and Professor Oak's training only mitigate the symptoms, they don't solve the core problem. We need a more proactive approach."
He looked intently at Abra. "Let's study this," he projected firmly. "Together. Find a way." He wouldn't force Abra, but he needed its cooperation, its unique insight into its own condition.
Abra seemed to understand the gravity, the desperation behind Xiu's proposal. After a long moment, it gave another slow, deliberate nod.
— — —
Days turned into a new, exhausting routine. In the backyard paddock, the newly evolved Scizor underwent relentless physical retraining. Evolution had granted it immense power and durability, but its movements were initially clumsy, uncoordinated.
The shift in weight distribution, the change from slashing scythes to crushing pincers, the loss of true flight – it was like learning to walk again in a completely new body.
Scizor charged back and forth across the open space, practicing basic movements, relearning balance, gradually adapting to its heavier, more powerful form. It looked like a gleaming black-and-gold steel behemoth, kicking up turf, its presence radiating intimidating pressure.
Xiu observed diligently, taking notes, timing sprints, analyzing movement patterns, occasionally offering quiet corrections based on his readings. Professor Oak, satisfied with the initial data from the evolution, seemed content to let Xiu handle Scizor's physical rehabilitation for now, focusing on his own analysis back in the lab.
"Test complete," Xiu noted, checking his stopwatch as Scizor finished a series of agility drills. He walked over, offering a nutrient bar. "Stamina's improving. Coordination is still a bit stiff, but better than yesterday."
Scizor accepted the bar, its powerful pincers surprisingly adept at handling the small object.
While Scizor rested, Xiu would turn his attention back to the warehouse, or find a quiet spot by the riverbank late at night. There, he and Abra engaged in their own secret, dangerous 'training'.
Sitting opposite each other, meditating, attempting to establish a controlled psychic resonance, probing the edges of Abra's unstable power, searching for a way to safely 'bleed off' the excess energy without triggering a catastrophic overload. It was mentally draining, perilous work, leaving Xiu feeling utterly depleted each time, often plagued by headaches and strange sensory distortions afterwards.
Professor Oak noticed the change in Xiu's condition. "Burning the candle at both ends, are we?" he remarked one evening at dinner, observing the dark circles under Xiu's eyes. "Still pushing yourself with those Abra 'studies'?"
"Just encountered some difficulties, Professor," Xiu deflected vaguely, unwilling to reveal the true nature or risk of their late-night sessions. "Making progress, though."
Oak didn't pry further, but his gaze held a hint of knowing concern.
One evening, several days into this new routine, Professor Oak approached Xiu as he was finishing the final feeding round in the paddock.
"Xiu," Oak began casually, "I've been invited to attend an event in Viridian City next week. Some official League function, breeder's conference, something tedious like that." He paused. "The organizers, specifically the Joy family overseeing the Viridian Pokémon Center, extended an invitation for me to bring along a promising assistant or protégé." He looked pointedly at Xiu. "Interested in a field trip?"
"Viridian City?" Xiu's attention focused instantly— another major Kanto city, home to the infamous Team Rocket Leader Giovani. He felt a flicker of excitement, then immediate suspicion.
"Professor," he asked carefully, "since when do you attend events like conferences? I thought you preferred the lab?" He remembered Oak's earlier complaints about public appearances and frivolous gatherings. Why the sudden change?
Professor Oak sighed dramatically, putting on a show of reluctance. "Believe me, I'd much rather stay here," he grumbled. "But the invitation comes directly from the regional head of the Joy family herself. And the Alliance is co-sponsoring." He shrugged helplessly. "Sometimes, even old hermits like me have to fulfill tedious obligations."
Hearing 'Alliance' and 'Joy Family', Xiu suppressed a grimace. More entanglements with the powers that he should tread cautiously, given his operations of piracy and Happiny.
However… Viridian City is a chance to see another major hub, maybe access to different resources and different information channels. It was tempting. "What kind of event is it exactly?" he asked.
"Ah, you know," Oak waved dismissively. "Likely the usual fare. Some keynote speeches, pointless panel discussions, maybe a demonstration battle or two…" He seemed genuinely uninterested in the event itself.
Xiu considered. A trip away from the lab, away from the constant pressure of Abra's condition… might be a welcome change of pace. And perhaps an opportunity. "Alright, Professor," he finally agreed. "I'll accompany you."