Chapter 92: Conditions
Now that Scyther had made its decision, the path seemed clearer. Xiu knew, theoretically, how Scyther evolved – the absorption of specific metallic elements, likely triggered or facilitated by an item like the Metal Coat in modern times.
With Professor Oak's resources and expertise, guiding Scyther through a controlled version of this process, perhaps even replicating the hypothetical 'natural' evolution, was certainly feasible. Far more feasible than attempting it himself with his limited knowledge and budget.
However, agreeing to let Professor Oak study Scyther during this process… that felt different. 'More invasive.' Xiu couldn't shake the image of Abra being treated as a 'research subject'. While Oak had assured him there would be no harm, experiments, by their nature, carried risks.
And given Oak's somewhat unpredictable, perhaps even eccentric, personality, could Xiu truly trust him not to prioritize scientific discovery over Scyther's immediate well-being if complications arose?
'Since Scyther trusts me enough to agree to this, Xiu reasoned, then I bear the responsibility of ensuring its safety.' He couldn't just hand Scyther over blindly. He needed conditions and safety controls.
But first… he needed to address the primary reason he'd come here.
He turned his attention back to Abra, still floating silently nearby.
— — —
"Professor, breakfast is ready!" Xiu called up the stairs towards the second-floor lab the next morning.
It was already past eight o'clock. Xiu figured discussing sensitive matters over a meal might be more conducive, relaxing the atmosphere, providing a buffer. Plus, honestly, he was hungry again.
A few minutes later, Professor Oak descended the stairs, looking refreshed. He saw the simple but nutritious breakfast Xiu had prepared laid out on the living room coffee table. A small smile touched his lips. "Ah, excellent. Haven't had a proper sit-down breakfast in quite some time."
Xiu waited until they were both seated and had started eating before broaching the subject. He noticed Oak wasn't bringing up Scyther immediately, perhaps waiting for Xiu's initiative.
"Professor," Xiu began, stirring his oatmeal, "about Scyther…"
Oak looked up, his expression carefully neutral, though Xiu thought he detected a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. "Yes? Have you discussed it?"
"We have," Xiu confirmed. "Scyther… understands the potential, the 'talent' you identified. It's… willing to explore this path. Willing to cooperate with your research."
A genuine smile spread across Oak's face. "Excellent! A wise decision. The potential discoveries…"
"However," Xiu interrupted firmly but politely, meeting the Professor's gaze directly, "my agreement, and Scyther's participation, comes with conditions."
Oak's smile didn't fade, but his eyes sharpened slightly. "Oh? Conditions?"
"Yes, Professor." Xiu took a breath, laying out his terms clearly. "First, and most importantly, Abra. While Scyther undergoes this… 'developmental enrichment program'… I need your explicit commitment, Professor, to dedicate resources and expertise towards understanding and finding a solution for Abra's condition. Not just observation, but active research aimed at helping it gain control or mitigating the negative effects."
He continued before Oak could respond. "Second, I require full transparency throughout Scyther's research process. I want to be present during all procedures, understand the methodologies, and review the data. No secrets, no hidden experiments. I need to be involved every step of the way."
He took another breath, delivering his final, non-negotiable condition. "And third, I retain the absolute right to terminate Scyther's participation in this research at any time, for any reason, should I deem it necessary for its well-being. My judgment, as its Trainer, is final in that regard."
He finished speaking, meeting Professor Oak's gaze while waiting for his response. He had laid his cards on the table. He'd been laying the groundwork for this negotiation since arriving, subtly establishing his competence, his dedication to his Pokémon. Now came the crucial moment.
Professor Oak listened silently, his expression unreadable. He tapped a finger thoughtfully on the table for a long moment before giving a genuine, hearty laugh. "Hahaha! Bold! Very bold, young man!"
He looked at Xiu, not with anger, but with something akin to impressed amusement. "Setting conditions for me? In my lab?" He laughed again. "Alright. Very well." His expression turned serious again. "Your conditions… they are acceptable."
He waved a dismissive hand. "Abra's case was always going to require dedicated research; that was implied. Your participation and transparency? It makes sense and it ensures accountability. The right to withdraw?" He shrugged. "A Trainer's prerogative, though I trust your judgment won't be… overly hasty."
He agreed so readily, so easily, that Xiu felt momentarily stunned— all his careful preparation, his anticipation of a difficult negotiation… seemed almost anticlimactic.
"Good," Xiu finally managed, recovering his composure, trying not to show his surprise. "Then… Scyther and I accept your proposal, Professor."
"Excellent," Oak beamed, genuinely pleased now. "We'll begin preparations immediately."
With the agreement settled, Xiu felt a significant weight lift. He quickly finished his breakfast and excused himself, needing to inform Scyther and prepare for the day's work.
As soon as he stepped outside into the backyard, he saw Abra already practicing its psychic control exercises, while Scyther was warming up nearby.
"Scyther, come here!" Xiu called out.
Scyther immediately stopped its warm-up stretches and zipped towards Xiu. Not just running, but activating Agility. Its form blurred, covered in a faint white aura of speed, crossing the dozen meters between them in an instant. It skidded to a halt directly in front of Xiu, its two sharp scythes held perfectly still inches from his face, a clear demonstration of its improved control even at high speed.
Xiu couldn't help but smile. "Showing off?" he teased. "Fancy, but yes, your Agility has improved significantly. Good control over the deceleration."
Scyther made a soft clicking sound, tapping its scythes together lightly, acknowledging the praise. 'I have also made progress,' the gesture seemed to say.
Xiu nodded, impressed. Since unlocking Focus Energy, he'd worked with Scyther on channeling that internal energy into other basic enhancement techniques, drawing on the Stationmaster's notes and Bao Ba's parting advice. Mastering Agility, even at this rudimentary level, was a significant step.
He patted Scyther's sturdy shoulder in acknowledgement, before his expression turned serious again. "Listen, Scyther. I spoke with Professor Oak. We discussed the research, the evolution potential. I laid out our conditions – full transparency, my involvement, the right to stop anytime. He agreed."
He paused, ensuring Scyther understood. "So, the plan is moving forward. We'll be working with him, starting soon, to carefully… encourage your development. Help you absorb those metallic elements."
Scyther listened intently, then gave a short, decisive nod. It trusted Xiu's judgment. Having made its decision earlier, it was ready to proceed.
Seeing Scyther's unwavering resolve, Xiu felt his own last vestiges of doubt fade. 'This was the right path. Difficult, perhaps, but necessary.'
With that settled, his gaze shifted towards Abra, still diligently practicing its fine control exercises in the corner, levitating multiple leaves, making them perform complex orbital patterns. Abra's problem… that remained the bigger, more complex challenge— but now, at least, they had the world's leading expert potentially working on it.
A fragile hope, but hope nonetheless.