Although the topic of their conversation revolved around Vulpix's training, Shirley, the actual Trainer, found herself playing a surprisingly minor role. The discussion was largely dominated by Xiu and Yuto, who bounced ideas off each other, debating strategies, proposing training regimens, sometimes agreeing, sometimes vehemently denying the other's points, but always building towards a cohesive plan.
Eevee, Xiu reasoned, relied primarily on speed and physical attacks. Vulpix, while potentially fast, couldn't compete head-to-head physically. Its strength lay in its Fire-type abilities. Therefore, the core strategy had to involve developing Vulpix's ranged firepower, control over flames, and tactical movement to maintain distance. Maximize its natural advantages and minimize its weaknesses.
Shirley's own lack of command experience was another glaring issue. Reviewing her previous (mostly losing) battles, as described by both her and Yuto, revealed a recurring, simplistic tactic: telling Vulpix to just charge forward. No nuance, no strategy.
With combined effort – Xiu providing theoretical structure and innovative training concepts, Yuto offering practical insights based on his Fire-type experience with Growlithe – a rough but viable training plan for Vulpix began to take shape.
"But why the sudden interest, Shirley?" Yuto asked eventually, looking genuinely perplexed as they finalized the initial training schedule. "You were giving me your homework assignments just last week…" He scratched his head. "Did something happen while I was out training Growlithe?"
"Wanting to learn is a good thing, isn't it?" Xiu interjected smoothly before Shirley could answer, giving her a subtle, warning glance. "People change, Yuto."
Shirley caught Xiu's look and quickly picked up the cue, turning towards her brother, a familiar, slightly petulant expression returning to her face. She scooped up Vulpix, stroking its fluffy tails defensively. "Well, maybe if you hadn't always refused to teach me properly before," She countered, falling back on old excuses, "my grades wouldn't be so bad! Now that someone else is willing to help, you're questioning it?"
Yuto sighed, recognizing his sister's well-worn deflection tactic. The brief moment of genuine curiosity passed, replaced by familiar sibling dynamics. "Alright, alright," He said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "Have Xiu teach you then. I'm going to go help Grandpa with dinner." He stood up, dusting off his trousers, ignoring Growlithe who was now happily trying to engage Happiny in another game of chase nearby.
As Yuto headed back towards the house, Shirley turned to Xiu, her expression serious again. "Why couldn't I tell him?" She whispered. "About wanting to beat Chanel?"
"You said yourself, your brother is close to her," Xiu replied casually, gathering the scattered training notes. "What if he accidentally lets something slip? Gives her a warning? Then she'll be prepared, expecting your challenge. Surprise is a powerful weapon. Better to keep our plans quiet for now." He offered a reassuring smile. "Focus on training. I'll design the detailed plan, show you how to work with Vulpix effectively."
"How long will it take?" Shirley asked impatiently. "Before I can beat her?"
Xiu glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "How badly do you want to win?"
"Badly!" she insisted.
"Then listen to me, follow the plan, and be patient," Xiu replied firmly, offering no easy answers. "But first… I need to see Vulpix battle. Assess its current abilities, its weaknesses, firsthand. Is there an opportunity coming up?"
"The school organizes practice battles at the Pokémon Center most weekends," Shirley offered immediately. "Anyone can sign up. You could watch then."
"Okay," Xiu nodded.
— — —
Later that evening, after dinner, Director Bao Ba approached Xiu. "Come with me, Xiu."
He led Xiu away from the main living areas, down a corridor Xiu hadn't explored yet, stopping before a sturdy, unmarked door. Bao Ba unlocked it and gestured Xiu inside.
Xiu entered and found himself in a room that was clearly a dedicated laboratory or workshop. It occupied a space easily double the size of Bao Ba's study, filled with complex scientific equipment – centrifuges, microscopes, chemical analysis stations, ingredient grinders, and sterile mixing vats.
Racks of chemicals and compounds lined one wall, while another held specialized storage units, likely for sensitive biological samples. This was clearly where Bao Ba conducted his advanced breeding research and perhaps formulated specialized Pokémon medicines or supplements.
"This is my personal workshop," Bao Ba explained. "I've gathered the necessary materials based on Alakazam's analysis. I'll guide you through the process of preparing the neutralizing compound."
He took out a Poké Ball. "First step, though," And released his Alakazam. "While we work, your Abra needs to begin its mental training under Alakazam's direct tutelage. Learning basic meditation techniques is crucial for developing conscious psychic control."
Xiu immediately understood and nodded, releasing Abra from its custom Poké Ball. A brief telepathic exchange conveyed the plan. Abra, showing no hostility towards the powerful psychic Pokémon this time, seemed to understand the necessity and floated willingly towards Alakazam.
"Go on," Bao Ba encouraged Alakazam gently. The two psychic Pokémon acknowledged each other silently, then both vanished from the room simultaneously – presumably teleporting to a quieter location suitable for intense mental training.
Seeing Xiu's momentary flicker of concern, Bao Ba offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Alakazam will take good care of it. Right now, this," He gestured towards the laboratory equipment, "is more critical. It concerns your own well-being."
Bao Ba, despite his claims of not being a specialized researcher, was clearly a master of Pokémon pharmacology, likely stemming from his decades of experience as a top-tier Breeder. Preparing complex compounds was second nature to him. Guiding Xiu through the process of creating the specific neutralizing agent designed to counteract Abra's psychic leakage was relatively straightforward. He provided the precise formula derived from Alakazam's analysis, explained the function of each component, and demonstrated the proper mixing techniques.
Xiu, with his sharp mind and methodical approach, proved a quick study. The most difficult part – determining the correct formula – was already done. Following Bao Ba's precise instructions, measuring ingredients, monitoring temperatures, using the unfamiliar lab equipment… it felt almost like chemistry class from his past life, albeit with far more exotic ingredients.
Before long, Xiu carefully extracted a small test tube filled with a pale green, slightly bubbling liquid from the final processing machine. "Is this… is it done?"
Bao Ba took the test tube, uncorked it, and sniffed the contents cautiously. He swirled the liquid gently, observing its viscosity and the way the bubbles behaved. "Looks correct," He concluded after a moment. "Smells right. Composition appears stable." He handed the test tube back to Xiu. "Should be fine. Only one way to be sure, though. Bottoms up."
Xiu hesitated, looking dubiously at the faintly effervescing green liquid. "Shouldn't we… test it first? Analyze it somehow?" He asked nervously. "It is medicine, after all. What if something went wrong in the mixing?"
"Relax," Bao Ba chuckled, seemingly unconcerned. "Trust me and Alakazam."
Seeing Bao Ba's confidence, Xiu felt slightly reassured. He uncorked the test tube…
Just as he raised it to his lips, Bao Ba added casually, "Besides, even if something did go wrong… I'm sure I could get you to the Pokémon Center before any permanent damage occurs."
Xiu froze, the test tube halfway to his mouth. He stared at Bao Ba, whose face now held a wide, mischievous, gold-toothed grin. 'He's messing with me!' This old man has a twisted sense of humor!
Seeing Xiu's expression, Bao Ba laughed heartily. "Just kidding! Mostly. Thought you weren't afraid of death?" He teased.
"There's no virtue in unnecessary sacrifice," Xiu retorted dryly, though his hand holding the test tube trembled slightly. Steeling himself, he tilted his head back and downed the potion in one gulp. He grimaced at the taste. "Bitter," He reported, smacking his lips slightly. "And… oddly spicy?"
"Feel anything?" Bao Ba asked, his smile lingering, watching Xiu closely. "Any strange sensations? Dizziness? Nausea?"
Xiu focused inward, assessing his physical state. He felt… normal. Maybe slightly warmer, but nothing dramatic. "No," He replied, shaking his head. "Nothing special."
"Good! That's good!" Bao Ba clapped him on the back again, seemingly satisfied. "If you had felt something strongly, it would mean the dosage was wrong or there was an impurity, then we would have needed to go to the Pokémon Center."
Xiu realized that Bao Ba, despite his jokes, had been subtly testing his reaction and tolerance. 'This Director...'
As they cleaned up the lab equipment, Bao Ba changed the subject. "By the way," He asked casually, "what were you and Shirley conspiring about in the backyard earlier? She seems… different today. Actually asked me about sourcing specific berries for Vulpix's diet. Never shown that kind of initiative before."
Xiu briefly explained the encounter with Chanel, Shirley's frustration, and his offer to help train Vulpix for a potential 'rematch'. "That girl, Chanel," Xiu commented, remembering her dismissive attitude, "seems to enjoy bullying your granddaughter. Doesn't that bother you, Director? Or have you just not noticed?" He deliberately echoed Bao Ba's earlier teasing tone.
Bao Ba sighed, his expression turning weary. "Oh, I'm aware," He admitted, surprising Xiu with his frankness. "Chanel… she takes after her father, unfortunately. Sharp mind, competitive spirit, but lacking in empathy. Pretends to be sweet in front of adults, but yes, I know she torments Shirley." He paused. "But what would you have me do, Xiu? March over to her parents' house and complain? Forbid her from visiting? Start a feud between families over childish squabbles?"
He shook his head. "Before things escalate to actual harm, interfering directly in the affairs of the younger generation often does more harm than good. And," He added, looking pointedly at Xiu, "in Shirley's case… frankly, her situation was partly her own making. She was unmotivated. Lazy about her studies, neglected Vulpix's training. Chanel's taunts might be cruel, but they contained a kernel of truth. Shirley was falling behind due to her own lack of effort."
Xiu could see the Director's pragmatic, if somewhat cold, logic. But something still felt off. "Director," He asked carefully, "have you ever considered why Shirley might lack motivation? Why she isn't close to you or Yuto, despite living here?"
Bao Ba looked genuinely stunned by the question, as if the thought had never occurred to him.
Xiu pressed gently. "When she was younger, when Chanel first started… bullying her, did anyone stand up for her? Did you, her grandfather, intervene? Or did you, perhaps concerned about maintaining appearances or avoiding conflict with 'family friends', tell her to ignore it, to be the bigger person?" He let the question hang, seeing the flicker of uncomfortable recognition in Bao Ba's eyes. "It's hard for a child to feel close to family," Xiu concluded softly, "if they don't feel protected by them."