c147: This Pokémon Is Weird
Chatting with Curator Lin and secretary Mina along the way, it took nearly an hour before they finally arrived at their destination.
"Here we are, Xiaoxiao. The group of Pokémon rescued last night has been kept here for observation," Mr. Lin said, pointing to the imposing facility ahead.
Chen Xiaoxiao raised her head and studied the structure.
The building resembled a large-scale Pokémon Breeding Field, similar to those described in the League's official records. Even from outside, one could hear the faint trickle of water channels flowing within an environment carefully designed to mimic natural habitats.
Yet something felt wrong. Despite the scale of the grounds, there weren't the usual waves of cries, chirps, and roars of Pokémon activity. The silence weighed heavily, broken only by the occasional sound of staff moving inside.
Adding to the unease, a pair of League-appointed guards stood at the entrance in full uniform, something uncommon for an ordinary Breeding Field.
"I've already informed them of our visit," Curator Lin reassured. "Let's head in."
Chen Xiaoxiao nodded and followed, Gardevoir gliding silently at her side.
---
Security Procedures
As they approached the checkpoint, Curator Lin introduced himself formally.
"I am the Gym Leader of Goldenrod City, Lin Dian," he said, handing over his League-issued Pokédex to the guard.
The gate staff bowed slightly, recognition flashing in their eyes. "Master Lin, please give me a moment."
They slotted the Pokédex into a sensor terminal, confirming identity with League protocol. After a soft chime, the reinforced doors unlocked with a metallic click.
"I apologize for the procedure, Master Lin. With the poachers' activity last night, security measures are strict."
"It's fine," Lin replied calmly, retrieving his Pokédex.
With that, they stepped through the heavy doors into the facility's main hall.
---
Inside the Facility
"Master Lin, welcome," greeted a young man who approached quickly.
"Hello, Xiao Zhao. This is Chen Xiaoxiao," Lin said, making introductions.
After polite bows, Lin gestured toward the secured wing. "Take us to where the Pokémon are being kept."
"This way, please."
Xiao Zhao led them through winding corridors until they reached a fenced-off enclosure.
"Here they are the Pokémon brought in last night."
Chen Xiaoxiao peered inside.
Her breath caught.
There were indeed hundreds of Pokémon species from nearby forests, rivers, and plains: Pidgey, Sentret, Mareep, Wooper, Spinarak, Hoothoot, and even a few rarer ones like Heracross and Scyther.
But instead of the liveliness expected of wild Pokémon, the scene was chilling.
Many simply lay sprawled on the ground, others sat unmoving with vacant stares. Their movements were sluggish, mechanical, some gnawing absently at their fur or tails. Their eyes glazed and hollow looked nothing like the spirited creatures they were.
It was like staring at an army of puppets.
Xiaoxiao felt her chest tighten.
"This… this isn't normal," she whispered.
---
The Explanation
"These Pokémon were forcefully subdued with high doses of anesthetic by the poachers," Xiao Zhao explained grimly. "Though we purged most of the toxins last night, the aftereffects linger. Their bodies recover, but their minds…" He shook his head. "That will take time."
Chen Xiaoxiao clenched her fists, hatred for the poachers boiling inside. To treat Pokémon this way… unforgivable.
---
A Request for Help
"By the way, Master Lin mentioned needing my assistance," Xiaoxiao said, steadying herself.
"Yes," Xiao Zhao nodded. "We need to evaluate their psychological states. Miss Chen, with your Gardevoir's ability to sense emotions through telepathy and empathy, we can classify each Pokémon more accurately. Those who harbor trauma or hostility must be treated carefully."
"Is it safe to test them now?" she asked.
"Their bodies are sluggish, but their emotions remain sharp. If we wait until they fully recover, the violent ones may lash out uncontrollably."
Chen Xiaoxiao turned to Gardevoir, who gave a reassuring nod.
"Understood. We'll help."
"Thank you!" Relief washed over Xiao Zhao's face as he hurried off to gather staff and supplies.
---
The Evaluations
Soon, tables, chairs, and medical tools were set up. Staff carefully led Pokémon out one by one starting with a nervous Mareep, then a trembling Wooper, followed by a still-eyed Hoothoot.
Handlers ran simple tests: calling commands, brushing fur, or guiding them through basic movements.
Gardevoir, standing tall beside Xiaoxiao, closed her eyes and extended her mind.
Some docile-looking Pokémon were actually boiling with rage beneath the surface one Furret even tried to release a hidden Quick Attack on a handler.
Others, like a Totodile, showed no emotional reaction at all, even when prodded. Its spirit felt hollow, as if something had been broken inside.
Each case was carefully recorded, with Pokémon being directed into different sections of the Breeding Field depending on their psychological condition.
Chen Xiaoxiao's heart ached watching them. These poor things…
---
A Light Moment
When she turned back, she was startled to see Curator Lin slumped over the table, snoring softly.
"…You were just talking about being serious a moment ago." Xiaoxiao muttered under her breath. Are you planning to oversee the recovery in your dreams?
Mina gave an embarrassed laugh. "Master Lin didn't rest at all last night, please forgive him."
Chen Xiaoxiao sighed, half amused, half annoyed.
---
Gardevoir's Warning
Suddenly, Gardevoir's voice echoed in Xiaoxiao's mind through telepathy:
"Xiaoxiao… this Pokémon is different. Something's very wrong."
Chen Xiaoxiao stiffened, eyes darting to the enclosure where a single Pokémon stood out from the rest…
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