Specimen G-07: Male Gible, age 6 months. Genetic analysis shows significantly below-average development across all metrics.
Metabolism 30% slower than the species standard. Muscle density 40% below the normal range.
Behavioral assessment: lethargic, unresponsive to training stimuli, and a consistent target of aggression from other specimens.
Recommendation: Transfer to a sanctuary facility for long-term low-intensity care.
She looked back at the screen, where the crimson Gible was now curled up beside Samael, apparently resting after its meal.
There was nothing lethargic about its posture. Nothing suggested the weak, failed specimen described in the database.
"Professor," she said slowly, her mind racing through possibilities and coming up empty. "I think Samael did something to that Gible. Something that triggered the readings we just saw."
"But what?" Oak's voice carried genuine confusion mixed with scientific fascination. "There's no known mechanism for a transformation that dramatic. Regional variants develop over generations of environmental adaptation. Mega evolution requires a deep bond and specific stones that we don't even have in the facility. This is something else entirely."
Elara zoomed in further on the crimson Gible, studying every visible detail. The scale structure looked denser, almost metallic.
The muscle definition was clearly visible even through the scales. The way it moved suggested a fundamental change to its physical capabilities.
And the color. That impossible, brilliant crimson that had no precedent in any Gible population ever documented.
"We need to go down there," she said, making the decision even as the words left her mouth. "Whatever happened, whatever Samael did, we need to document it immediately. This could be the most significant genetic discovery in decades."
Oak nodded, already moving toward the elevator that led down to the terrarium. "Agreed. Elara, keep that camera feed active. I want continuous monitoring in case there are any further changes."
"Already done," she confirmed, setting her tablet to mirror the feed. "Professor, there's something else. Look at how Samael is interacting with it."
On the screen, Samael had reached out to place his hand on the Gible's head, and even through the camera, Elara could see the ease with which he made the gesture.
The way the Gible leaned into the touch. The visible bond between trainer and Pokémon that shouldn't exist between a human and a specimen that had been completely unsocialized just hours ago.
Not just that, but Gible's were very hostile carnivorous Pokémon.
"He's communicating with it somehow," Oak observed. "I've seen that kind of rapport before, but usually it takes months of dedicated work to achieve."
Elara felt her excitement building, the same feeling she got whenever she stood on the edge of a significant discovery. "We need to run comprehensive genetic scans. Full panel analysis. Compare the results against the baseline data we have for the original specimen. If this transformation is replicable, if there's a mechanism we can identify..."
She trailed off, the implications too vast to articulate. A method to transform weak or defective Pokémon into something more substantial? To rewrite genetic limitations that had been considered immutable? The applications for breeding programs alone would revolutionize the field.
Oak pressed the elevator call button, and the doors slid open immediately. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, we observe. We document. We understand what happened before we start theorizing about applications."
Elara followed him into the elevator, clutching her tablet like a lifeline. On the screen, she could still see Samael and the crimson Gible, the former lost in thought while the latter rested peacefully beside him.
'What did you do, Samael Oak?' she thought, unable to tear her eyes away from the impossible Pokémon. 'And how did you do it?'
The elevator began its descent, and Elara felt her heart racing with anticipation. In her six years of genetic research, she'd studied countless Pokémon, documented hundreds of variations, and written extensively about evolutionary mechanisms. But she'd never encountered anything like this.
She pulled up additional camera angles as they descended, tracking Samael's position. He was still sitting on that rock, one hand absently stroking the Gible's scales while he stared off into the distance.
Whatever he was thinking about, it had completely absorbed him.
"Professor," she said, glancing at Oak. "When we approach him, what do we say? How do we explain that we were monitoring the tunnels?"
Oak considered this for a moment. "We tell him the truth. The genetic variance scanners detected an anomaly that warranted investigation. He was in a restricted area, yes, but given the results..."
He gestured at the tablet screen. "I think we can forgive that particular transgression."
The elevator continued its slow descent through the facility's infrastructure, passing through layers of rock and reinforced concrete until it finally reached the terrarium level. The doors opened to reveal the massive underground preserve, with its carefully crafted biomes stretching out in every direction.
Elara stepped out first, her eyes immediately scanning the visible terrain for any sign of Samael and the Gible. They were in the eastern section, near the tunnel entrance, which meant navigating through some terrain to reach them.
"This way," Oak said, leading her along a maintenance path that wound between rocky outcroppings and patches of hardy vegetation. "The eastern boundary is about five minutes from here on foot."
Elara kept her eyes on the tablet screen as they walked, watching Samael's position. He hadn't moved, still lost in whatever thoughts consumed him. The Gible appeared to be sleeping now, curled up in a tight ball with its tail wrapped around its body.
'Haban berries,' she noted again, thinking about the timing. 'He fed it immediately after exiting the tunnels. That suggests he found the berries specifically for the Gible, not just randomly. He knew what it would need.'
The path began to slope upward, transitioning from maintained walkways to natural rocky terrain. Elara's dress and lab coat were entirely inappropriate for this kind of terrain, but she didn't care.
Her focus was entirely on reaching Samael and getting answers.
They crested a slight rise, and suddenly, Elara could see them clearly without the aid of the camera feed. Samael sat on a flat boulder about thirty meters away, visible as he stared out across the terrarium.
And beside him, the crimson Gible slept peacefully, its scales gleaming like polished rubies under the artificial sunlight.
Up close, the transformation was even more dramatic. The coloration was stunning, each scale catching the light individually to create a shimmering effect across the Pokémon's entire body.
The metallic sheen altered the composition at the molecular level, a phenomenon that should be scientifically impossible without years of environmental adaptation.
Oak started forward, his footsteps careful on the uneven ground. Elara followed, her mind cataloging every detail she could observe.
The way the Gible's breathing seemed strong and even. The obvious muscle definition is visible even at rest. The complete absence of the physical deterioration that had been documented in its original assessment.
They were about ten meters away when Oak cleared his throat gently.
"Samael?"