Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Prof. Birch is a certified professor in the Hoenn region, known for being responsible for assigning starter Pokémon to new trainers. Holding the esteemed position of the giving out region's first Pokémon to young trainers starting their journey, Prof. Birch bore a weighty responsibility. Seeking his guidance seemed like the surest way for Alex to resolve his current dilemma.
The newborn elf was still fragile, given its recent birth. Alex wasted no time and promptly placed it into the Poké Ball he had prepared beforehand. He then set out in the direction of Prof. Birch's lab, which was located to the south.
As the distributor of starter Pokémon, Prof. Birch's research institute was expected to be a substantial facility. This, along with the abundance of man-made structures surrounding it, would make it relatively easy for Alex to locate. Upon arriving at the institute's gate, he wasted no time and knocked on the door.
A lady in a white coat, sporting glasses, answered. She scrutinized Alex carefully, as he was an unfamiliar face. "Hello, I'd like to speak with prof. Birch," he said.
"Ah, I see. Prof. Birch is currently out in the field observing Pokémon. Please come inside and wait for him," she replied before hurrying off to attend to her duties.
Although Alex was eager and anxious, he understood that waiting was the best course of action. After all, it was getting late, and Prof. Birch was expected to return soon. Rushing out to search for him would likely be futile.
Indeed, half an hour later, Prof. Birch returned to the lab with heavy footsteps. Upon noticing the new arrival, he greeted Alex gently, "Hello there, young one. How may I assist you today?"
"Hello, doctor. I have a problem with one of my Pokémon. It's in poor health, and I don't know how to help it," Alex explained. Bellossom carefully brought the ailing Pokémon to Prof. Birch's attention.
"What do we have here?" Prof. Birch inquired, his interest piqued. He gestured for Alex to follow him into a room filled with various scientific instruments. "Place it here," he directed, indicating a piece of equipment.
Alex guided Bellossom to position the Pokémon on the designated instrument. Prof. Birch began conducting various tests and examinations. "Hmm, the physical condition isn't great, and it appears to lack vitality," he noted. "I'm not familiar with this Pokémon, so I'll have to make some educated guesses." Retrieving a milk bottle filled with an unknown liquid, Prof. Birch cautiously approached the Pokémon. The little creature, evidently hungry, finally began to suckle the liquid slowly. "It seems to be working," Alex remarked, wanting to inquire further but stopped by Prof. Birch's raised hand. The doctor completed the feeding and instructed, "Take it to the greenhouse, Bellossom. This newborn Pokémon is quite delicate."
Alex and Bellossom placed the Pokémon in the greenhouse as instructed. Afterward, Alex joined Prof. Birch in the living room and greeted him. "Hello, doctor."
"Hello, my young friend," Prof. Birch replied. Although his face was weary, likely from his recent fieldwork, he still expressed gratitude. "You seem to have been quite busy. Is there something on your mind?" he inquired.
Alex explained, "Doctor, could you tell me more about this Pokémon? I'm very concerned."
Prof. Birch shared, "I don't have extensive knowledge of this particular Pokémon, but I've recently received some information from the Kalos region. It appears to be a Fairy-type Pokémon, a rather rare type. It is distinct from any known types we have. Initially, I wasn't too concerned about it. After all, Fairy-types are scarce here, and their practical value is limited. Thus, our research plans were delayed. However, the recent developments suggest we should revisit our approach. Tonight, I'll contact Prof. Sycamore from Kalos. He should be able to provide more information."
Alex inquired, "So, is this Pokémon from Kalos?"
Prof. Birch considered the possibility, replying, "While it's possible that a trainer who visited Kalos brought it here, can you share how you acquired this Pokémon egg?"
Alex provided his account, "I did acquire it from a Pokémon hunter, but it wasn't a transaction. I stayed at a ranger's house, and when we successfully drove away the hunters, my friend gave me this egg. To be precise, it was just an egg then. I intended to raise it at the Pokémon Center in Chenghua City. However, it hatched during our journey."
Prof. Birch suggested, "It's quite late now, so you should get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll learn more about this Pokémon when researchers from Kalos arrive."
After a simple dinner, Prof. Birch picked up the phone and dialed Prof. Sycamore's number. "Hello," he greeted.
"Hello! It's quite late. Is there something urgent, Prof. Birch?" Prof. Sycamore inquired.
"It's about..." Prof. Birch proceeded to explain in great detail the challenges he was facing and the assistance he required.
"If my assumptions are correct, given its petite form, yellow corolla, and wing-like ears, this Pokémon should be Flabebe! However, please send me a photo so I can confirm," Prof. Sycamore responded cautiously.
"Indeed, this Pokémon is exceptionally rare and relies on parasitism with specific flowers during its youth, which evolve alongside it and eventually become a part of its body. So far, there are several flower colors known to exist. If we confirm it, I'll arrange to have pots of those flowers delivered tomorrow," Prof. Sycamore explained graciously.
"Thank you for your assistance," Prof. Birch expressed his gratitude.
Despite Alex's concerns about the Pokémon, fatigue and tension soon took their toll, and he drifted off to sleep. However, the night didn't offer rest for Prof. Birch. After a brief nap, he resumed his work. Gradually, his mornings evolved from frenzied to more manageable.
One morning, Prof. Birch's keen sense of smell led him to the kitchen, where he discovered an enticing aroma of shiitake mushroom soup and toast. "Ah, this aroma?" he mused. "mushroom soup and toast?"
Prof. Birch followed the delightful scent and found Alex diligently at work in the kitchen.
"Yesterday, I realized that you must be overwhelmed with work, and I thought it would be helpful if we could provide some sustenance. Everyone is so busy, and it's crucial to have enough nourishment to keep up with such demanding daily activities," Alex explained, multitasking as he spoke.
"That's an excellent idea," Prof. Birch praised. He promptly took his seat, and Alex served the meal. Many researchers soon joined them for a hearty meal. Thanks to Alex's culinary efforts and Bellossom's assistance, the ingredients were fresh, and the food satisfying.
After Prof. Birch finished his meal, he stood up abruptly and returned to the table after a brief absence. "By the way, please come over," he called out to Alex, who understood that this must concern his Pokémon.
"I had an extensive conversation with Prof. Sycamore yesterday. This particular Pokémon is exceedingly rare in the Kalos region. Notably, it possesses both Fairy-type attributes and a remarkable ability to control Grass-type skills, surpassing many traditional Grass-type Pokémon. I am inclined to believe the account you shared yesterday," Prof. Birch explained. "Researchers from Kalos are scheduled to arrive later today, which will provide us with a wealth of information about Flabebe."
"Is it called Flabebe?" Alex asked in surprise.
"Yes, have you seen it today?" the doctor inquired.
"Yes, it recognized Bellossom as soon as it hatched, and it's in much better shape than yesterday," Alex replied.
"Very well. I'll be heading out for research today, and I'd appreciate your company," Prof. Birch proposed. "If I'm not mistaken, you currently have three Poké Balls: one for Flabebe, one for Bellossom, and one more for another Pokémon. You can serve as my assistant and guardian during our expedition."
"Yes, of course," Alex agreed promptly, knowing that the doctor must have had a good reason to extend the invitation.
The two embarked on a lengthy journey, eventually reaching a wooded area. There, they spotted a Serperior foraging in the grass. Prof. Birch's interest was piqued as he observed the Pokémon search for something intently. Turning to Alex, he asked, "Do you know why it's doing that?"
"Is it searching for food?" Alex guessed, considering that many fruits fell to the ground in such areas.
"Haha, to find the answer, we must think like Pokémon and start from their perspective," Prof. Birch replied. He handed his notes to Alex and put his pencil away, lying down on the ground like the Serperior to examine the surroundings closely. Although surprised, Alex followed suit, slowly trailing behind Prof. Birch.
For a while, Prof. Birch searched without results, maintaining his focus forward. Suddenly, from behind, Alex heard the doctor's hearty laughter, "Hahaha."
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