Cherreads

Chapter 5 - The Champion’s Request

The sun had just begun to cast its first rays over Pallet Town, bathing the small village in a gentle golden light. Inside the familiar Oak Laboratory, Professor Oak sat at his desk, papers scattered across it as he reviewed some recent research. Despite his prominence in the world of Pokémon, Professor Oak preferred the quiet solitude of his study, where he could reflect and think without the distractions of fame.

Suddenly, his Rotom Phone chimed, a soft but insistent sound. Professor Oak looked up and saw Geeta, the Champion of Paldea, appearing on the screen.

"Good morning, Professor," Geeta greeted, though her usual calm demeanor was tinged with concern.

"Geeta," Professor Oak replied warmly, though he could sense the urgency in her tone. "What's going on?"

Geeta didn't waste any time with pleasantries. "There's been an incident in the mountainous regions near Paldea. A group of young trainers encountered a Paradox Tyranitar — an injured one, but far more dangerous than anything we've seen. The trainers were hurt, though not critically, but it's clear that this Tyranitar is no ordinary Pokémon."

Professor Oak's brow furrowed. A Paradox Tyranitar. It wasn't a name he had expected to hear.

"A Paradox Tyranitar?" Professor Oak repeated, his voice tight with concern. "That's a serious problem. What exactly happened?"

Geeta paused, her expression grim. "The Tyranitar was behaving erratically. It's clear that something is disturbing its behavior. The trainers were attacked in a way that suggests the Pokémon isn't just protecting itself — it's acting out of pure aggression. They barely managed to escape, but we're not sure how far the Tyranitar is willing to go. The area is dangerous, and we've had to evacuate the young trainers."

Professor Oak's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. "A Paradox Tyranitar acting aggressively… that's not normal. There's something more going on here."

Geeta continued, "We believe this is part of the recent surge in Paradox Pokémon sightings. But we don't know what's causing this erratic behavior. That's why I'm calling on you, Professor. We need someone who understands Paradox Pokémon and their unique behavior, someone who can help us understand what's going on and how to deal with it before it escalates."

Professor Oak rubbed his chin thoughtfully, clearly troubled. "I understand. But there's only one person I know who has the expertise to handle something like this…"

Geeta didn't need to ask who Professor Oak meant. She had hoped that this would be the case. "Kai, from Dawn Valley," she said, her voice filled with a quiet understanding.

Professor Oak's face softened, a mixture of concern and affection for the young rancher he had known for years. "Kai… Yes, he's the only one who has the experience to handle this. But you must understand, Geeta, Kai is not the type to involve himself in these kinds of situations. He prefers the quiet life. He's always kept to himself."

Geeta nodded, clearly aware of Kai's tendencies. "I know. But this isn't just about one Pokémon, Professor. It's about Paldea. If we don't act quickly, that Paradox Tyranitar could cause serious harm to the region. We need Kai's expertise before it gets worse."

Oak sighed deeply, his gaze distant. He had always admired Kai's quiet strength, but he knew the young man's aversion to being thrust into the spotlight. He had seen it firsthand — Kai had always wanted nothing more than to live in peace, working with his Paradox Pokémon in Dawn Valley. He wasn't the kind to chase recognition, and Oak worried that the weight of the world would crush him if he was forced to confront it.

"I understand the urgency," Professor Oak said, his voice quieter now. "But Kai is not someone who is easily persuaded. He's a stubborn one, and his reluctance to get involved in matters like this is stronger than anything I've seen."

"I know it's a lot to ask, Professor," Geeta said, her voice softer now. "But if anyone can help us, it's Kai. The Paradox Tyranitar is just the beginning. We've been seeing more signs of Paradox Pokémon acting unpredictably, and we need to understand what's causing it before it spreads."

Professor Oak paused, his mind turning over the situation. He had known Kai for years, watched him grow into someone with a deep bond with Paradox Pokémon. But his reluctance to reveal his full power, to step into the limelight, had always been a source of concern.Professor Oak had often wondered whether Kai would ever realize that his strength could make a real difference in the world. But it wasn't for Professor Oak to decide. It was Kai's choice.

"I'll contact him,"Professor Oak finally said, his voice heavy with both resolve and concern. "But I can't promise he'll agree to help. Kai is not someone you can easily persuade. I know him well — this will be a delicate matter."

Geeta nodded, understanding the weight of Professor Oak's words. "I trust you, Professor. I know this isn't easy, but I'm hopeful you'll be able to convince him."

Professor Oak gave a small, weary smile. "I'll do my best. But Kai has always been one to follow his own path. If he's going to help, it will have to be because he believes it's the right thing to do."

Geeta's expression softened as she leaned forward. "Thank you, Professor. I don't know who else I can turn to. I'm hoping that if anyone can reach Kai, it's you."

The call ended, leaving Professor Oak alone in the stillness of his lab. He stared at the screen for a long moment, the weight of the conversation settling in. The crisis in Paldea was real, and the need for Kai's help was urgent. But Professor Oak knew the young man's reluctance all too well. Kai had always kept his strength hidden, only revealing it when absolutely necessary.

"Be safe, Kai," Oak murmured, his hand resting on the desk. "I hope you'll listen."

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