#065 Alakazam

Alakazam, the psi Pokémon. The evolved form of Kadabra and the final evolution of Abra. Alakazam is able to use all forms of psychic abilities. These powers are used to move its body, as opposed to its weak muscles. It also uses its psychic powers to hold up its head, which is too heavy to be supported by its neck, due to its continually growing brain. It is said to have an excellent memory and can remember everything that it has experienced since hatching as an Abra. It is found in urban areas – Nurse Evergreen.

After the sleepwalking Kadabra incident, Nurse Isabelle stayed over at Saffron gym, in case any more events such as those happened. After all, they merely woke up Kadabra, rather than solving the sleepwalking issue Fortunately, the night turned into dawn quietly. Just after dawn, Isabelle was expected at the battlefield, where she would see the case she had come to Saffron for in the first place. The Kadabra would have to wait until the following night.

After a quick breakfast of tea and a roll with jam, Isabelle walked through the hallway to the main hall on her socks. Sabrina was one of the gymleaders who preferred no shoes in her gym, quite like Erika in Celadon. Everywhere, members of the gym were glueing together chairs that had been smashed or matching orphan legs with their table. With a light, encouraging smile, she tiptoed her way through as she approached the massive double doors ahead.

Ever since Sabrina became serious about this gym, she had renovated the place. Much more natural light, for example. Less oppressive, too. Inside, the green-haired lady stood with her Alakazam. The humanoid psychic Pokémon was only a bit smaller than the gym leader, but a lot smarter, although Sabrina easily surpassed Isabelle in intelligence.

"Good morning. Here I am. So, what's the matter with Alakazam?"

"Let me show you, Nurse Evergreen,"

"Please. Call me Isabelle. Nurse Evergreen is my mother."

"Alright. I'm sorry, Alakazam. This is necessary for demonstration." Sabrina pulled a small recording device from a pocket of her robes. When she pressed play, Isabelle was strongly reminded of Beedrill. The familiar buzzing sound, however, had a severe effect on Alakazam. Immediately, he grabbed his head, crying out in extreme terror, stepping back away from the buzzing noise. Because it clearly agitated the poor Pokémon, Sabrina stopped it after only a few seconds. Together, they stroked Alakazam until he calmed down. Alakazam need psychological focus, of course, to hold their heads up because their bodies are not physically strong enough.

"Scared of bees, such as Beedrill? That's a problem... " Isabelle sat down on the bench of the challenger's supporters.

"This knowledge has already spread. I can no longer use my Alakazam in battle as this fear poses an unfair fight. I wish to challenge those trainers, not give the badge away for free because we cannot conquer a psychological challenge."

"Hmm.., this will take a while to solve. Of course, it's quite possibly manageable. You just need to spend a lot of work on Alakazam. Are you willing to do this? You could retire Alakazam and look to evolve that sleepwalking Kadabra instead. Quite a collection you've got, by the way."

"Of course, Isabelle. Tell me what I must do. I am not ready to give up yet"

Taking out her phone out of her pocket, she played with it in her hands, contemplating whether she should call first or tell Sabrina first. The latter won.

"Alakazam won't like this at all. It's called exposure therapy. Basically, we'd have Alakazam meet a well-trained Beedrill once a week or so. From it merely sitting quietly in the back of the room, till being able to touch it and fight it again. This'll be mentally challenging for Alakazam, since he'll have to face his fears."

"But he'll be okay after this, right?"

"I'm quite sure he'll be. He'll never love them, but we aim to redirect its fear to willingness to fight."

Sabrina placed a soft kiss on Alakazam's head. "Will you be doing this treatment?"

Isabelle shook her head. "Not likely. I know someone who works in the centre nearby. She's a big fan of yours. Don't worry," Isabelle laughed, seeing the apprehensive look on Sabrina's face. "She isn't as preppy as most Joys. She's rather alternative. Long, Arbok-purple hair. These thigh high boots. She's really cool. I like her," Izzy nodded. "She was there when you sent me that note with Venomoth to make this appointment. She was very, very excited that I'm here today."

Sabrina allowed a soft smile. "When can she come?"

Through the phone in Izzy's hands came a cheer and a shout: "I can be there in ten minutes!" Sabrina and Isabelle laughed as the connection was broken.
"Her idea, I swear." Izzy promised.

When the Saffron Pokémon centre's head nurse arrived, Isabelle gave her a hug.

"If you feel up for it: there's also a Kadabra here that sleepwalks, and I expect several neglected Abra to come soon. Remember that article on the black market selling of Pokémon? That they cracked open a major link in the chain in Celadon arcade? Some of the Abra found there are coming here, as Sabrina here is a specialist." Izzy didn't mention she was the one who reported that establishment.

"Sweet! I'm Ursula, by the way, but I go by Urla. I don't think we've met yet? I've only recently taken over the local centre but haven't had the chance to introduce myself"

"Well met. I am Sabrina. I look forward to working with you." The ladies shook hands. Sabrina seemed as serene as ever, while Urla could barely contain her excitement.

"Let me know how it goes, Urla. I look forward to reading your progress stories!" They gave each other a hug and then Izzy left the two of them to discussing the treatment plan. Another success.