The Beautifly Effect

Chapter Nineteen -- Early Retirement

A few days later...

"This is news reporter Nick Matthews from Lavender Radio, reporting at the Pallet Town residence of Professor Samuel Oak, where Professor Oak is holding a news conference regarding his surprise decision to retire."

"Professor Oak," asked a male reporter, "is it true that you have announced your retirement?"

The white-haired, elderly man with perfect posture and stately manner approached an array of microphones. "Yes, the announcement is sudden, I admit, but true nonetheless."

"Does your decision have anything to do with the recent death of your grandson?" asked a female reporter.

Oak paused to consider his words. "Recent events, most particularly the tragic death of a fine young man, my grandson, have had a considerable influence on my decision to retire early."

Nick Matthews spoke next. "Professor, what about your research on the Pokérus? I believe you and Gary were on the verge of a breakthrough."

"Perhaps calling it a breakthrough is a trifle... sensational, ...but we did have some optimistic results, that is true."

"So you're basically going to throw all that away?" asked the female reporter.

Controlling his temper was one of Samuel Oak's strenghts, and right now he was glad he had that skill. "Nothing is being thrown away. All our findings have already been accepted for publication by Pokémon Science and will soon be freely available to the scientific community.

"How long do you think it will it be before someone continues the research?" asked Nick.

"You'll have to ask the scientific community," replied Oak.

"Have you got any more comments about your grandson?" asked another reporter.

"What more would you like me to say? It has a been a tragedy for me personally, for my family, for the close knit community of Pallet, and, if you may permit an old man to be proud, I believe it's a loss to the world of an intelligent and capable researcher."

"Is it true that he was killed by Ketchum's Pikachu?"

Oak sighed. "Evidence suggests that that is the case. We'll never know for sure, of course."

"Do you know why Ketchum killed himself or why his Pikachu went wild?" asked Matthews.

"This news conference concerns my decision to retire. I believe we are straying from this topic."

"You've already said that Gary's death was a reason for your decision to retire early," replied Matthews.

"And that is all I'm saying on this matter. For that matter, we have covered everything I have to say on the matter of my retirement. Thank you all for attending. This conference is now over."

As one or two reporters continued to press a few more words from Oak, Matthews took his microphone aside and spoke, "Reporting for Lavender Radio from the Oak residence at Pallet Town, this is Nick Matthews, signing off."