Wanderer of the Pokémon World

Chapter 233: Murasame Botanical Garden

Xiu's intensive study had brought him to an impasse. He understood the principles, but lacked the specific knowledge of certain botanical ingredients mentioned in the formulas, and crucially, access to those ingredients themselves. He raised the issue with Professor Oak, hoping the elder might offer some guidance.

"Botany, you say?" Oak mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully after Xiu explained his predicament. "Hmm. For truly rare or difficult-to-cultivate plants… perhaps you should try the Murasame Botanical Garden."

"Murasame Botanical Garden…" Xiu repeated the name, a flicker of vague recognition stirring in his mind. Is this where I saw a Gloom that knew Solar Beam in the anime?

"Professor," Xiu prompted, "I don't believe I've heard of this place. Can you tell me more?"

Oak paused, a nostalgic, almost wistful expression softening his features. "The garden was established a little over twenty years ago," he began, his tone reminiscent. "But the Murasame family… their history as master cultivators of medicinal and specialized plants stretches back hundreds of years.

They have an almost unparalleled understanding of botany. The quality of the materials they produce… it's consistently a cut above anything else available, even from commercial suppliers." He sighed, a touch of sadness in his voice.

"A pity that the family has dwindled. Young Rinko Murasame1 is the last of her line. The garden primarily serves as a nursery and a research facility.

Our families, the Oaks and the Murasames, have been acquainted for generations – a distant kinship, you might say. We still maintain some contact. That's how I know of it."

Xiu listened intently, sensing an undercurrent to Oak's words, something left unsaid. He's holding something back. Maybe an ex or something...

But prying further would likely be fruitless, and potentially counterproductive. The important thing was to lock in. "Then, with your permission, Professor, I'd like to visit. See if they might have what I need, or at least point me in the right direction."

"An excellent idea," Oak agreed readily. "And while you're there," he added, already turning to his desk and scribbling a short list on a notepad, "perhaps you could procure a few items for my own research?" He handed the list to Xiu.

"Consider it done, Professor," Xiu replied, tucking the list away. I am certain that Professor Oak could source these things himself easily enough. So, this must be his way of providing a legitimate reason for my visit, an introduction.

From this, one could infer and imply that the Murasames, or perhaps just Rinko herself, might be somewhat reclusive, preferring personal connections over official channels. Good to know.

After getting precise directions, Xiu set off alone, leaving Abra and the others at the institute. He took the motorcycle, navigating through Pallet Town's main road, then turning onto a less-traveled dirt track that wound its way towards the foothills.

Eventually, the track dwindled to a narrow path. He parked the motorcycle, concealing it amongst some bushes, and continued on foot, ascending the winding mountain trail.

The Murasame Botanical Garden, much like Professor Oak's institute, was situated on a secluded area. However, where Oak's property was carefully landscaped, this area felt like a wild, unexplored forest pressed in on either side of the path, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and unknown foliage. The climb was steeper, more challenging than the gentle slope leading to Oak's lab.

After a strenuous hike, Xiu finally caught a glimpse of his destination – a massive, metallic dome through the trees. He drew closer and the full structure came into view: a huge, sprawling greenhouse, its glass panels reflecting the sunlight, nestled on a flattened hilltop that seemed to have been carved out of the mountain's peak.

Beyond it, rows of jagged, mist-shrouded mountains stretched to the horizon, and a short distance from the main greenhouse stood a quaint, three-story bungalow.

But Xiu's attention was entirely captivated by the greenhouse. Vines snaked across its vast glass panes, and even from a distance, through the somewhat grimy glass, he could identify at least ten distinct plant species he'd never encountered before, some with bizarre shapes and vibrant, unnatural colors. The wonders within must be incredible.

He circled the massive structure until he found what appeared to be the main entrance – a set of heavy, double glass doors. He tried the handle. To his surprise, it was unlocked. He pushed the door open a crack and called out, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

Only silence answered, broken by the distant chirping of unseen forest Pokémon.

After a moment's hesitation, Xiu pushed the door fully open and stepped inside. Well, nothing should go wrong. After all, Professor Oak sent me…

The doors hissed shut behind him automatically. The first thing he noticed was the drastic shift in temperature and humidity. It was at least several degrees warmer inside, the air thick and heavy, almost like a tropical jungle.

The scent was overwhelming – a complex, heady perfume of countless exotic pollens, damp earth, and decaying vegetation, not entirely unpleasant— but certainly potent.

The interior was vast. Plants grew everywhere – in neatly arranged beds, in large terracotta pots, climbing trellises, hanging from the high ceiling. Several smaller, self-contained glass enclosures were scattered throughout the main space, likely housing species with even more specific environmental needs.

The sheer variety was staggering. Xiu, who had developed a decent working knowledge of Kanto flora through his own research and herb-gathering, recognized perhaps a third of the plants at a glance.

The rest were entirely new to him, some clearly not native to the Kanto region, or perhaps to any known region. No wonder Professor Oak holds their cultivation skills in such high regard. To maintain such a diverse collection…

"Who are you! What are you doing in here?"

The sharp voice startled him. Xiu looked up. Standing on a second-floor catwalk overlooking the main greenhouse floor was a young woman. A Gloom stood silently beside her, its eyes fixed on Xiu.

She wore a simple, light yellow sundress. Her most striking feature was her long, vibrant purple hair, cascading freely down her back. She held a small watering can in one hand.

"Miss Murasame, I presume?" Xiu called up, keeping his voice polite. "My apologies for the intrusion. Professor Oak sent me. I'm here to pick up some materials for him." Best to hug Professor Oak's thigh immediately.

At the mention of Professor Oak, Rinko's stern expression softened slightly. "Oh. Professor Oak," she murmured. She said something to her Gloom, then turned back to Xiu. "Wait there, please. I'll be right down." She disappeared back along the catwalk.

Xiu waited patiently, taking the opportunity to examine the nearby plants more closely, careful not to touch anything.

A few minutes later, Rinko descended a spiral staircase. As she approached, Xiu got a clearer look at her. She was taller than he'd initially thought, making her one of the veritable 'big sister' types.

And her eyes… they were a startling, intense red. "Please, don't wander," she cautioned as she drew near, her voice firm but no longer hostile. "Some of these plants can be… temperamental. Even dangerous."

"My apologies again for trespassing," Xiu said, stepping away from a particularly ominous-looking pitcher plant. "I did call out, but no one answered." He offered a polite smile. "I'm Professor Oak's new assistant. You can call me Xiu."

"Rinko," she replied, her gaze assessing him, more reserved than his own open scrutiny.

"Professor Oak speaks very highly of your family's cultivation skills, Miss Rinko," Xiu continued, deciding a little flattery wouldn't go amiss. "He mentioned the exceptional quality of the materials you produce.

And seeing this place… I can understand why. I confess, the sheer variety of plants here is astounding. I couldn't resist stepping inside for a closer look."

Rinko listened, her expression softening further at his genuine admiration. A faint, almost shy smile touched her lips. "Thank you. We… take pride in our collection."