As you call Leaf, you continue to chat with Professor Maple in between your tasks.
A smile spreads across their face at the question- this seems to be something they’re very passionate about.
“Well! Those are excellent questions, [ANIJU-AURA]! I suppose to start simply- I need you to take notes of any anomalies you spot when you find them. Fortunately, my system is set up with a few automated programs that will take care of recording the data and technical information, which you’ll be free to explore once I’m done with troubleshooting over here.”
They motion to a laptop on the counter they’re settled at, away from your computer. Several applications for editing code cover the screen.
“Your responsibility, which you’ve already been carrying out well, is to take care of the more… organic data gathering- the interviews, the viewing, the searching- interactions, explorations, and observations that a computer couldn’t do on its own. As you record these things, I’ll be able to go back and analyze it for myself to help in my research…”
“Which brings me into your other questions. And goodness me, it’ll be hard to answer concisely! Though, bear in mind this is all theory regarding something that is inherently difficult to grasp… They don’t abide by the same rules we do, so it’s hard to make accurate judgements. Do take it with a grain of salt…”
“But from what I’ve found, the nature of anomalies are highly varied. Some kinds are more dangerous than others… But the connecting factors seem to be some kind of damage, corruption, and a… distinct out-of-placeness. They don’t belong- though I suppose that’s self explanatory, ha!”
“The best way I’ve been able to consistently categorize the ones I’ve been able to understand, are these three questions:
Was it created, or corrupted? Some are entirely new manifestations, but often they seem to be warped images of things that existed before.
Is it alive, or inanimate? Which is self-explanatory… Some anomalies are living, yes, but some are items or even entire locations…
And, is it safe, or unstable? As most anomalies will spread like an infection if left unchecked, and damage anything around it… But a few can be self contained, and cause no harm in spite of their odd nature.”
“I intend for my research to document all of these forms, but… Yes, I do hope to find a way to fix the ones that can be fixed. Living, corrupted, unstable anomalies are one of the most notable types- they’re the ones I want to help. I understand it to be a dreadful existence, to be mangled into a mockery of yourself that can only damn others with that same corruption… I want to find a way to undo it, to save the innocent beings- human and Pokemon alike- that fell victim to this horrible fate.”
“Truth be told, I…”
Their gaze flickers over to something on the left side of the desk you’re settled at for a brief moment. But, they shake their head, turning their attention back to you.
“… Nevermind. I- I myself have experimented with some that have fallen into my possession, but I wouldn’t dare directly interact with one until I know for certain it is safe. I would highly recommend you use that same precaution. My theory on why Pokemon are more often subject to them, aside from their notably different makeup than humans, is that they- the less intelligent ones, at least- can’t exercise that wariness.”
“But, if I went into every theory I had about that, well- we’d be here all day. I’ve probably bored and distracted you enough… Please, don’t mind my rambling.”
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