Chapter 221: A Spark of Defiance
The pickup truck, a battered but reliable two-seater, presented an immediate challenge for three passengers. So, Professor Oak had to take the wheel, leaving Xiu and Xiaochun to figure out the passenger side. Given Xiaochun's petite frame, the solution was simple, if a little awkward: she settled onto Xiu's lap.
"You're too light," Xiu murmured, shifting slightly to make her more comfortable. He jiggled his thigh, gauging her weight. "Barely feel you there. Like a pillow." Seriously, she needs proper nutrition. Get her back to a healthy weight, then worry about everything else. "We need to get more food into you when we get back."
"Hey! Keep still back there, you two!" Professor Oak called out, glancing over with a mockingly stern expression as he navigated the newly reopened roads leading out of Viridian City.
"No problem, Professor!" Xiu chuckled, then deftly changed the subject, looking down at Xiaochun. "Speaking of which… Xiaochun can't speak. Professor, do you think there's any chance of her recovering her voice?"
Oak frowned, his gaze briefly flicking to Xiaochun in the rearview mirror. "It's difficult to say without a proper examination," he replied thoughtfully. "If the vocal cords themselves are damaged, and it's been some time… full recovery might be challenging."
He quickly added, likely sensing Xiaochun's silent attention, "Of course, we won't know the specifics until we can run some tests back at the lab. It could be nerve damage, or something else entirely. There's always a possibility, depending on the exact cause."
"Don't worry," Xiu said softly to Xiaochun, offering a reassuring smile. "We'll figure it out. We'll do everything we can." His smile, though faint, seemed to carry a quiet conviction that made Xiaochun look up at him, her usual guarded expression softening almost imperceptibly.
Oak observed the interaction, his own expression unreadable, though the slight tension in his shoulders seemed to ease. Truth be told, Oak hadn't been entirely thrilled about the prospect of Xiaochun accompanying them back to Pallet Town.
He was accustomed to his solitary, research-focused life. Accepting Xiu had been driven by a debt to an old friend and a scientist's curiosity about Xiu's unusual Pokémon and abilities.
Even then, Xiu had initially been relegated to the warehouse, partly due to Abra's psychic nature, and partly because Oak wasn't used to sharing his personal space. Over time, however, Xiu's competence, his ability to handle mundane tasks and free up Oak's time for research, had made him an indispensable, even if unconventional, assistant.
But another child, a young girl requiring significant care and attention… that was a different matter. Oak had initially suggested enrolling Xiaochun in one of the Joy Family's specialized schools, ensuring her a safe future and a means of survival.
However, when Xiu had insisted on bringing her to Pallet Town, promising to take full responsibility for her care, Oak had acquiesced, albeit with some initial reservations. Now, seeing the quiet bond forming between Xiu and the girl, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad after all.
His thoughts were interrupted as he instinctively slammed on the brakes. The truck skidded to an abrupt halt. Xiu reacted instantly, his arms tightening around Xiaochun, bracing her against the sudden deceleration.
"What is it?!" Xiu demanded, his head snapping up, eyes scanning their surroundings, every sense on high alert. An ambush?
Xiaochun, nestled securely in his arms, looked up at him, her small face calm despite the sudden stop. Xiu, however, was a coiled spring, half-expecting a Hyper Beam to erupt from the roadside trees.
He had noticed signs of recent conflict along this route – hastily repaired road surfaces and scorch marks left on trees. With Viridian just reopening, it wasn't impossible that some rogue element might try to reignite the chaos, force the local Joy Family's hand.
"It's alright, Xiu," Oak said calmly, though his own senses were clearly heightened. "There's just something on the road ahead. I'll check it out." He opened his door and cautiously stepped out.
Dubious but trusting Oak's instincts, Xiu gently set Xiaochun down on the seat and followed Professor Oak, his hand hovering near the Poké Balls on his belt.
The 'something' was about ten meters ahead, lying on the dusty shoulder of the road. Xiu let out a quiet breath. Not an ambush. Just… it was sad.
It was a small bird Pokémon, sparrow-like, its feathers ruffled and bloodied. "A Pidgey," Xiu identified it immediately. Common in Kanto fields. This one, however, was smaller than average, looking utterly wretched, half-dead.
One wing was clearly broken, twisted at an unnatural angle, feathers matted with dried blood, the bone likely crushed. The other wing was tucked tightly against its body. A small metal band, an owner's tag, was clamped around one leg. Its tail feathers were sparse, some missing entirely.
And most tellingly, its beak and talons had been blunted, filed down – a common practice for 'pet' Pokémon not intended for battling, to prevent them from causing harm. This wasn't a wild Pidgey, or even a Trainer's battle Pokémon. This was someone who abandoned a domesticated Pigdey, left all alone in the wild.
"Looks like it was abandoned," Xiu murmured, glancing at Oak.
"No hope for it now," Oak said quietly, his voice enunciating his pragmatic assessment. He shook his head slowly. "Can't survive in the wild like this, especially with that wing. Best to… end its suffering."
Xiu nodded grimly. He reached down, intending to deliver a quick, merciful end. But as his fingers brushed the Pidgey's feathers, the small bird, with a surprising burst of energy, twisted its head and pecked weakly at his hand.
Its blunted beak couldn't break the skin, but it left a small, stinging red mark on the back of his hand.
"Heh, quite feisty aren't you?" Xiu recoiled slightly, more surprised than hurt. He couldn't help a short, ironic laugh. He had navigated the dangers of Viridian City, faced down armed thugs and psychic anomalies without a scratch, only to be 'defeated' by a half-dead, crippled Pidgey.
He looked at the tiny bird again, a flicker of interest in his eyes. It was glaring at him defiantly, despite its obvious pain and weakness. He reached out a finger to gently stroke its head, and it pecked at him again, feebly trying to struggle upright, its small body trembling with effort.
However, the exertion was too much. It collapsed back onto the dusty ground, its head drooping, though its eyes remained fixed on Xiu, a spark of defiance still burning within.
"Professor," Xiu said suddenly, looking up at Oak. "What if… what if we try to save it?"
Oak glanced at the Pidgey, then back at Xiu, a familiar, resigned expression on his face. "Do as you wish, Xiu," he sighed. "But don't expect me to nurse it back to health." He shrugged and turned back towards the truck.
Xiu's faint smile returned. He crouched beside the Pidgey, pulling out an empty Poké Ball. "Alright, little one," he murmured. "I'm going to try and help you. Don't fight me on this."
Whether it was exhaustion or understanding, the Pidgey offered no further resistance. Xiu gently pressed the Poké Ball to its head. With a soft click and a flash of red light, the injured bird was drawn inside.
The PokéBall will stabilize it and keep it alive until we get back to Pallet Town. Then we'll see what can be done. He stood, pocketing the ball, and rejoined Oak and Xiaochun in the truck.