Wanderer of the Pokémon World

Chapter 268: Someone Has to Stand Up

Xiu looked at the map, his mind processing the information rapidly. "The League has reacted, I assume?"

"They are organizing," Professor Oak confirmed, his voice grave, "but the incident happened too suddenly. There isn't enough time for a full mobilization. They can only hastily build a defense line." He added,

"And to avoid panic, they've blocked the news. Most ordinary people have no idea what's coming."

Something of this scale..., Xiu thought. Well-informed people are probably already preparing, or even evacuating. He felt a familiar sense of his own limitations in such a large-scale crisis. "Doctor," he asked, "do you think the Alliance can stop it?"

Professor Oak shook his head solemnly. His meaning was clear: he doubted it.

Xiu refocused on the map on the screen. One group towards Viridian City, another towards Pewter, a third towards Celadon. All major cities near Viridian Forest are being targeted. "What did Nurse Joy say?"

"This intel is from Joy," Professor Oak replied, a hint of irritation in his tone. "They want to invite me to Viridian City to help stabilize the situation." He slumped into his chair.

"What do you think, Xiu?" Professor Oak asked, looking at him.

Xiu took a moment to think. "Viridian Forest itself is indefensible. Once the attack comes, it will be a direct confrontation. The first priority is to build a defense line along their route to thin out their numbers.

Then, evacuate civilians in the eastern part of Viridian City and use the city buildings for a final stand. Sacrifice some areas to save the majority." He paused. "Of course, it would be best if someone with extraordinary strength could stop this beast tide within the forest."

"But that armored Pokémon you saw… it will definitely come out to stop any such attempt, right?" Professor Oak countered.

Xiu's expression turned cold. The Alliance… how could they let Team Rocket gather such an exaggerated force? Especially after I gave a warning. He knew complaining was useless. That familiar feeling of powerlessness washed over him.

"You've done a great job, Xiu," Professor Oak said, noticing his distress. "Leave the rest to us." He sighed. "I never expected this. I thought Team Rocket might try another direct attack, but provoking a beast tide of this scale… it's illogical. Even if they take Viridian City, they'll only get ruins. There's no benefit."

"Doctor, are you planning to go to Viridian City?" Xiu asked.

"Do I have a choice?" Professor Oak replied, sounding helpless. "My foundation is here. If Viridian City falls, Pallet Town will be next."

Xiu understood. "Alright. We prepare tonight and leave tomorrow."

"No!" Professor Oak interrupted. "You stay here. I need someone to look after Daisy and Gary."

Xiu narrowed his eyes, hesitated, then agreed. "I understand."

Early the next morning, Xiu found Professor Oak already dressed and ready to leave, looking surprisingly resolute. "Doctor," Xiu began, a little emotional.

"I'm leaving. Daisy and Gary are in your care now," Professor Oak said, patting Xiu's shoulder.

"Doctor, with all due respect, I still think the risk is too great," Xiu said, trying one last time. "This isn't something you and I can take on alone. Let the Alliance worry about it. We should focus on protecting Pallet Town." He knew the level of power Mewtwo possessed.

Oak going there was a death sentence. He'd only wanted Oak to pass on the message.

Professor Oak smiled. "Don't be so nervous. I just need to appear on TV, like last time."

"No, Doctor, I'm not stupid," Xiu insisted. "Things have developed beyond that. This isn't something you or I can control."

Professor Oak dropped the pretense, a wry smile on his face. "Many people are moving backwards, Xiu. But someone has to move forward, right?"

Xiu was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I will take good care of Daisy and Gary." He then added, "But if you meet that armored Pokémon, don't try to fight it.

I know what psychic power on that level means. It's simply not something ordinary Pokémon can contend with.

If you really encounter it and can't run away, try shouting 'Who are you?' at it and give it an identity crisis." It felt like a ridiculous suggestion, but it was all he could offer.

"Don't underestimate me, you brat," Professor Oak said, a spark of his old fire returning. "The one standing in front of you is the first champion of the Indigo League Tournament! I will let you see what I can do!"

He then turned and walked towards the back mountain. "Leave the rest to us."

Xiu watched him disappear into the dense forest. Soon after, the entire back mountain seemed to come alive with the roars, cries, and whispers of powerful Pokémon. 

So this is Professor Oak's true strength, Xiu thought, stunned.

After a long time, he realized Daisy was standing next to him.

"What are you doing?" she asked.