Chapter 257: Doubts
"So… then what?" Rinko asked, still trying to piece together the rapid sequence of events. Most Trainers, even those with some experience, would have understood his explanation of luring the Fearow to the ground. Rinko, however, was a botanist, not a strategist.
"The goal," Xiu reiterated patiently, "was never to kill the Fearow. It was to neutralize it, to control the situation. I didn't dodge immediately because I needed to exploit the inherent weakness of its Drill Peck attack.
The closer it got to the ground, the faster its dive, the less control it had over its trajectory. That was my opportunity. If I had dodged too early, it would have simply adjusted its attack and prolonged the battle."
"So, you're saying that on the ground, the Fearow was no longer a significant threat?" Rinko asked, slowly connecting the dots.
"Essentially, yes," Xiu confirmed. "Abra could easily overpower it at close range. The real challenge was its aerial superiority. Chasing it through the canopy would have been a waste of time and energy. Luring it down was the most efficient solution."
He omitted, of course, the fact that Abra had subtly intervened the moment he dodged, implanting a mental suggestion onto Fearow that had sent it completely off balance, ensuring its crash. That level of coordination and trust was a secret best kept between himself and Abra.
"You… you thought of all that, in that split second?" Rinko looked at him, a mixture of awe and disbelief in her eyes.
"I'm not even the best of what I do," Xiu demurred, deflecting the compliment. "My level is still far behind those true elites." He thought of Professor Oak, of Director Bao Ba, individuals whose intellect and foresight dwarfed his own. Compared to them, I'm still just an amateur, a student.
His words, however, seemed to strike an unexpected chord with Rinko. She fell silent, her expression turning thoughtful, almost conflicted.
"What is it, Rinko?" Xiu asked, noticing her change in demeanor.
She looked up at him, a hesitant, almost shy expression on her face. "Xiu…" she began, her voice soft, "could you… could you teach me? About Pokémon battling? I want to learn."
Xiu was taken aback. "Why? Why the sudden interest in something like this?"
"Because," she said, her voice gaining a quiet intensity, "if I knew more, perhaps I could have helped today. Not just stood by, useless." She paused, then added, a touch of sadness in her voice.
"And… my father always said… only those who truly understand and can train Grass-type Pokémon effectively are worthy of inheriting the Murasame Botanical Garden."
"Your father said that?" Xiu asked, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "When?"
"It was something he often mentioned," Rinko replied, her gaze distant, nostalgic.
Only those who can train Grass-types well can inherit the Murasame Botanical Garden… Xiu thought for a moment before delving deeper into grass-types.
Grass-types, though often underestimated, could be incredibly versatile— capable of both support and offensive roles. For example, terra grass Incineroar's immunity to spore type attacks and supporting moveset[1], Rillaboom and Tapu Bulu's access to U-Turn and terrains, Ogerpon's incredible versatility, Gigantimax Venusaur and G-Max Vine Lash, Ferrothorn's set-up, and not to forget Amoongus who can put everyone to sleep.
The garden, with its unique, potentially dangerous botanical secrets… perhaps it was a warning— Do not delve into the deeper secrets, do not attempt to unravel the secrets of our legacy, until you possess the strength of Grass-type Pokémon – to defend yourself, to protect that knowledge.
Seeing Xiu's somber expression, Rinko misinterpreted his hesitation. "What's wrong?" she asked anxiously. "You… you can't teach me?"
"No, no, it's not that," Xiu said quickly, shaking his head, forcing a reassuring smile. "I was just… thinking about something else." He met her hopeful gaze. "I told you before, Rinko, if there's any way I can help, I will. That promise still stands."
"Oh, thank you, Xiu!" Rinko exclaimed, her face lighting up, her fists clenched in front of her with an almost childlike excitement.
Xiu looked at her, a wave of pity washing over him. She was so… isolated. So naive, in many ways. Her Gloom, though clearly well-cared for, likely possessed little to no actual combat experience.
The farthest Rinko herself had probably ever traveled was to Pallet Town. He decided to indulge her curiosity and offer her a glimpse of the wider world beyond the garden.
He began to speak of the different regions, the diverse Pokémon, and the challenges and wonders he'd encountered – carefully editing out the more questionable aspects of his experiences, of course.
They chatted for a while longer. Suddenly, Xiu noticed movement from the shade beneath the eaves of the villa where he'd left the injured Fearow's Poké Ball.
The Pokémon had awakened. He excused himself from Rinko and went to check on it.
Its vitality, typical of wild Pokémon, was indeed remarkable. Though still weak, its eyes were clearer, more alert. It was lying on its side, the healthy Fearow nestled protectively beside it, grooming its feathers. After observing them for a moment, however, Xiu's brow furrowed. Something still felt… off.
"What is it, Xiu?" Rinko asked, having followed him over.
"I'm just… curious," Xiu replied slowly, his gaze fixed on the Fearow's injury. "How exactly did an injury like that happen?"
Rinko looked puzzled. "What's so strange about that?"
"The way it impaled this Fearow..." Xiu mused, almost to himself. "I couldn't quite place it before, but the more I think about it…" He paused, then looked at her, his eyes narrowed in thought.
"Fearow are high-altitude fliers, incredibly agile in open sky. Their legs are tucked up close to their body during flight. For something to cause a penetrating wound like that, in that specific location… I don't believe it's just a simple accident."
"Then… what are you suggesting?" Rinko asked, her voice hesitant, unease in her eyes.
Xiu's lips curved into a strange, humorless smile. "Why speculate," he said, "when we can simply ask?" He turned towards the two Fearow.
Abra materialized silently at his side as the healthy Fearow immediately tensed, a low growl rumbling in its throat, positioning itself protectively in front of its injured mate.
Xiu ignored it. His gaze was fixed on the recovering bird. "Don't be nervous," he projected, his voice calm, his mental tone reassuring. "We just want to talk." He then looked at Abra. "Ask it. How did this happen?"
Abra's eyes glowed faintly. It focused its psychic energy on the injured Fearow. After a moment of silent communion, Abra turned its gaze back to Xiu, then slowly shook its head.
"Hmm." Xiu considered this. "Then perhaps… a direct approach is warranted." He nodded to Abra. "Show me."
Abra floated closer to the injured Fearow, placing one small, three-fingered hand gently on its head. The Fearow flinched but offered no resistance, too weak, perhaps, or sensing Abra's non-hostile intent.
Rinko watched, confused and apprehensive, as Abra's eyes began to glow with a more intense blue light.
Familiar sensations washed over Xiu – the disorienting shift as Abra projected a stream of raw sensory data directly into his mind. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to be drawn into the Fearow's memories…
…High sky. Soaring. Wind beneath wings. Its mate, flying close beside it. The feeling of exhilaration and freedom. Then, a sudden, inexplicable shift in the air currents. Movement from the dense forest canopy far below. A sense of unease, of danger…
Xiu, experiencing the memory as if he were the Fearow itself, could only observe as a passive passenger in the bird's terror.
…Something erupting from the trees. Fast. Too fast. Branches? No… something else. Sharpened wood, yes, but… glowing? Wrapped in a shimmering, pale blue light.
Dozens of them. Lancing upwards like arrows, like spears. Different sizes, different angles, but all aimed, all imbued with a terrifying, unnatural power…
The memory ended there, dissolving into a maelstrom of pain and fear.
[1] if yk, yk.