Chapter 220: Fallouts and Fortunes
Sachiko continued her report in Nurse Joy's office. "Regarding Kiba, a thorough check revealed no direct ties to Team Rocket or other illicit organizations. His entourage also appears clean.
The individual who took him hostage, one of his personal assistants, seems to have acted impulsively out of desperation when he realized he was about to be detained."
So, Kiba himself was an innocent bystander, albeit an arrogant and unhelpful one, Xiu noted. His assistant, however, was a fool who panicked.
"According to other members of Kiba's team," Sachiko explained, "they had been sheltering in a private hotel outside the city center during the worst of the disturbances.
They only ventured out today after hearing the situation had stabilized, intending to stage some sort of public appearance at the Pokémon Center for attention."
Well, that was just dumb... Xiu summarized mentally.
"Ms. Yuan," Nurse Joy began, her tone warm and approving, "your actions in supporting the Pokémon Center in this time of crisis are commendable. You acted with integrity and courage." She then glanced at Xiu.
"And Mr. Xiu, your decisive intervention in the cafeteria, while perhaps… unorthodox still upheld necessary order. Both of you acted to protect the Pokémon Center's standing, and for that, you have my gratitude."
With that established, Nurse Joy's expression hardened as she turned to the matter of Kiba and his associate. "As for those who chose not to contribute during a crisis, who instead sought to exploit the city's suffering for personal gain and disrupt public order… they will be dealt with severely." Her voice was cold, final. The 'unknown Miss Joy' from headquarters, sitting beside Head Nurse Joy, nodded in grim agreement.
Xiu watched them, cynical amusement in his eyes. They're but sacrificial lambs to demonstrate the Joy's authority. He knew true justice for the masterminds behind Viridian's suffering was unlikely. This was about re-establishing control and making examples.
"Ms. Yuan and I simply did what any responsible citizen would do," Xiu interjected smoothly, deflecting any further praise. "As for Kiba and his associates, we have complete faith in your judgment, Head Nurse." He glanced at Xiaoyuan, who quickly caught his cue.
"Yes," Xiaoyuan echoed. "We trust your decisions completely." She then seized the opportunity to pivot. "Actually, Head Nurse, on behalf of our modest enterprise, and in recognition of the incredible efforts of the Pokémon Center staff, I would like to donate a significant consignment of supplies. We have three truckloads of fresh berries and three of other essential materials ready for dispatch. They can be delivered as soon as the roads are clear, to help replenish the Pokémon Center's depleted reserves."
Head Nurse Joy's smile returned, broader this time. "That is exceptionally generous, Ms. Yuan. Truly a timely offer." The city's closure had crippled supply chains, and the Pokémon Center, despite its reserves, had been stretched to the breaking point caring for so many.
"The roads," the young Joy from headquarters interjected calmly, her voice holding an unshakable confidence, "will be open by day's end." Of course, they will, Xiu thought. When absolute power speaks, reality tends to comply.
After a few more pleasantries and veiled political maneuvers, Xiu and Xiaoyuan excused themselves. Emerging from the office, Xiaoyuan felt a surge of confidence, a lightness she hadn't experienced in days. She had faced down powerful people, spoken her mind, and was even recognized for her significant contribution.
Xiu, however, was quick to temper her newfound enthusiasm. "You handled yourself well in there, Xiaoyuan," he said, his tone neutral. "But don't let it go to your head. You were up against some of the most powerful individuals in the region.
But it was Nurse Joy that truly carried the day. If she hadn't supported your position and caught a whiff of what we do, they could have dismantled us in seconds."
Xiaoyuan's elation deflated slightly, replaced by a more sober reflection. He was right. Without Joy's protection, without Xiu's unspoken cues, she would have been out of her league. The adrenaline faded, leaving a residue of fear, a clearer understanding of the dangerous games played at that level.
"You need to remain calm in those situations," Xiu continued, his voice softening slightly. "Don't be intimidated by titles or reputations. Assess your own position, your own leverage – your cards. Try to anticipate theirs.
And when you make a move, always consider the potential counter. If you can master that, then you truly won't need me looking over your shoulder anymore."
"I'll work on it," Xiaoyuan said, a new determination hardening her gaze. "I will."
"Good." Xiu offered a rare, genuine smile. They chatted for a few more minutes, then Xiaoyuan excused herself to oversee the final preparations for the supply convoy.
Xiu stood alone in the bustling lobby for a long moment, watching her leave, reviewing the events of the past few days. The power plays, the violence, the unexpected alliances. The immediate conflict is over. The pieces on the market have been calming down.
Whether true justice would prevail for the city was debatable, but his own objectives were largely met. The Beedrill's legacy was secured. Xiaoyuan was on a path to greater strength and independence. His own financial stability was, for now, assured. It was time to move on.
As predicted, the changes came swiftly. Overnight, the heavy security presence vanished from most city streets. Blockades were lifted. Supply routes reopened. Prices for essential goods began to stabilize. Buses, brought in from other regions, began transporting stranded tourists out of the city in a continuous stream.
Viridian City, bruised and battered, slowly began to breathe again.
Xiu stood in the small square outside the Pokémon Center, watching the exodus of tourists, the signs of returning normalcy. Xiaochun stood silently beside him, Ditto a formless lump in her arms.
Professor Oak approached, joining him at the edge of the square. "Well, Xiu," Oak said, a note of weary satisfaction in his voice. "It appears our work here is finally done."
"So it seems, Professor," Xiu replied, turning slightly to acknowledge him.
"I've informed Nurse Joy and the others that we'll be leaving soon," Oak continued, his gaze also fixed on the reviving city. He paused, then asked, his voice thoughtful, "All that effort, all that chaos… and in the end, Nurse Joy only managed to apprehend a few mid-level operatives. The real masterminds, the ones who have plagued this region for years, remain untouched."
"Heh." A cynical sneer touched Xiu's lips. "Did you truly expect otherwise, Professor? Did you think Nurse Joy, despite all her power, could simply dismantle a deeply entrenched criminal network operating within the League's own rules?
They made their preparations long ago. They are insulated, protected. To expect their complete eradication is… naive." He knew this reality better than most. You can't defeat the house when the house sets the rules and owns the casino.
"But," Xiu continued, his voice hardening, "this public display of force, the Joy Family cracking down their operations, and Miss Kona arriving as the League's investigator… it sends a message.
It forces concessions and negotiations, representing the interests of the established powers who want stability, even if it means tolerating certain… irregularities… as long as they remain within acceptable bounds."
He looked at Oak. "And it seems a deal was struck. Those behind the scenes have likely agreed to relinquish their overt control over Viridian City. In return, the Joy Family gets to look effective, the League gets to claim order is restored, and everyone saves face.
And Head Nurse Joy, to consolidate her new, stronger position here, needs local allies, reliable partners to help manage these… 'newly available' assets. My friend, Xiaoyuan, with her fledgling business, is perfectly positioned to be one of those partners." Some players lose, others gain, but the game itself continues.
Oak listened, his expression unreadable. He glanced at Xiu, a new understanding dawning in his eyes. This young man… wasn't just intelligent and resourceful. He was deeply cynical, ruthlessly pragmatic, and possessed an ambition that was both unsettling and, perhaps, necessary for survival in the world they inhabited.
"And you won't be explaining all this to your friend Xiaoyuan?" Oak asked quietly, gesturing vaguely towards the bustling city.
"No need," Xiu replied, his expression unreadable. "I've told her everything she needs to know." He turned away from the square, walking towards a battered pickup truck parked nearby, its cargo bed laden with supplies covered by a patched canvas tarp. Xiaochun, after a moment's hesitation, followed him.
"Hey! You're driving!" Oak called out, hurrying after them as Xiu moved towards the driver's side door.
Xiu paused, glanced at Xiaochun already settling into the passenger seat, then looked back at Oak with a resigned, helpless smile.
Some battles aren't worth fighting.