Dreamlike!

There were no visible fluctuations in the air, yet a storm had formed. This was the bizarre nature of psychic powers. As the "origin of life," Mew, who also belonged to the Psychic-type category, might not be able to match Mewtwo in terms of raw destructive power, but its versatility in abilities was in no way inferior.

"Mew~"

Accompanied by a soft, kitten-like mewl, a pair of ocean-blue, gem-like eyes appeared within that cherry-blossom-colored storm. A tiny and extremely adorable Pokémon, less than a meter tall, manifested before Ryuuske. Its body was a pale pink bordering on pure white, with a long tail swaying back and forth in the air. Its small hands resembled those of a baby, and its overall appearance was that of an unbearably cute creature—one that could easily make any girl's heart melt.

But anyone who truly understood this adorable Pokémon's real identity would definitely not think that way. It was said that Mew possessed the genes of all Pokémon and had once been considered the ancestor of them all. It could use all known Pokémon moves. Perhaps it wasn't the strongest among the legendary Pokémon, but even so, when faced with ordinary beings, it remained an insurmountable mountain.

Mew appeared before Ryuuske out of nowhere, its jewel-like eyes filled with innocence and curiosity. Just as Mewtwo had said, Mew always floated in the air using its psychic powers and moved via those same abilities. Yet even when showing itself in the flesh, it wasn't the type to float idly. Instead, it darted around like a hyperactive child with ADHD. Its confused gaze eventually settled on Ryuuske—and on the Poké Ball at his chest.

That puzzled expression looked as if it were saying:

 "Why am I suddenly a mom even though I've never gotten married?"

"Mew?"

As a legendary Pokémon, Mew instinctively sensed its fated connection with the Mewtwo inside the Poké Ball and could also feel Mewtwo's terrifying power. That's why it didn't carry itself with the majesty typical of legendaries. Instead, it carefully floated a little closer to Ryuuske, as if trying to get a better look.

Not wanting to be too close to such a dangerous being—no matter how cute it appeared—Ryuuske instinctively took a step back the moment Mew approached. His reaction startled Mew so badly it jumped like a frightened rabbit, retreating behind a tree and cautiously peeking its tiny head out again, softly mewling:

"Mew~?"

Mew glowed with a gentle, radiant light, like a beacon in the pitch-black night, announcing its presence.

"..."

Ryuuske was a bit speechless. He had been so cautious around Mew, yet this Pokémon turned out to be overly timid and overly curious—like a child who'd never grown up.

Mew blinked its large eyes, its expression almost human-like, as if struggling to speak. It wanted to approach Ryuuske, but seemed too afraid—probably due to the overwhelming pressure radiating from Mewtwo.

"Gible, give it a taste of Dragon Breath!"

Realizing that things couldn't go on like this, Ryuuske gave an order.

Though small, Gible could feel the terrifying psychic energy radiating from Mew. Still, it bared its teeth and unleashed a scorching Dragon Breath in Mew's direction. Just as Ryuuske expected, the breath distorted and vanished into thin air before reaching Mew—nullified completely by its psychic powers. It looked less like a dragon's breath and more like someone spitting water.

This outcome enraged Gible. It growled in place, grinding its teeth. If Ryuuske hadn't given a command to hold back, the reckless and aggressive Gible might have tried to bite Mew directly.

"Return, Gible!"

Ryuuske didn't hesitate to recall Gible into its Poké Ball. A good Trainer should always be aware of the situation and know when to back off. Gible would likely be severely injured in a single round against Mew, and any mistake could prove fatal. Calling it back was the wisest choice.

"We've found Mew! It's right here!"

Just as Ryuuske was about to release Mewtwo, shouts rang out from deeper in the forest. His brows furrowed—clearly, it was Team Rocket.

Mew's expression shifted to one of displeasure. It glanced once more at Ryuuske and the Poké Ball at his chest, then turned away and transformed into a cherry-blossom-colored aurora. The previously weak and innocent look in its eyes vanished as it glared in the direction of the noise. Instantly, the chaotic surroundings fell dead silent. Under Ryuuske's gaze, the Team Rocket members and their Pokémon froze like statues.

"This is... Illusion Technique!"

Ryuuske recognized the skill immediately—it was one of Mewtwo's specialties. One by one, dull thuds sounded as the Rocket members and their Pokémon collapsed onto the soft forest soil. The area turned eerily silent, as if haunted; even the sound of breathing vanished.

Then Mew, in its erratic flight pattern, once again turned into a flash of light using its psychic abilities and disappeared before Ryuuske's eyes.

As expected, that cute little creature had only shown its helpless side due to curiosity and fear of Mewtwo. In reality, Mew was a legendary Pokémon—its strength was far beyond what ordinary people could handle.

"Mewtwo, why are you silent?"

There wasn't a soul nearby—not even wild Pokémon remained, all scared off by Mew. Ironically, the area was now safer than ever.

[Ryuuske, you once said my name meant "to surpass Mew," didn't you?]

Mewtwo, who had remained silent since Mew's appearance, finally spoke—its emotions burning with an intensity unlike anything before. There was a fiery determination in its voice.

"I did say that. Why? What's wrong, Mewtwo?"

[I have a request.]

"Huh? That's rare. Go ahead, Mewtwo."

[Keep searching for it. Keep chasing Mew. The next time we meet, I want to battle it—to prove the meaning of my name!]

Ryuuske was filled with question marks. Ever since Mewtwo started communicating with him, it had never once expressed confusion about life or doubt about its own existence. But after seeing Mew, everything had changed. The burning battle spirit inside it was almost overwhelming.

Still, Ryuuske had no intention of denying Mewtwo's request. Instead, he smiled and replied:

"…Alright. Then we have a new goal—find Mew, and fight it!"

To be continued…