The first thing that greeted Ryuuske as he opened his eyes was a pair of slender, beautiful legs. The girl's white lace socks accentuated her fair, alluring skin, and if he strained his gaze upward, he could catch a glimpse of something even more tantalizing. Unfortunately, her skirt was too long, revealing only the faintest hint of what lay beneath.
Not that Ryuuske felt any regret—after all, when the girl had been unconscious earlier, he had already taken the liberty of exploring those enticing sights for himself. By any standard, his actions had been utterly inappropriate, which was why, when she had risked her life to save him despite everything, he had felt a rare pang of guilt.
"Awake?"
The girl's playful, charming voice drifted into his ears. Ryuuske gave a slight nod and pushed himself up. A day of rest had done him good, and the violet glow that had filled his eyes had faded back into their usual black.
"I'm feeling much better."
"If you're better, then eat something."
Green handed him some food—not a lovingly prepared homemade meal, just some compressed rations meant to replenish energy. Ryuuske wasn't picky. He took the energy bar-like item, took a bite, and washed it down with water.
Months of surviving in the wild had hardened his resolve. When he could afford to indulge, he wouldn't deny himself good food, but when circumstances demanded it, he could stomach even the most unpalatable fare as long as it kept him going.
"Since you're better, I'll be leaving now. Don't get the wrong idea—I'm not taking you with me. You'll have to find your own way out of here. Heehee~"
The girl had regained her usual mischievous energy, like a little devil who was both endearing and exasperating.
Only now did Ryuuske notice that Green was already dressed and ready to go. Her wounds had faded thanks to medicine, and though the lack of proper facilities meant she couldn't freshen up completely, she still looked bright and lively.
After a brief pause, Ryuuske spoke again.
"...Let me introduce myself properly. Ryuuske, from Viridian City."
"Hmm?"
Green blinked her expressive, captivating eyes before biting her lip and answering, "...Green. I guess I'm from Viridian City too."
She hesitated, her memories of life before the age of five being hazy.
But soon, her usual cheerfulness returned.
"...Remember this, Ryuu! I saved your life this time. You owe me one. So when I come asking for a favor, you better not refuse!"
"Don't worry. I won't even bother with excuses like 'it's against the law' or 'it's immoral.' If you ever need anything, I'll help."
Ryuuske's tone was solemn, his promise absolute.
'Hmm… this way, it's not a total loss. I risked my life to save him, and in return, I got a promise. With a Pokémon like Mewtwo, he might really be useful someday.'
No—even without Mewtwo, given how fast he was growing, it wouldn't be long before he became a formidable trainer in his own right.
Green wasn't sure if she was making this demand to justify her earlier reckless act of saving him or to ensure their paths would cross again. But either way, she had done it.
Pushing away the flustered, uneasy feelings in her chest, she flashed him a coquettish smile.
"...Well then, handsome, I'm off! Heehee~ Don't miss me too much~ Who knows? We might see each other again sooner than you think!"
She tossed a Poké Ball, releasing her Jigglypuff, and with a wink and a blown kiss, she grabbed onto its foot and floated into the sky like a hot air balloon.
Ryuuske watched until her figure shrank to a speck in the distance before slowly standing up and stretching.
Mewtwo's cellular erosion left no lasting side effects—only the risk of death if he pushed past his limits.
[I'm sorry, Ryuu. During the battle, I completely lost track of your condition. I couldn't control myself.]
Mewtwo's voice echoed in his mind, filled with remorse.
Ryuuske shook his head with a quiet laugh.
"...No need to apologize, Mewtwo. I told you from the start—our bond is unbreakable. Your determination is mine. So? Feeling better now?"
[I am stronger than it. Just as you said, I am Mewtwo—a Pokémon that surpasses Mew!]
Inside its Poké Ball, Mewtwo sat cross-legged, a faint smirk curling its lips.
"Of course. There's no such thing as 'original' or 'copy' between you two. Mewtwo is Mewtwo, and Mew is Mew. You're different beings. Even if you resemble it, you're in no way an inferior imitation!"
[I no longer have such doubts. I don't know what comes next, so I'll stay by your side—until your own resolve is fulfilled.]
Mewtwo's voice carried a sense of liberation, as though it had finally shattered all restraints and fully embraced its existence in this world.
"My ambition won't be achieved overnight. So, Mewtwo, stay with me until I accomplish my goal."
Ryuuske rummaged through his bag for a fresh change of clothes, tossing the tattered ones aside. After straightening himself up, he prepared to leave.
[That girl took something of yours.]
"I know. But she's going to lose more than she gains. Even if she saved me, I'm not the type to let others take advantage of me."
Ryuuske chuckled as he raised his hand—Green's wallet hovered above his palm.
"...No matter how skilled a thief is, it's no match for psychic powers."
Tossing a Poké Ball to the side, he called out,
"...Let's go, Gabite and Dratini. Next stop—Vermilion City. It's a bit of a trek from here, but that's fine. This journey will be perfect for your training."
Dratini coiled around his neck with a soft "Mii!", while Gabite walked protectively beside him. Hands in his pockets, Ryuuske set off toward Vermilion City.
Not long after he left, the air where he had been standing shimmered. Mew suddenly appeared, spinning in playful circles like a puppy chasing its tail. Its large, adorable eyes blinked curiously before it peeked timidly in the direction Ryuuske had gone—then stealthily followed.
---
Meanwhile, floating through the sky atop her Jigglypuff, Green hummed a tune as she pulled something out of her pocket—Ryuuske's wallet.
"I saved your life, so taking a little advance payment and reclaiming what's mine shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Giggling mischievously, she eagerly opened the wallet, hoping to find a hefty sum inside. A trainer as strong as him surely wouldn't be short on cash!
But her face fell almost instantly.
The wallet was completely empty—not a single coin inside, its only value being the wallet itself.
"Did he not put the money he took from me in here? But that doesn't make sense—even if he didn't, there should still be something!"
A sudden realization struck her, and she frantically checked her own pockets.
Her expression twisted.
Her wallet was gone.
Like a defeated rooster, Green slumped over Jigglypuff in despair.
"...We're doomed. Not a single penny left. Come on, Jigglypuff, let's hurry back to Cerulean City—we need to scam some money before we starve!"
To be continued…
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