Pokemon: A New Path-An Old Friend [444]

It had been several years since they last met.

The first time they encountered one another was on the Island, during a time when Mewtwo was still lost in its search for meaning. To uncover the purpose of its existence, Mewtwo had transformed the ruins of Team Rocket's former research lab into a grand castle. It invited powerful humans to this eerie banquet as part of its plans to prove the superiority of its kind.

It was during this fateful gathering that Mew appeared, breaking into the castle.

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Mewtwo, created from Mew's own genetic material, engaged Mew in a fierce battle to prove that the clone was superior to the original. The fight quickly escalated, dragging in the Pokémon and Trainers who had been lured to the island.

Amid the chaos, a young Trainer named Ash stepped in to stop the clash, only to be caught in the crossfire and turned to stone. The Pokémon present cried out in anguish, their tears combining to miraculously revive Ash.

Witnessing this act of love and unity between humans and Pokémon deeply moved Mewtwo. It abandoned its plans for revenge and led the cloned Pokémon away from the Island in search of peace.

The second time they met was on a cliffside.

It was there that Mewtwo learned of the Great Hero Expedition Team and came to better understand Mew—the being it once saw as its "mother." At Mew's invitation, Mewtwo brought its group of cloned Pokémon to Naoki Ranch, where Naoki welcomed them warmly.

At the ranch, Mewtwo noticed how Naoki treated the cloned Pokémon no differently than any other. To Naoki, they were all living creatures with their own place in the world.

Perhaps out of gratitude—or perhaps for some other reason Mewtwo couldn't quite identify—it chose not to erase Naoki's memory of their visit, something it usually did for those who encountered it.

After leaving the ranch, Mewtwo and its companions traveled the world, searching for a sanctuary where they could live in peace.

But even after years of wandering, Mewtwo still hadn't found that place.

Yet, it didn't feel disheartened. Along the way, it met countless Pokémon and had ample time to reflect on life.

The human DNA within its body gave it intelligence and emotions beyond those of ordinary Pokémon. This journey of self-discovery had profoundly changed it.

Mewtwo's current state of mind was a stark contrast to the turmoil it experienced on New Island. It had grown from a creature filled with anger and resentment to one that understood the value of coexistence.

Through its travels, it had witnessed Pokémon treating it as an equal, not as something "other." For the first time, it felt like a part of the world—a being who had entered life as any other and would eventually leave it in the same way.

Now, reuniting with Mew, Mewtwo felt a surge of emotion. It found itself looking forward to sharing its experiences and hearing about Mew's own journey.

Suppressing its immense psychic power to avoid startling the forest's inhabitants, Mewtwo approached with its group of cloned Pokémon and called out telepathically:

"Mew."

Mew, napping beneath the shade of a towering tree, perked up at the familiar voice.

Still slightly groggy, it glanced toward the source and immediately recognized the figures in the clearing.

It was Mewtwo, along with the cloned Meowth, Pikachu, and others!

"Mi-u!" Mew chirped joyfully, springing into the air and darting over to greet them. It flew in circles around Mewtwo and its group, radiating excitement.

The commotion woke up Teddiursa and Zapdos, who were resting nearby.

Teddiursa's eyes lit up, and it rushed over to greet Mewtwo and its companions. "Ursa!"

Zapdos, unfamiliar with Mewtwo, seemed confused by its teammates' enthusiasm. Teddiursa quickly introduced the psychic powerhouse: "Ursa!" (This is Mewtwo, a good friend we met before!)

Realizing this, Zapdos relaxed. It nodded slightly at Mewtwo, acknowledging its presence.

Mewtwo returned the gesture before turning to Mew and Teddiursa.

"Long time no see," it said telepathically, its deep voice resonating in their minds.

"Mi-u!" Mew nodded enthusiastically, agreeing it had been far too long.

Curious, Mew tilted its head and asked, "Mi-u?" (Are you traveling too?)

Mewtwo nodded.

The Pokémon settled into the clearing, and Teddiursa brought out snacks made by Naoki from Zapdos's travel bag to share with the group.

Mewtwo glanced at the meticulously crafted treats, clearly made with care, and turned to Mew.

"Yes," Mewtwo said. "I wanted to see the world—and I'm searching for a place where the cloned Pokémon can live in peace."

Mew tilted its head and asked, "Mi-u?" (Have you found such a place yet?)

Mewtwo shook its head. "Not yet."

It explained that while the world was vast, many places were already occupied by humans, making them unsuitable. Mewtwo preferred a quiet, secluded valley—one untouched by humans, with a beautiful environment and abundant resources.

Of the three criteria, the availability of resources was the most important.

Initially, Mewtwo hadn't considered this, but as it traveled, it began to understand a fundamental truth: Pokémon needed food to survive.

For Mewtwo itself, finding food was no issue, but the companions it led were not so self-sufficient.

Every time they stopped to rest, Mewtwo's priority was finding a safe place for the group and then searching for food.

As it reflected on its journey, Mewtwo let out a rare sigh. "So, this is what life is. This is the life of humans and Pokémon born into this world."

Hearing this, Mew and Teddiursa exchanged a meaningful glance.

Both Mew and Teddiursa liked Mewtwo very much and already considered it a good friend.

In the past, when the night was quiet and everyone else was asleep, Mew would sometimes think about Mewtwo—wondering where it was and how it was doing.

That feeling only grew stronger after the World Tree began to flourish.

It would be wonderful if Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Meowth could come live on the World Tree with us.

Then we'd never have to be apart again!

Mew imagined the joys of seeing each other whenever they wanted, sharing fruit from the trees, stargazing, playing games, or inviting friends to explore secret bases.

Just thinking about it made Mew's heart feel light and happy.

Determined, both Mew and Teddiursa decided to extend an invitation.

Teddiursa stepped forward and said excitedly, "Ursa!" (Mewtwo, why don't you come live with us on the World Tree?)

Hearing the unfamiliar term, Mewtwo looked puzzled.

"The World Tree?" it repeated, its voice laced with curiosity.

Teddiursa nodded enthusiastically. "Ursa!" (That's right! The World Tree!)

Mew chimed in with a playful laugh. "Miu~" (Yes, it's a huge tree planted by Naoki! Many of our good friends live there now.)

Teddiursa's eyes sparkled as it added, "Ursa!" (If you come too, we can always be together!)

Naoki…

At the mention of that name, Mewtwo's mind wandered back to its last visit to Naoki Ranch. It recalled how the human had shared fruit wine with it and treated its group of cloned Pokémon with kindness.

"Naoki planted the World Tree?" Mewtwo asked.

Teddiursa nodded firmly. "Ursa!"

Mewtwo looked back at the group of cloned Pokémon that had been following it for years—Pikachu, Meowth, Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Sandslash, Gyarados, Golduck, Ninetales, Nidoking, Vaporeon, Rhyhorn, Flareon, Rapidash, and wigglytuff.

Over time, the group had grown to include even more companions: a Mareep, a Purrloin, a Bunnelby, an Eevee, a Mudbray, and a Skiddo.

These Pokémon had all faced hardship at the hands of humans, and Mewtwo had stepped in to rescue them. They had been with it ever since, relying on its strength and guidance.

Mewtwo's gaze softened as it observed its companions. It knew it wasn't making decisions just for itself anymore—there were others who depended on it.

Mew and Teddiursa watched as Mewtwo's thoughtful silence stretched on.

"Miu?" Mew tilted its head, sensing the hesitation.

Meanwhile, Teddiursa looked disheartened, unsure why Mewtwo wasn't immediately agreeing.

"Ursa…" (It would be so nice if we could all live together…)

Mewtwo's silence lingered, but it wasn't dismissive—it was contemplative.

At that moment, Mew's expression brightened as an idea came to mind.

"Miu!" (I've got it!)

Mew flew up to Mewtwo, its face glowing with excitement.

Startled, Mewtwo looked at Mew quizzically.

Mew curled its body, concentrating intensely, and a magical blue aura began radiating outward.

The air around them shimmered, and the forest clearing transformed into a breathtaking new scene.

In the blink of an eye, they were no longer surrounded by trees, but instead floating above an enormous, towering World Tree.

Almost in the blink of an eye, all the Pokémon noticed the massive tree towering before them.

Their faces lit up with surprise.

"Pika!"

"Meow?"

"..."

Even Mewtwo, who rarely showed emotion, was visibly taken aback. However, it quickly realized that this wasn't real—it was a projection of the World Tree created by Mew's memories!

"So, this is the World Tree?" Mewtwo gazed forward, a trace of curiosity in its voice.

In comparison to the enormous tree, they seemed so small and insignificant.

"Miu!"

Mew nodded enthusiastically, its tail curling in excitement.

With a wave of its telekinesis, Mew gently carried everyone forward through the scene.

They floated above the dense, vibrant treetops of the World Tree, revealing an expansive area below that left even Mewtwo stunned.

From above, the size of the World Tree's ecosystem rivaled that of a human-built metropolis.

There were lush forests, rolling green meadows, clear streams winding through the foliage, and a sparkling circular lake in the center of an open clearing.

This was only what they could see from their vantage point—there was surely more beyond the horizon.

As they soared over the treetops, Mew took the lead in introducing the World Tree:

"Miu~" (This is the World Tree. Don't worry, it's very quiet here. Except for Naoki, who occasionally visits, no other humans come here. The tree is a sanctuary for Pokémon. Naoki even promised to help us build a headquarters for our Expedition Guild right here!)

Teddiursa chimed in enthusiastically: "Ursa!" (That's right! There will also be a Pokémon Tavern, Pokémon Café, Pokémon Restaurant, and even a Pokémon Hospital—all run by Pokémon!)

"Miu!" (And Naoki will plant lots and lots of fruit trees, so no one will ever have to worry about being hungry again!)

Teddiursa's eyes burned with determination as it added: "Ursa!" (We want the name of the Great Hero Expedition Team to be known across the world! We'll help every Pokémon in need!)

Hearing this, the group of cloned Pokémon behind Mewtwo gazed at the scene before them with awe.

Even before Mewtwo could respond, they looked visibly moved.

If they could have a home like this—where endless fruits grew, where they could play with their companions upon waking, and where they wouldn't have to wander aimlessly—it would truly be paradise.

Most importantly, it would be a place they could share with Mewtwo.

After introducing the World Tree, Mew and Teddiursa didn't press further.

They simply stood back, watching Mewtwo and the other Pokémon quietly, leaving the decision in their hands.

Although Mew and Teddiursa dearly wished for Mewtwo and its companions to stay, the choice had to be made by them.

Mewtwo turned to face the cloned Pokémon that had followed it for so long.

As its gaze swept over them, it could already see their answer written in their eyes.

"Do you want to live here?"

Pikachu, cloned from Ash's Pikachu, was the first to respond: "Pika-pi!" (Only if you're coming with us.)

The cloned Meowth, originally part of Team Rocket's experiments, gave a soft, thoughtful response: "Meow."

Mewtwo's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of emotion crossing its face.

Its sharp, glowing eyes scanned the faces of the other Pokémon.

Mewtwo noticed Pokémon such as Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise nodding to it in unison.

Closing its eyes for a moment, Mewtwo whispered, "I understand."

When it reopened its eyes, it turned to the expectant Mew and Teddiursa.

"Thank you, Mew, Teddiursa," Mewtwo's deep voice echoed in the minds of the two Pokémon. "We'll set out together to see the place you mentioned."

"Miu!" Mew let out a joyful cry, spinning in the air with delight.

Teddiursa nodded excitedly, adding, "Teddi!" (You'll love it there! Once you stay, you won't have to wander around outside anymore!)

Seeing how much these two Pokémon cared, Mewtwo felt a twinge of emotion it rarely allowed itself to feel.

"Alright," Mewtwo said with a faint smile. Then, looking at them, it asked, "Will you come with us?"

Mew and Teddiursa shook their heads.

"Ursa!" (Not yet. Naoki gave us a few missions to complete. Right now, we're helping a Pokémon named Jirachi!)

"Miu!" (But we'll be back by winter. Then, I'll show you my secret base—it has lots of toys!)

Seeing Mew's playful innocence, akin to that of a human child, Mewtwo couldn't help but smile.

Could this truly be the Pokémon it was cloned from?

Their personalities were as different as night and day.

The human DNA within Mewtwo had taught it what a mother was, and in a way, Mew was its "mother."

Yet, looking at the carefree, childlike Mew in front of it, Mewtwo pushed the thought aside.

"Very well," it said softly. "We'll wait there for your return."

Later That Afternoon

After delivering the apples to his customers, Naoki began the drive back to the ranch.

The earthy scent of the country road filled the air as Naoki drove his old pickup truck at a steady pace.

A group of Eeveelutions had claimed the passenger seat, pressing their fluffy faces against the window, eagerly watching the scenery roll by.

In the back of the truck, Koraidon and Cyclizar rode along, enjoying the breeze.

From time to time, Naoki passed trainers with backpacks, some battling wild Pokémon in the tall grass while others hurried along.

Watching these scenes, Naoki couldn't help but feel like a background NPC in a game, living a simple life—driving his truck, working with Pokémon, and running errands.

"Ordinary people in the Pokémon world must feel like this," he mused, chuckling to himself.

Suddenly, Naoki noticed a young trainer standing on the roadside, frantically waving for help.

Raising an eyebrow, Naoki pulled over and leaned out the window.

"Hey, what's going on?"

The boy's expression was filled with urgency. "Sir, please help me! This Litleo is hurt and needs treatment immediately!"

Naoki glanced at the Pokémon in the boy's arms.

The Litleo looked frail and weak, its fur disheveled, and its body covered in scars. Its eyes were shut tightly, and its breathing was shallow.

"Don't worry—hold on!"

Naoki reached into the back of the truck and pulled out a bottle of Life Goat Milk.

"Feed this to Litleo. It'll feel better right away."

The boy hesitated for a moment before taking the bottle and gently feeding it to the injured Pokémon.

The next moment, something magical happened.

The milk glowed faintly, turning into a soothing energy that coursed through Litleo's body, healing its wounds at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Within seconds, Litleo's fur regained its luster, its wounds disappeared, and its breathing steadied. Slowly, it opened its eyes.