Pokémon: Raising Abandoned Pokémon into Legends

Chapter 329: Mew (Two-in-One)

Rio accepted the invitation and arrived at Rota. He was welcomed into the city by Queen Irene, the city’s ruler, who bore the title of queen. She was a striking beauty with long, silver, wavy hair.

"Welcome, Mr. Rio. Thank you for coming to Rota to participate in the festival honoring the Hero Aaron." As they entered the city, Queen Irene, to avoid awkward silence, took the initiative to speak to Rio, who walked beside her. "The people are very much looking forward to your arrival."

"You flatter me. I have great admiration for the Hero Aaron—I heard his story many times from my parents when I was young. It’s truly an honor to be invited here today." Rio spoke smoothly.

"Oh, is that so? I always thought many people in the Kanto region had forgotten Sir Aaron’s story. I didn’t expect you to have heard it since childhood." Queen Irene covered her mouth with a light laugh. "You’re not just saying that to please us, are you?"

"Not at all. I could recite Sir Aaron’s story from memory even now." Rio said.

"Oh? Then give me a brief summary—let me see if you’re bluffing." Queen Irene said.

"Easy." Rio shrugged. "If I remember correctly, Sir Aaron’s story takes place in ancient times, before Poké Balls were invented. Sir Aaron, as the Aura Guardian, and his partner Pokémon Lucario, were tasked with protecting Rota."

"Aura is a powerful ability that allows one to sense life energy and convey emotions. Sir Aaron and Lucario maintained peace in Rota through this power. Am I right so far?"

Queen Irene nodded—Rio’s account was accurate so far.

"Then what?" she prompted.

Rio continued: "One day, two great nations went to war over resources, and the battlefield was near Rota. The war threatened the ’World’s Beginning Tree,’ which maintained the world’s balance. Sir Aaron, as a third party, learned of the danger through Lucario’s reconnaissance."

"Realizing that he would have to sacrifice himself to end the war, he went alone to the World’s Beginning Tree, channeled his Aura to Mew, and activated the tree’s life force to create a blinding light that halted both sides."

"The war ended abruptly due to the World’s Beginning Tree’s intervention, and Rota enjoyed centuries of peace. Am I correct, Queen Irene?"

"Very well said." Queen Irene nodded approvingly. "It really does seem like you’ve listened to Sir Aaron’s story since childhood. In that case, Mr. Rio, would you like to participate in tomorrow’s Aura Guardian Festival as a competitor? The winner will receive the title of Aura Guardian and be allowed to temporarily wield Sir Aaron’s scepter."

"Me? Participate in the Aura Guardian Festival?" Rio looked surprised.

He knew well what the scepter contained—it would be a good thing to have it in his possession. But with his current strength, joining this festival would be like a father fighting his children. What would the other participants think? Seeing their opponent was the Kanto Champion, they’d probably be crushed.

"Are you sure you want me to join? Aren’t you worried about public outrage?" Rio said wryly.

Queen Irene covered her mouth and laughed. She understood exactly what Rio meant.

"I know what you’re thinking. So, to limit your strength, if you participate, we ask that you not bring your own Pokémon—you may choose one from our castle instead."

Rio relaxed. "If that’s the case, I suppose it’s doable."

"Exactly. And I’m sure the public will be thrilled when they hear—participant numbers will skyrocket." Irene smiled.

"They’ll skyrocket because everyone will want to fight me, beat me, and claim the title of someone who defeated the Kanto Champion, right?" Rio said wryly.

If that was the case, he could guarantee that 99% of those joining would rather forfeit the Aura Guardian title just to report that they’d fought him—and have a story to tell for years.

"Whether they can claim that title depends on whether you’re willing to lose to them, Mr. Rio." Irene said.

"Then they’re out of luck—they’ll probably never get that chance." Rio said proudly. "Since becoming a trainer, I’ve never lost. I haven’t lost in the past, I won’t lose now, and I never will."

Seeing Rio’s confident declaration, Irene’s eyes curved with amusement. For some reason, she felt a flutter.

"I’ll be watching, then. I hope you don’t get shown up in front of me." She smiled. "Come—once we’re inside the castle, I’ll show you our Pokémon and let you choose."

"Got it." Rio made an OK gesture.

Irene turned to give instructions to her attendants. Rio’s secretary Serīna took the opportunity to whisper her concerns—the festival was tomorrow, and Rio was only choosing his Pokémon today. It would be hard to compete against other participants who had trained with theirs. And those who heard Rio wouldn’t be using his own Pokémon might push themselves harder to win.

"Are you underestimating me? Don’t worry—I’m confident in my commanding skills. And if I lose, so what? It’s just one battle. I’m not that concerned." Rio said casually.

"Then why were you so boastful just now?" Serīna’s eyes widened.

"Going out without showing off is like not going out at all. If I lose, pretend I never said it." Rio shrugged, completely unconcerned.

Serīna was speechless. She had taken his declaration to heart—"Since becoming a trainer, I’ve never lost. I haven’t lost in the past, I won’t lose now, and I never will."

An hour later, Rio had entered the castle at the city’s heart, escorted by Queen Irene.

"Mr. Rio, please rest here for a while. I’ll have my staff bring the castle’s Pokémon to you." After some refreshments, Queen Irene said.

"Thank you." Rio wiped his mouth.

Inside the castle, attendants began guiding the Pokémon toward the queen’s location. High above, a Pidgeotto happened to be flying by. It watched the orderly procession of Pokémon with curiosity for a while, then flew to the back of the line.

White light flickered, and the Pidgeotto transformed into a Pichu. In front of it stood a Psyduck. Sensing movement behind it, the Psyduck turned around—and saw the extra Pichu. It tilted its head in confusion.

"Psy~" — Who are you?

"Pichu~" — Hurry up! The group is about to get separated!

The Psyduck turned back and saw the group indeed moving ahead, so it waddled off to catch up. Before long, the Pichu had joined the line and entered the castle hall where Rio and Queen Irene were seated. The queen sat in the main seat, with Rio beside her.

The Pichu looked up at the queen and Rio in confusion. Queen Irene spoke: "Mr. Rio, feel free to choose any Pokémon here for tomorrow’s competition. These are all the Pokémon raised in our castle. If you want to test their strength, you can have them demonstrate."

"Alright." Rio nodded and rose from his seat, walking past the Pokémon.

Before him were: Ivysaur, Blastoise, Vulpix, Vileplume, Persian, Arcanine, Eevee, Linoone, Shiftry, Psyduck, and Pichu.

Rio nodded approvingly at Blastoise—level 40, a good choice. He nodded at Vileplume—level 39, also viable. He gave similar nods to Persian, Arcanine, and Shiftry—all around level 40, suitable for the festival.

"How do you like them, Mr. Rio? I trust my Pokémon meet your standards." Queen Irene observed Rio’s approving nods and smiled.

"Yes, they’re all quite good." Rio nodded in praise.

But the next second, his eyes widened—nearly bulging out. He was staring intently at the Pichu beside the Psyduck. In his sight, its level information appeared:

[Pokémon: Mew]

[Level: 90 (21110 days until next level)

[Talent: Legendary]

[Friendship: 0]

[Ability 1: Synchronize]

[Gender: —]

[Moves: Pound (140%), Reflect Type (140%), Amnesia (140%), Ancient Power (140%), Life Dew (140%), Nasty Plot (140%), Safeguard (140%), Transform (---), Aura Sphere (140%), Zen Headbutt (140%), Recover (140%), Rain Dance (140%), Hydro Pump (140%), Future Sight (140%), Hyper Beam (140%), Psychic (140%)...]

[Description: A legendary Mythical Pokémon. Its genes contain the information of all Pokémon, earning it the title ’Progenitor of Pokémon.’ It can use any move, and also possesses the ability to become invisible, allowing it to approach humans without being detected. ]

Holy mother of—Mew has finally appeared before me... Rio’s heart raced with excitement. But he knew he couldn’t show it—if he did, Mew might flee, and finding it again would be nearly impossible.

Calm down, calm down. I’ve seen it all—what’s a mere Mew? Nothing special. Absolutely not worth getting excited over... Rio mentally reassured himself.

Meanwhile, the Pichu before him was also studying Rio, confused by the strange change in this human’s demeanor.

Has he recognized me? Mew wondered. Then it shook its head. Impossible—I’m the legendary Mew. A mere human couldn’t possibly recognize me. He must just be amazed by the cuteness of my Pichu disguise.

With that thought, Mew puffed out its chest with pride, accepting Rio’s scrutiny.

"Queen Irene, I choose this one—this Pichu—as my partner for tomorrow’s festival." Rio pointed at the Mew-disguised Pichu.

Huh? This human wants to take me to the festival tomorrow? And use me in battles? Mew stared at Rio in surprise. It knew this city held a festival every so often, but it had never participated—only watched from rooftops.

"Are you sure you want the Pichu? Not one of the others?" Irene looked at the Pichu strangely. Though she didn’t remember raising one in her castle, from a strategic standpoint, there were clearly better choices—Blastoise, Arcanine, Vileplume, Shiftry—all better than a Pichu.

"Mr. Rio, won’t you reconsider?" Serīna also approached. She couldn’t agree with his choice—if he lost, he’d regret it.

"No need. I can tell at a glance that this Pichu is exceptionally talented. If I don’t win tomorrow with it, I’ll resign as Champion on the spot." Rio declared proudly.

Both Irene and Serīna were shocked. They couldn’t understand why Rio thought so highly of a Pichu. But as they studied it, it seemed—beyond being cute—no different from any other. Could the Champion’s eye be that much sharper than theirs?

On the other hand, Mew felt oddly pleased by Rio’s high opinion.

I turned into a Pichu and still can’t hide my charm and power? Human, you’ve caught my attention.

"Pichu~"

The Mew-disguised Pichu hopped onto Rio’s pants and climbed up to his shoulder.

"Pichu, do you want to battle with me, too? Feel the thrill of a real fight with other Pokémon?" Rio smiled.

"Pichu~" Mew nodded.

"You see? Pichu really wants to partner with me—we’re a perfect match!" Rio continued his flattery.

Irene and Serīna exchanged glances and shook their heads helplessly. They had warned him. Whatever happened tomorrow, it wasn’t their fault.

Just then, Mewtwo’s voice echoed in Rio’s mind: "Rio, you might want to pick a different Pokémon. For some reason, this Pichu is really rubbing me the wrong way. I really want to beat it up."