This was an ordinary city.
People lived here, going about their daily routines of work and rest.
A Rattata suddenly darted out from somewhere. It pushed open the shop door in front of it and strode in with a swagger.
The bell at the entrance jingled.
The sweaty shopkeeper set down a large bowl of tree berries and looked at this uninvited guest.
Meowth was lounging in a rocking chair by the door, eyes shut. When the bell chimed, he lazily cracked one eye open. His sleepy gaze slowly closed again upon recognizing the Rattata.
Rattata didn't acknowledge Meowth either. It simply leaped onto the counter, expertly slid open the cabinet door, grabbed the Poffins stored inside, then turned and walked out without looking back.
The shopkeeper opened his mouth, but ultimately only let out a long sigh.
Then he went back to making his sweets.
On the street, traffic moved slowly—it was rush hour after all. The streetlights illuminated not only the road home but also the anxious yet resigned faces of commuters.
A mother sat in the driver's seat, frowning impatiently. Behind her, a little girl played with a toy.
The little girl clearly adored her toy—a figure of a young man wearing a crimson vest and a handsome hat. Pressing the hat made the toy speak.
"I won't give up!"
When the words echoed again, the mother glanced through the rearview mirror at the talking toy and her child, giggling nonstop.
Too young to understand, the child saw only a toy.
But as a mother, she recognized its intricate craftsmanship—the scars on its body, the weariness in its eyes, and that gaze like burning flames.
This toy factory was truly remarkable, managing to make Red look so lifelike.
Just then, a hand—or rather, a tail—suddenly reached through the open car window.
An Aipom poked its head through the window, its tail already snatching the toy.
A mischievous grin spread across the Aipom's face. After stealing the toy, it fled quickly, laughing.
It happened so fast the little girl hadn't even registered what occurred, yet her toy was gone.
Moments later, her lips puckered, tears welling in her eyes until she finally burst into loud sobs.
But her mother, watching her heartbroken daughter and the strutting Aipom, closed her eyes in anguish.
The commotion drew the attention of many passersby.
Some stood silent, others muttered curses under their breath, yet no one thought to retrieve the girl's toy—or rather, her keepsake.
Even though that toy held profound significance for every single one of them.
And all of this was observed by someone watching from afar.
"Is this the world you wanted?"
In an office within Viridian City, Celebi, confined within a cage, spoke expressionlessly to the Mewtwo before it.
Mewtwo's face remained equally devoid of emotion, silently observing everything—shifting focus from one person's affairs to another's. Every few dozen seconds, it switched, as if scrolling through videos.
He only witnessed the tangible realities of human existence.
"They are free."
After a moment's silence, Mewtwo spoke slowly.
"Freedom should not come at the cost of human suffering."
Celebi's tone carried a hint of anger.
"Then human power should not come at the cost of Pokémon's bondage... Let's not argue about this anymore. It's pointless. We've argued about this countless times."
Mewtwo paid no heed to Celebi's fury.
"Then release me! What exactly do you intend to achieve by keeping me here!?"
Celebi cried out in bewildered rage.
Truthfully, she genuinely couldn't comprehend why this being—strangely enhanced beyond comprehension—had imprisoned her here.
After all, a single Celebi possessed no power to threaten this creature's so-called rule.
Though the world he created harmed humanity, one had to admit he'd earned the genuine welcome of countless Pokémon.
Pokémon now stood above humans. They could eat whatever they desired, take whatever they wished, choose to live in the wild or dwell within cities.
Cities would cease expanding, and wilderness forests and lakes would no longer diminish. For Pokémon—especially wild ones—these were monumental benefits.
Even some deities had openly sided with Mewtwo. Beyond Mewtwo's own power, it was largely their alignment with his philosophy.
Deities who are themselves deified Pokémon—how could they absolutely oppose actions that protect Pokémon interests?
Even the most human-supportive deities, facing the prevailing tide, could only choose to have Mewtwo restrain Pokémon behavior. To ensure they caused as little life-threatening harm to humans as possible.
This world had shed enough blood in war.
The deities, led by Ho-Oh, refuse to allow the world's collective strength to be diminished once more.
Mewtwo understood this principle well. He recognized the immense power boost a skilled Trainer could provide to Pokémon.
In the past, Trainers could pick and choose Pokémon—those inclined became Trainers, while others avoided Pokémon entirely. But Pokémon had far fewer options.
Now, Pokémon could choose their partners among humans. Those who wished to battle could do so, while others could live peaceful lives. More people—whether voluntarily or under pressure—became Trainers and Breeders.
Honestly, if this society continued developing, perhaps everyone would adapt and find a way to live.
But it would take at least a generation or two.
That's fine. Aside from some Bug-type Pokémon, most have lifespans that outlive humans. They can afford to wait.
Mewtwo heard Celebi's question. He knew Celebi had wanted to ask this for a long time but had never voiced it. He wasn't in a hurry either. After all, he wasn't ready yet either.
But since Celebi had asked, it was fine to answer today.
"As long as you are here, I have other possibilities."
As Mewtwo answered, genuine emotion finally surfaced in his voice.
"Other times, other universes, other versions of myself."
"Once the order of this world is stabilized, I will pursue other things. And you... you are my key."
Mewtwo gazed at Celebi, his eyes brimming with cherishing.
He refused to remain stagnant. If possible, he wished to embark on his next journey at the right moment.
Celebi found it amusing and was about to demand why Mewtwo assumed she'd cooperate.
But before the words left her mouth, her body jolted as if electrified.
Feeling the strange sensation, Celebi shook her head helplessly. "Here's the key to your destruction. Hope you like it."