The disguised Mew, still in the form of a Plusle, darted swiftly through the city streets, navigating with a sense of familiarity that suggested it knew the area well.
Klein had no doubt—this was the same Mew he had encountered in Old Shore Wharf City.
But Mew was too fast.
To keep up, Klein activated his hover pack, gliding rapidly through the streets in pursuit.
Before he knew it, Mew had already left Rota, heading toward the deep northern mountains.
Beyond Kanto's northernmost regions lay a vast, snow-covered mountain range—desolate and uninhabited.
Aside from Rota and a few scattered settlements, it was a frozen wasteland where few dared to venture.
Yet, according to ancient records, this area had once flourished with powerful tribes, long before the Cameran Royal Family took control.
These tribes, once deemed barbaric enemies of the kingdom, had mysteriously vanished after the tale of the Aura Guardian—
Leaving only the legend of the Tree of Beginning.
As Klein gazed ahead, a massive crystalline tree loomed over the frozen landscape.
Despite the bitter cold surrounding it, the Tree of Beginning radiated immense life energy, creating an oasis of greenery in the middle of the frozen wasteland.
Klein's eyes widened in shock.
"…The Tree of Beginning?"
Just as he was processing the sight, a golden, shapeshifting Pokémon materialized from the light, moving at blinding speed—
And then attacked.
Klein barely had time to react before Swampert emerged from its Poké Ball on its own—blocking the attack with a single, powerful punch.
Klein's most trusted partner.
Swampert's instincts had been honed through countless battles, and its ability to react was even faster than Klein's simulation system.
The golden Pokémon didn't hesitate.
It fired a barrage of glowing orbs, flooding the battlefield with blinding golden light.
Swampert snorted, unleashing a torrential Waterfall attack—
Crushing through the golden projectiles like they were nothing.
Then, in an instant—
Swampert lunged forward, striking the golden Pokémon head-on.
Their clash sent ripples of energy across the area, shaking the Tree of Beginning itself.
But after just a few moments, the golden Pokémon shimmered and vanished, dispersing into crystalline energy fragments.
The battle had ended just as quickly as it began.
Mew—still disguised as Plusle—watched with amusement before turning its attention to Klein's Poké Balls.
"Was that… a test?" Klein asked.
Mew ignored him, instead eyeing his waist curiously.
A second later, two flashes of light burst from his belt—
Minun and Plusle had automatically been released from their Poké Balls.
Minun seemed confused, but before it could react, the two Plusle—one real, one still Mew in disguise—pounced on it affectionately, nuzzling against its cheeks.
Soon, the three tiny Pokémon were chattering happily, as if they had been lifelong friends.
Mew led the group deeper into the Tree of Beginning, excitedly showing them around.
Along the way, it plucked various rare fruits from nearby trees, offering them to Klein and his Pokémon.
Klein took a bite of a white, crisp fruit, and a wave of refreshing energy washed over him, banishing his earlier exhaustion.
"…This stuff is amazing."
Noticing how good they tasted, Klein casually stuffed a handful into his bag.
Seeing this, Mew giggled mischievously, then let out a big yawn, stretching lazily.
It was clearly getting sleepy.
Klein smirked.
"Alright. I'll come back tomorrow."
Mew didn't object.
Satisfied, Klein recalled his Pokémon, grabbed his fruit stash, and headed back to Rota.
---
When Rosa saw Klein returning with an armful of fruit, she was stunned.
"Wait… weren't you chasing a Plusle? How did this turn into a fruit-hunting expedition?"
Klein shrugged.
"The Plusle led me to them. They're fresh—try one."
She eyed a bunch of small, purple grape-like berries, uncertain at first—
But as soon as she took a bite, her eyes lit up.
"…This is amazing!"
The crisp, juicy flavor was unlike anything she had tasted before.
Within seconds, Rosa completely abandoned her dignity and started devouring the fruit at an alarming speed.
Klein could only watch in horror as the table was emptied in minutes.
He raised an eyebrow.
"…You, uh… didn't leave me any?"
Rosa froze, suddenly realizing what she had done.
Her face turned bright red.
"S-Sorry! I was so hungry I didn't think…"
Klein sighed.
"It's fine. You'll need the energy anyway."
He stretched.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow morning, you're heading back to Cinnabar Island."
Rosa pouted but nodded.
"…It was fun traveling around Rota. Oh! To make up for eating all your fruit, how about I cook you dinner?"
Klein hesitated.
"…Are you sure?"
Because if she cooked, there was a very real chance he'd be left with no food at all.
"…Fine."
"Great! But first—go buy the ingredients."
Klein turned toward the door.
Then paused.
"…You're not going to tell me what to buy?"
Rosa smirked.
"Nope. Figure it out yourself."
One Hour Later
When Klein returned with a variety of fresh ingredients, Rosa's eyes sparkled.
"These are perfect! You're really good at picking groceries!"
Klein watched as Emboar and Serperior helped her prepare the meal.
He leaned back, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere—
This trip to Rota had gone surprisingly well.
Rosa hummed happily as she set the food on the table.
Klein didn't hesitate.
He dug in immediately, eating as if he hadn't had a meal in days.
Rosa stared at him in shock.
"…Was it really that good?"
Klein paused mid-bite.
"Not really. I just had to eat fast before you finished it all."
--
After personally escorting Rosa to the airport, Klein watched her flight disappear into the distance.
Taking a deep breath, he turned back toward the mountains.
It was time to return to the Tree of Beginning.
---
When Klein arrived, he immediately noticed something was off.
The entrance had changed.
It looked completely different from the day before.
"…So the Tree shifts its location each time?"
He called out.
"Mew!"
In response, a tiny head peeked out from behind a rock, then nodded.
A moment later—
The surrounding space distorted, and Klein was suddenly transported into the Tree's inner core.
---
Surrounded by glowing crystalline structures, Klein watched as a massive energy crystal slowly emerged from the ground.
The DNA Splicers inside him pulsed violently, reacting to the energy surge.
Suddenly—
A golden energy projection unfolded before him.
A vision of the past.
And in that vision…
He saw Rosa.
Meanwhile – Unova Region
At that exact moment—
Kyurem's eyes snapped open.
A terrifying chill filled the air.
"…Kyurem! What's wrong?!"
Hugh stumbled back, startled by the legendary dragon's sudden rage.
Kyurem remained silent.
But deep in its icy gaze, one thing was clear.
It had sensed something.
(End of Chapter)