Pokemon Paldea [161-163] (Patreon)

Chapter 161: Conclusion

Mewtwo was lost in thought for a long time. Lucas didn't rush it, simply waiting as Mewtwo processed everything on its own.

After a while, Mewtwo finally spoke, word by word: "The road ahead is still long. Since being the strongest isn't my only meaning for existing, I want to take them and search for answers together."

"Good," Lucas replied, withdrawing his right hand in satisfaction. The biggest issue with Mewtwo had always been the curse of being the strongest, resorting to force for everything.

Now that it understood how vast the world was, and that there were countless strong beings out there, breaking free from that curse allowed it to see itself more rationally.

After their conversation, Lucas, only carrying the Poké Balls for Dragonite and Luxray—without Comfey or any healing items—couldn't help treat Mewtwo. Thankfully, Mewtwo knew Recover and, after their long talk, had regained enough energy to use its moves. Several Recover uses later, it was mostly back to normal.

Watching this, Lucas and Luxray couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Legendary Pokémon were infamous for their stamina and energy reserves.

No longer hostile, Mewtwo stood and turned to Lucas. "I want to erase the memories of all those humans regarding New Island, then return them to where they came from."

Lucas nodded in agreement. He, too, thought that was best. If the events of New Island got out, it would attract countless ambitious people—especially Team Rocket, who operated in the Kanto and Johto regions.

Mewtwo closed its eyes, and a surge of psychic power swept across the island. It erased all memories of New Island from those it had brought here, then teleported them all back to the Old Coast Wharf.

After finishing, Mewtwo opened its eyes and frowned. "While I was unconscious, Mew escaped."

Lucas recalled Dragonite and Luxray to let them rest, then picked up Delibird, puzzled. "Are you still obsessed with it?"

"Not really. I summoned you because Mew provoked me," Mewtwo replied, shaking its head, then recounted everything Mew had done. To prove its story, Mewtwo even took out a slipper—it had used to summon Lucas.

Lucas: ...

Growlithe, I owe you an apology.

But from Mewtwo's description, this Mew didn't quite match Lucas's impression of a mischievous, innocent troublemaker. This one was too good at shifting blame.

When Mew was mentioned, Delibird, its mind muddled from the earlier philosophical debate, suddenly snapped to attention. It flapped its wings and broke free from Lucas's arms, nearly forgetting why it had come to New Island in the first place!

Now that Mewtwo wasn't hostile, maybe it could undo the mind control that Mew couldn't?

Delibird squawked at Mewtwo, demanding to know why it had toyed with the Dragonite leader's mind.

Lucas, not understanding Delibird, was completely baffled.

Thankfully, Mewtwo gave a brief translation, letting Lucas know why Delibird had come to the island.

So, it had always been keeping an eye on the search for the Dragonite leader...

"Mewtwo," Lucas began, but Mewtwo raised a hand to interrupt. "As for that Pokémon, it's best if you see for yourself."

A wave of psychic power, and Mewtwo brought Lucas and Delibird into a dusty attic.

"Is that the Dragonite leader?"

Lucas looked at the familiar Pokémon with a black satchel, interacting with nothing. His feelings were complicated.

His Poké Ball opened on its own, and Dragonite appeared, locking eyes with the dazed Dragonite leader, its face full of sorrow.

Dragonite could feel the blood ties connecting them. This was the very leader the Dragonairs had waited for, its own mother.

The gentle, powerful Dragonite leader the Dragonair described was now like this.

Sensing their questions, Mewtwo didn't hide anything. "The trainer it cared for most passed away a long time ago. After that, it was heartbroken and lost the will to live."

Lucas's eyes widened.

Mewtwo continued, "Of course, I won't deny that I picked it up for its flying ability and created a phantom only it could see, using it to control the Dragonite."

Mewtwo explained everything, including the memories it had read.

Mewtwo was ready to face its actions honestly, even if it meant Lucas would think less of it. Honesty was necessary to find answers in one's heart.

However, Lucas didn't get angry. Instead, he said, voice full of complex emotions, "But you still saved it from despair. Thank you."

He bowed deeply to Mewtwo, with Dragonite and Delibird following suit.

Mewtwo, prepared for blame, was stunned.

Lucas glanced at the Dragonite leader, surprised by the truth. He had known the leader once had a trainer—the Dragonair had mentioned it. But there were things even they didn't know.

The leader had left its egg behind because it didn't know its trainer had already passed. The elderly trainer had promised to meet again in thirty years. The trainer likely wanted Dragonite to move on, thinking time would heal the pain, but clearly underestimated her importance in Dragonite's heart.

When the time came, Dragonite returned to that cherished place, only to find a lonely gravestone.

Mewtwo didn't explain the leader's mental journey, but when it found the Dragonite, it was in utter despair, ready to follow its trainer in death.

It was a tragedy in every sense.

Mewtwo asked, "Should I undo it? Without the phantom, it would likely return to that state."

Lucas looked to Dragonite for input.

Dragonite shook its head sadly. Even if it's only a phantom, it could at least bring some comfort.

In the end, Lucas temporarily caught the now-free Dragonite leader in a Poké Ball. Its condition just wasn't right to remove the phantom yet—he'd have to find a way to heal its heart first.

He could think of only three beings who might help: Celebi and Dialga, who could traverse time, and Tapu Fini, whose mist allows one to meet the departed.

It would take time to figure out a solution.

…

Somewhere on a New Island cliff, Mewtwo stood with the cloned Pokémon it had created, gazing at the sunrise, lost in thought.

"Where will you go now?" Lucas's voice brought it back. Mewtwo shook its head—it hadn't decided.

Lucas suggested, "Then maybe visit the temple on Shamouti Island. There's a wise Slowking there; you might enjoy a talk with him."

Looking at the sunrise, Mewtwo felt unprecedented calm. It nodded gently. "After I settle them down, I'll go."

Mewtwo hesitated, then said, "If possible—"

Lucas cut in, "You're welcome at my farm any time. I'll prepare plenty of delicious food for you."

For the first time, Mewtwo's stern expression softened. "Thank you. Your Delibird still wants to travel. What about you? Should I teleport you home, or do you want to stay out longer?"

"If I disappear without a word, the Pokémon at my farm will worry. I'd better head back."

Chapter 162: The Visitor

"There's still plenty left, so no need for more supplies now." Lucas helped Delibird check its luggage, making sure everything was ready. Watching Delibird fluff its tail, Lucas asked with concern, "Are you sure you don't want to come back with us?"

"Delibird~!"

Delibird nodded firmly—its journey wasn't over.

Lucas rubbed its head helplessly. "Alright, but be careful. Don't push yourself. No more reckless stunts like this time."

Delibird sheepishly promised not to be so impulsive again, then asked worriedly, "Delibird deli~?" (What'll happen to the Dragonite leader?)

Mewtwo wanted to interpret, but Lucas understood anyway. "Let me handle it, just like I helped you with your trauma. I'll help the Dragonite leader too."

He made a promise to Delibird—just as Delibird wanted to help the leader, he would help too.

After saying goodbye, Lucas turned to Mewtwo. "Could you send me back?"

Mewtwo nodded. "I'll leave it to you. Once the cloned Pokémon are settled, I'll visit Shamouti Island."

Mewtwo raised its three-fingered hand at Lucas, psychic power swirling and locking onto the farm in Paldea. Space twisted.

Lucas knew who Mewtwo meant and patted his chest, smiling. "Just like I promised Delibird, I'll find a way to help. And you're always welcome at my farm."

His figure slowly faded. Feeling the psychic energy drain, Mewtwo smiled. "I will."

"Delibird~!" (I'm off, too!)

Delibird saluted in farewell.

Mewtwo's impression of Delibird was much better than that of the seemingly innocent but actually cunning Mew.

Mewtwo offered, "Want a ride? I'm going to erase all traces of New Island, settle the clones in Johto, then head to the Orange Islands."

Delibird thought a moment. If it just walked, it'd end up back at the Old Coast Wharf, which it already knew well. Better to accept a lift.

Decision made, Delibird agreed.

…

Meanwhile, arriving back in Paldea, Lucas looked up to see it was already night.

He sighed—the trip to buy fish fry was a bust.

Dragonite and Luxray, out of their balls, exchanged puzzled looks at the time change, finally understanding what Lucas meant about time differences between Paldea and Kanto.

Day on one side, night on the other.

Lucas stretched and called to them, "Let's go home and rest. We've only been gone a few hours, but Serperior and the others are probably worried."

"I'll explain about the Dragonite leader to the Dragonair in the morning."

..

The next day, at Thunder Lake.

Lucas, suspecting his plans would be interrupted again, asked Peter from Jones Farm to help him contact a fish supplier. The supplier recommended a few species for his pond, so Lucas ordered a batch.

The supplier needed to pick up stock from a larger city, so delivery would take a few days. Lucas wasn't in a hurry—it gave him time to prepare.

After setting up the aquatic net woven by Serperior and other Grass-types, and having Swampert, Politoed, and Poliwhirl help install it, Lucas called the three Dragonair over with a serious face.

"Hmm?"

The shiny Dragonair tilted its head, puzzled by Lucas and Dragonite's grave expressions. Swampert and the others watched from afar, suspecting last night's late return was related.

Lucas got straight to the point. "I found the Dragonite leader—well, actually, Delibird found her."

The Dragonair were stunned, then their eyes lit up with joy.

"But... she's not quite herself. When you see her, try not to get too excited."

Lucas's tone was heavy. Dragonite moved to comfort the Dragonair.

As their excitement turned to anxiety, Lucas released the Dragonite leader.

Wearing her black satchel, the Dragonite leader appeared, unchanged by her new surroundings.

The Dragonair were stunned, but quickly sensed her familiar aura and clustered around, singing light, ethereal dragon songs, worried about where she'd been.

Meeting familiar Pokémon seemed to stir something in the Dragonite leader—she interacted with the Dragonair and introduced them to empty air.

This stunned the Dragonair. Sensing something was wrong, they looked to Lucas.

He and Dragonite explained everything in a few words, and as the Dragonair listened with teary eyes, Lucas promised again to find a solution.

The Dragonair, understanding, watched the leader with mixed emotions.

Lucas wanted to discuss details, but his phone vibrated. It was a message from Geeta.

"Lucas, the inspector from the Pokémon Butler Academy is arriving at your farm soon. Just receive them as usual—the farm should easily pass inspection."

"So soon?"

Lucas was surprised. The Academy worked fast—he hadn't replied to Geeta long ago, and already the inspector was here? To get a capable butler Pokémon, he needed to host them well.

Chapter 163: The Meowstic, the Flower Fields, and Honey Gathering

"You're the inspector from the Pokémon Butler Academy?"

At the farm gate, Lucas hesitated, nearly losing his composure at the sight of the small Pokémon before him.

Its fur was mostly indigo, with straight white tufts on its collar, forehead, and tail. Its olive eyes had green irises and blue sclera—very pretty.

It wore a blue top hat and a blue-and-white striped bow tie, and floated above the fence in a perfect butler's pose, bowing politely.

Lucas recognized it as a male Meowstic—female Meowstic looked very different.

"Meowstic~"

Meowstic looked at Lucas in confusion. Was it strange for a top Butler Academy graduate to serve as inspector?

Lucas looked around, but saw no sign of humans. He had to accept that this smartly dressed Meowstic really was the inspector.

No wonder the Butler Academy was so famous—they used Pokémon as inspectors. Impressive.

With a relieved smile, Lucas invited, "Please, come in."

Meowstic nodded, floating along behind Lucas with psychic power.

Lucas turned to speak, but Meowstic conjured glowing blue letters in the air:

["Could you show me around the farm?"]

Lucas was amazed—it had learned human language! Even if not like Meowth, being able to write with psychic power was a feat.

Were all Butler Academy Pokémon this impressive? Lucas grew even more curious about the school.

Still, he answered, "Of course. Follow me."

Lucas led Meowstic to the nearest crop fields, where new crops were growing well. It should make a good impression.

On the way, Lucas noticed Meowstic pulling out what looked like a test paper, full of dense writing. Each time Lucas introduced a crop, Meowstic wrote notes with a conjured pen—just like an examiner grading a test.

Lucas was further impressed by the Academy's rigor.

He tried not to let curiosity distract him. Best to show the farm as it really was—no need for the fake, hurried preparations you'd do for VIPs at a school or office.

If the Butler Academy thought the farm qualified, great—he'd go to Kalos to pick a butler Pokémon. If not, he'd just keep looking. Lucas had an easy attitude.

He showed Meowstic all around: the Mudsdale and Sawsbuck in the pastures, the Dragonair by Thunder Lake watching over the Dragonite leader.

As they passed the berry orchard, they were lucky enough to see Politoed finish a rain dance, and Comfey, Eldegoss, and the newly-trained Dolliv combine their powers to create an incredible grassy terrain.

Even the always-serious Meowstic was stunned by the scene. Then it quickly wrote more notes.

After an hour touring the farm, Lucas and Meowstic stopped in front of a blooming flower field.

Thanks to the care of Comfey and the Grass-types Pokémon, the flowers were at their peak. The air was fragrant and relaxing.

Sunflowers, tulips, asters, lavender—so many kinds of flowers bloomed together. Even Meowstic, usually so stern, was entranced.

Suddenly, came the buzz of many wings. Lucas and Meowstic looked up.

Meowstic spotted a swarm of Combee flying toward the flowers, with a regal Vespiquen at the center.

"Meowstic~"

Meowstic grew serious, thinking these wild Pokémon were invading for the flowers. It stepped in front of Lucas, ready to protect him—part of its duty as an inspector and a butler.

Meowstic used psychic power to spell out, ["Stay behind me."]

Just as Meowstic braced for action, Lucas exclaimed, "Vespiquen! You're finally here!"

Meowstic paused, noticing that Vespiquen carried something, and wasn't hostile—she flew over kindly.

Meowstic realized Lucas knew Vespiquen and the Combee; it relaxed, psychic power settling.

"Bzz bzz bzz~"

Vespiquen, smiling, presented Lucas with a container of her finest honey as a gift, thanking him for inviting them to gather nectar here.

Lucas thanked her, telling Vespiquen to feel free to gather nectar, but to remind the Combee not to trouble the farm Pokémon. He turned to the amazed Meowstic, "That's the end of the tour. Would you like to try some farm-made sweets before you go?"

Meowstic stared at the high-quality honey in Lucas's hands and nodded eagerly.

"Since we just got fresh honey, I made some honey treats and drinks."

…

In the cottage, Lucas set out the desserts:

"This is caramel pudding with honey, honey cake made with our own flour, and honey lemon water—refreshing despite the sweetness."

So many treats. Meowstic's eyes sparkled like stars.