Pokémon: Raising Abandoned Pokémon into Legends

He actually left the key to tracking me behind. Is he that trusting—or does he genuinely believe in my integrity? Wait—am I human or Pokémon? Or both? Damn it—what am I?

"I should just destroy this box," Mewtwo thought, raising its hand and gathering Aura Sphere energy toward the lockbox. "If I destroy it, Rio will never find me again, and I’ll be truly free."

But just as the Aura Sphere was about to fire, another thought crossed its mind: No—if I destroy it, Rio might not tell me the meaning of life. I have to know. And I have morals—I can’t betray someone’s trust like Giovanni did. I won’t be like that bastard.

Within seconds, Mewtwo dispersed the Aura Sphere. It collapsed onto the grass, utterly drained—as if it had just been through the hardest battle of its existence. Its entire being felt hollowed out.

Lying in the grass, Mewtwo tried to relax and sort through the day’s events. What’s wrong with me? Why is this human’s every move affecting me so deeply? He barely did anything, and yet my emotions are all over the place.

A flicker of unease crossed its mind—something felt off. But then it shook its head, trying to banish the thought. I can’t figure it out anyway—thinking about it just makes my head hurt.

"I need to clear my mind—just lie here and wait for that kid to come back. Don’t think about anything." Mewtwo closed its eyes.

Ten seconds later, its eyes snapped open. Wait—what am I doing?! I had a perfect chance to escape, and I didn’t take it?

It suddenly felt like something was wrong with it. Hadn’t it been running all this time? Why was it now passing up the perfect opportunity to escape? Was it really just because it wanted to know the meaning of life?

Yes—that’s it. It’s just because I want to know the meaning of life. Nothing more.

But two seconds later, doubt crept in again. Why am I still thinking about this?! I said I was going to clear my mind! What did Rio do to me? Why can’t I stop obsessing over this?

No—I need to focus on the meaning of life. But I can’t figure it out on my own—I need that kid to tell me. But what if what he says is wrong? Then I’ll have wasted my best chance to escape.

Ugh—my head hurts. I can’t keep thinking like this. I need to let go. I’m Mewtwo—I’m strong. I can’t let a little thing like this break me.

Mewtwo closed its eyes again. Half a minute later, it shot up into the sky and started hurling Aura Spheres wildly at the forest, its face twisted with pain.

"Why can’t I clear my mind?! My own brain won’t listen to me! What did that guy do to me?! Why can’t I stop thinking?!"

One Aura Sphere struck directly below—right where it had been lying. As soon as it fired, Mewtwo realized its mistake. Seeing the lockbox and the snacks Rio had left behind, it instinctively used Teleport—reappearing in front of the Aura Sphere and taking the hit with its own body.

Mewtwo cried out in pain and crashed onto the grass. It looked at the undamaged lockbox and breathed a sigh of relief. At least I didn’t destroy it. I’m not like Giovanni—I won’t betray someone’s trust.

Then Mewtwo noticed that after the hit, its mind felt slightly clearer—the noise had quieted down. It lay back on the grass, too exhausted to move. I hope that kid buys that damn beer soon. Once I know the meaning of life, I’m out of here.

Damn—my thoughts are multiplying again. Someone save me...

Half an hour later, Rio returned on Charizard, carrying two cases of beer. When he saw Mewtwo lying there, looking completely drained with a fresh wound on its chest, he blinked in surprise.

"What happened to you?"

Mewtwo’s eyes shot him a look of pure resentment. "Just tell me—what is the meaning of life? Or I’ll kill you—in the most brutal way humans have ever recorded."

"Why? What did I do? You agreed to let me buy beer—now you want to kill me in the most brutal way possible?" Rio looked exasperated. "If you give me a good reason, I’ll off myself, no questions asked."

"You—" Mewtwo was at a loss. It wanted to explain how Rio had made it spiral into obsessive, self-torturing thoughts—but the words wouldn’t come.

"Enough—just tell me! What is the meaning of life?!" Mewtwo demanded.

"Alright, alright—I’ll tell you. Don’t rush—I’ve got everything ready." Rio set down the beer, picked up the lockbox, and laid out the sunflower seeds, peanuts, sausages, and rice crackers. After taking a sip of beer and cracking open a peanut under Mewtwo’s murderous glare, he spoke calmly:

"Have a seat, take a sip of beer, and I’ll tell you what the meaning of life is."

"I’m listening—just say it!" Mewtwo grabbed the beer Rio had placed in front of it, opened it, and took a gulp. The next moment, Rio’s voice reached its ears:

"The meaning of life? In four words—there is none."