Chapter 24: Lorelei's Arrival
"What's this? Team Rocket's Vicious?!" Ryan exclaimed in surprise, looking at the masked man hanging from the tree.
The next morning, Mewtwo woke Ryan and told him about the previous night's events. Based on Mewtwo's explanation and the appearance of the masked man suspended from the tree, Ryan guessed that this was one of Team Rocket's high-ranking executives who had appeared in various incidents across the regions.
He notified Nurse Joy to contact the Pokémon League and request they handle the matter. As the parties involved, they were required to stay and wait for League officials to arrive.
Ryan looked at the three Pokémon trapped in makeshift cages. He knew they were beyond help—their life force had been severely depleted, and their minds had been corrupted by the Shadow Ball's dark energy surge. Ryan felt a pang of sorrow, but still hoped the League could somehow save them.
The League was efficient, and by noon, a group of officials arrived in the Town. Leading them was an elegant woman with burgundy hair and stylish glasses, her professional demeanor immediately commanding respect. Ryan swallowed nervously and asked, "Why is Lorelei, one of the Elite Four, here personally?"
"You know me, young trainer?" Lorelei asked gently. "Are you the one who captured this Team Rocket executive?"
"Well, not exactly me—it was my Pokémon who did it," Ryan scratched his head and said. "I'm Ryan from Pallet Town, and this is my traveling companion, Lillie."
"Hello, I'm Lillie," Lillie introduced herself to Lorelei, but as she looked at the Elite Four member's confident bearing, she couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and slight intimidation.
"Pleased to meet you both," Lorelei replied. At the same time, she noticed the unusual Pokémon beside Lillie and asked curiously, "Is that a Vulpix? Why does it have that form? It looks like an Ice-type."
"Yes, that's snowy—she's an Alolan Vulpix. When Kanto Pokémon were introduced to the Alola region, some species adapted to the local environment and developed regional variants. Not only Vulpix, but Alolan Sandshrew also became Ice-types," Ryan explained. "Since you're the Ice-type Elite Four member, Lorelei, you might find the Alola region fascinating to visit."
"Indeed, I'm quite interested in discovering new Ice-type Pokémon. I'll definitely consider visiting during my next vacation," Lorelei said with a smile. "By the way, you said your name is Ryan from Pallet Town. You wouldn't happen to be the same Ryan who... creatively negotiated that impressive villa construction with the League, would you?"
"Uh, I suppose that would be me. After all, I earned that reward through legitimate means, right?" Ryan blinked innocently at Lorelei.
Lorelei was momentarily speechless, then said, "Well, it wasn't my budget anyway. But I'm sure the League executives have quite an impression of you now. You'd better hope they're feeling generous. I heard your villa is nearly completed—I might drop by sometime. I'm curious to see what kind of place could... motivate such a substantial League investment."
"Hehe, I won't disappoint you," Ryan smiled. "But I'm impressed the League works so quickly. It's almost finished already."
Lorelei rolled her eyes at him and said, "Let's focus on the matter at hand first. Vicious is a high-ranking Team Rocket executive with considerable power. For your Pokémon to defeat him shows remarkable strength. Mind if I take a look?"
Ryan hesitated, glanced back at Mewtwo, then nodded. "Alright. Mewtwo, come here."
Mewtwo floated over as Ryan recalled his other Pokémon and asked Lillie to do the same. Ryan then looked at Lorelei, who understood and led her team away with their prisoner. Once they were alone, Ryan spoke seriously, "I didn't want to reveal this, but please keep it confidential. Mewtwo, this concerns your origins too."
Both Mewtwo and Lillie nodded, and Lorelei listened intently. Ryan took a deep breath and said, "The truth is, Mewtwo isn't a naturally occurring Pokémon. He's an artificial creation made by Team Rocket using Mew's DNA combined with genetic material from various other Pokémon."
Lorelei's eyes widened in shock. "An artificial Pokémon? And they succeeded! Does this mean they could mass-produce them?!"
Lillie was equally stunned. "Artificially created... Poor Mewtwo."
"Mass production is impossible. They only managed to create one successful specimen, which is currently with Team Rocket's boss. My Mewtwo hatched from an egg formed by combining failed experiments with my psychic abilities at an abandoned research facility," Ryan shook his head. "Even though they succeeded in creating one, Team Rocket's methods make it impossible for them to truly control a Legendary Pokémon. Even if they could manage some control, I believe it would escape at the first opportunity. What worries me most isn't Team Rocket using their Mewtwo for evil purposes, but what might happen if it escapes and develops hatred toward all humans."
Lorelei considered this seriously, then asked, "Do you have any evidence to support these claims?"
"No concrete proof," Ryan admitted. "I'm basing this on psychic impressions from the failed experiments, combined with logical deduction. I can only say the possibility is very high. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. But I want to warn you—if you can avoid making an enemy of Mewtwo, please do so. A fully mature Mewtwo ranks among the most powerful Legendary Pokémon."
Lorelei was quiet for a moment, then said, "This is a serious matter. I'll report it to the League Champion and the other Elite Four members. I'll also pass along your warning. I hope your predictions don't come to pass. However, don't underestimate the League—even Legendary Pokémon aren't invincible from our perspective."
Ryan remained silent, knowing she was probably right. The strength of Champion-level trainers had already shattered his expectations. If the League claimed no connection to Legendary Pokémon, Ryan wouldn't believe it himself. The League had maintained order in this world for decades without being overthrown by criminal organizations. Even groups like Team Rocket focused primarily on capturing Legendary Pokémon rather than direct confrontation. These facts clearly demonstrated the League's true power.
"Also, continue training your Mewtwo at your own pace. If Team Rocket comes looking for trouble, contact the League immediately," Lorelei said calmly. "Well, that covers everything. I'll report back to League headquarters. Let's meet again at your villa sometime."
With that, she turned and left. Ryan chuckled and said, "It's refreshing to talk with intelligent people."
"What do you mean by that?" Lillie asked, looking confused.
Ryan patted Lillie's head and smiled, "I love how genuine you are. Never change."
Lillie immediately exploded, shouting, "Ryan! What's that supposed to mean?! Explain yourself! Don't you dare run away! Stop right there!"
Ryan quickly escaped with Mewtwo's help via teleportation. Mewtwo, having learned about his origins, didn't seem particularly troubled. He felt deep gratitude to Ryan for bringing him into this world and allowing him to experience genuine emotions and relationships. This was his greatest treasure. At the same time, learning about the other Mewtwo solidified his resolve.
He must rescue that other Mewtwo and show it that beautiful things still exist in the world. He couldn't let it sink into despair and hatred. To do that, he must become stronger—stronger than even that original Mewtwo!
(End of Chapter)
join patreon for update and advance 40+ chapters
https://www.p-atreon.com/c/Soulforger
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
"If you're enjoying this story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone! Your support keeps me motivated and helps the novel reach more readers."
"100 Power Stones this week = 1 extra chapter release!"
"500 Power Stones = 2 extra chapter release ."