Pokemon: Gym Leader

Looking at his seemingly malfunctioning Pokédex, Dylan remained silent.

He knew perfectly well that the issue wasn't with his Pokédex but with this "Clefairy."

Rota is located to the north of Pewter City and Mount Moon. While many might not know this place, from the balcony of Queen Ilene's castle, one can see a gigantic tree in the distance.

That's the Tree of Beginning!

Rota's Cameran Palace is the stage for the movie "Lucario and the Mystery of Mew" in the original series.

Did Dylan forget this fact? Of course not. After all, Queen Ilene is his childhood friend.

The Tree of Beginning is home to Mew and serves as the guardian of the legendary pillars (the Regi trio) including Regirock, Regice, and Registeel.

The Mew residing in the Tree of Beginning is closely connected with the tree itself, even bound to its life. Capturing Mew is incredibly difficult because even if captured, it cannot be taken away for long.

However, the three legendary pillars can still be captured!

Even if he can't capture all three, capturing just one is still an achievement. After all, they are legendary Pokémon. If even the ancient times could see three captured, why can't Dylan do the same?

But Dylan knew very well that his current strength was comparable to seeking death when challenging the legendary pillars, so he planned to wait until he was strong enough to challenge the Tree of Beginning later.

The Tree of Beginning is dangerous, but just wandering around might allow him to encounter the Regi trio guarding it.

Unexpectedly, this little fellow came to him of its own accord.

Yes, this "illegal Clefairy" was actually a transformed Mew!

Dylan took the Clefairy from Ilene's arms and began feeding it Pokeblocks.

The Clefairy clearly enjoyed the taste, holding a cube in each tiny paw, eating with its eyes squinted in delight.

"Even if you're transformed… you should at least try not to reveal your true self."

Dylan spoke softly to the Clefairy.

The Clefairy, which was actually Mew in disguise, looked up with its big, cute eyes at Dylan, seemingly puzzled. A brief, imperceptible glow flashed across its body, as if nothing had happened.

Dylan checked the Pokédex again.

'Ding~ Clefairy, Fairy type, Fairy Pokémon

Ability: Cute Charm

Moves: Life Dew, After You, Try Again, Helping Hand, Mimic, Charm…'

This time, the Pokédex's identification seemed normal… or not!

"Impressive~"

Dylan couldn't help but marvel sincerely. Clearly, the previous erroneous identification of an "illegal Clefairy" was just because Mew hadn't taken the transformation seriously.

Mew's transformation is the most unique in Pokémon, being a perfect genetic transformation. It can even transform into Ho-Oh and use Ho-Oh's and Entei's signature move Sacred Fire!

In the game, Ditto can also transform into legendaries, but reality isn't like the game.

Dylan seriously doubts whether Ditto in the real world can transform into legendaries like Ho-Oh.

The mechanism serves the game, but reality is different.

Legendaries are beloved by the world, they are divine Pokémon!

The difference in species level and genetic aspects makes legendaries far exceed ordinary Pokémon. Ditto can mimic any Pokémon and simulate the properties, moves, and genes of the Pokémon it transforms into.

But can Ditto perfectly mimic the genes of Ho-Oh or Lugia? Dylan thinks this is probably very difficult.

Even transforming into Suicune or Entei would be a feat for Ditto, let alone the higher-level Ho-Oh. If Ditto could truly become Ho-Oh…

Well, Dylan would immediately go capture six Ditto.

However, Dylan believes this is impractical. But Mew can do it!

Mew is a mythical Pokémon with original genes on par with Ho-Oh and Lugia, and it can transform into Ho-Oh without any issues.

And it is a particularly perfect transformation, so perfect that the Pokédex can't even detect the difference. This is proof.

"Meow~"

After finishing a whole box of Pokeblocks, the Clefairy let out a contented burp, lying back in Dylan's arms, rubbing its chubby little belly with its short paws. So comfortable~

"It's really adorable~"

Ilene's eyes sparkled as she gently touched the Clefairy's cheek with her finger. The Clefairy glanced at Ilene but didn't mind.

"It's indeed cute. I'll take care of this little one."

Dylan lifted the Clefairy with a smile, examining it from all angles, and finally said,

"From now on, you'll stay here. As always, food, drink, and lodging are all covered."

Dylan placed the Clefairy on his shoulder, smiling.

Is it excessive for a trainer to raise a cat?

Building a good relationship with Mew is definitely not a bad thing, even if it's not captured.

Dylan didn't think he was someone who could endure solitude for long, and unexpected things might happen in the future.

If trouble arises, just throw Clefairy out front—perfect!

For example… Mewtwo! Or some awakened Pokémon like Noivern.

"Meow~" The Clefairy made a pleasingly soft sound, neither rejecting nor agreeing.

It had just come out to wander because it was bored staying at the Tree of Beginning and sensed the special energy in Dylan, so it came to take a look.

Dylan wasn't disappointed. Becoming Clefairy's caretaker would take time, but he was in no rush.

He continued to make training plans for Floragato and others while Ilene stayed with him for a while before leaving.

After all, as the Queen of Rota, she had matters to attend to.

"Professor Oak has one granddaughter and two grandsons."

Dylan sat under a tree, researching information, while Clefairy climbed onto the tree and watched Floragato and the other Pokémon.

"Daisy Oak, Blue Oak, Gary Oak…"

When Dylan saw the name "Blue Oak," his eyes narrowed.

Blue!

This name was familiar to anyone who had played the games. Blue was Red's rival from the first generation. In the game, Blue challenged the Kanto Elite Four and became the Champion before Red defeated him.

Although he was immediately defeated by the arriving Red.

In the second generation, Blue, having been defeated by his rival Red, toned down his arrogance and became the leader of the Viridian Gym.

In later generations, Blue and Red became battling legends.

Blue was also one of the trainers with the most roles: rival, Champion, Gym Leader, Pokémon Trainer, and battling legend.

"Tsk~ So Red is here too?" Dylan's eyes flickered slightly.

If Blue is here, then the series' first protagonist, Red, must be here too.

Red, who set out on his journey in the first year and dominated the Kanto region, defeated the Kanto Elite Four and his rival Blue to become Champion. He then went to Cerulean Cave to challenge and capture the legendary Pokémon Mewtwo, and later handed over the Champion position to Lance before entering Mount Silver as the strongest trainer!

And Red is also the only trainer who is both a protagonist and a boss! He is the hidden boss of Mount Silver in the second generation.

"Those two monsters~"

Time passed, and Dylan couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

Aren't they monsters? According to the game's storyline, both Red and Blue dominated the entire region from the start, unbeatable except by each other.

The eighth-generation Champion, Leon, follows such an invincible script!

According to the league card, Leon became the Galar Champion in his first year of travel and has never been defeated since.

In the anime, Leon is almost on a different level from other region Champions. In the Masters Eight Tournament, Leon's Gigantamax Charizard nearly single-handedly defeated the Kalos Champion Diantha, sweeping through the team!

And Charizard is just one of Leon's ordinary main Pokémon.

Diantha was almost in tears! It was like being crushed by Leon, just like a wild trainer on the roadside.

And to have two such monsters appear in Kanto at once!

But what to say?

Indeed… a bit exciting~