The first thing that greeted Ryuuske as he opened his eyes was a pair of slender, beautiful legs. The girl's white lace socks accentuated her fair, alluring skin, and if he strained his gaze upward, he could catch a glimpse of sothing even more tantalizing. Unfortunately, her skirt was too long, revealing only the faintest hint of what lay beneath.
Not that Ryuuske felt any regret—after all, when the girl had been unconscious earlier, he had already taken the liberty of exploring those enticing sights for himself. By any standard, his actions had been utterly inappropriate, which was why, when she had risked her life to save him despite everything, he had felt a rare pang of guilt.
"Awake?"
The girl's playful, charming voice drifted into his ears. Ryuuske gave a slight nod and pushed himself up. A day of rest had done him good, and the violet glow that had filled his eyes had faded back into their usual black.
"I'm feeling much better."
"If you're better, then eat sothing."
Green handed him so food—not a lovingly prepared homade al, just so compressed rations ant to replenish energy. Ryuuske wasn't picky. He took the energy bar-like item, took a bite, and washed it down with water.
Months of surviving in the wild had hardened his resolve. When he could afford to indulge, he wouldn't deny himself good food, but when circumstances demanded it, he could stomach even the most unpalatable fare as long as it kept him going.
"Since you're better, I'll be leaving now. Don't get the wrong idea—I'm not taking you with . You'll have to find your own way out of here. Heehee~"
The girl had regained her usual mischievous energy, like a little devil who was both endearing and exasperating.
Only now did Ryuuske notice that Green was already dressed and ready to go. Her wounds had faded thanks to dicine, and though the lack of proper facilities ant she couldn't freshen up completely, she still looked bright and lively.
After a brief pause, Ryuuske spoke again.
"...Let introduce myself properly. Ryuuske, from Viridian City."
"Hmm?"
Green blinked her expressive, captivating eyes before biting her lip and answering, "...Green. I guess I'm from Viridian City too."
She hesitated, her mories of life before the age of five being hazy.
But soon, her usual cheerfulness returned.
"...Rember this, Ryuu! I saved your life this ti. You owe one. So when I co asking for a favor, you better not refuse!"
"Don't worry. I won't even bother with excuses like 'it's against the law' or 'it's immoral.' If you ever need anything, I'll help."
Ryuuske's tone was solemn, his promise absolute.
'Hmm… this way, it's not a total loss. I risked my life to save him, and in return, I got a promise. With a Pokémon like wtwo, he might really be useful soday.'
No—even without wtwo, given how fast he was growing, it wouldn't be long before he beca a formidable trainer in his own right.
Green wasn't sure if she was making this demand to justify her earlier reckless act of saving him or to ensure their paths would cross again. But either way, she had done it.
Pushing away the flustered, uneasy feelings in her chest, she flashed him a coquettish smile.
"...Well then, handso, I'm off! Heehee~ Don't miss too much~ Who knows? We might see each other again sooner than you think!"
She tossed a Poké Ball, releasing her Jigglypuff, and with a wink and a blown kiss, she grabbed onto its foot and floated into the sky like a hot air balloon.
Ryuuske watched until her figure shrank to a speck in the distance before slowly standing up and stretching.
wtwo's cellular erosion left no lasting side effects—only the risk of death if he pushed past his limits.
[I'm sorry, Ryuu. During the battle, I completely lost track of your condition. I couldn't control myself.]
wtwo's voice echoed in his mind, filled with remorse.
Ryuuske shook his head with a quiet laugh.
"...No need to apologize, wtwo. I told you from the start—our bond is unbreakable. Your determination is mine. So? Feeling better now?"
[I am stronger than it. Just as you said, I am wtwo—a Pokémon that surpasses w!]
Inside its Poké Ball, wtwo sat cross-legged, a faint smirk curling its lips.
"Of course. There's no such thing as 'original' or 'copy' between you two. wtwo is wtwo, and w is w. You're different beings. Even if you resemble it, you're in no way an inferior imitation!"
[I no longer have such doubts. I don't know what cos next, so I'll stay by your side—until your own resolve is fulfilled.]
wtwo's voice carried a sense of liberation, as though it had finally shattered all restraints and fully embraced its existence in this world.
"My ambition won't be achieved overnight. So, wtwo, stay with until I accomplish my goal."
Ryuuske rummaged through his bag for a fresh change of clothes, tossing the tattered ones aside. After straightening himself up, he prepared to leave.
[That girl took sothing of yours.]
"I know. But she's going to lose more than she gains. Even if she saved , I'm not the type to let others take advantage of ."
Ryuuske chuckled as he raised his hand—Green's wallet hovered above his palm.
"...No matter how skilled a thief is, it's no match for psychic powers."
Tossing a Poké Ball to the side, he called out,
"...Let's go, Gabite and Dratini. Next stop—Vermilion City. It's a bit of a trek from here, but that's fine. This journey will be perfect for your training."
Dratini coiled around his neck with a soft "Mii!", while Gabite walked protectively beside him. Hands in his pockets, Ryuuske set off toward Vermilion City.
Not long after he left, the air where he had been standing shimred. w suddenly appeared, spinning in playful circles like a puppy chasing its tail. Its large, adorable eyes blinked curiously before it peeked timidly in the direction Ryuuske had gone—then stealthily followed.
---
anwhile, floating through the sky atop her Jigglypuff, Green humd a tune as she pulled sothing out of her pocket—Ryuuske's wallet.
"I saved your life, so taking a little advance paynt and reclaiming what's mine shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Giggling mischievously, she eagerly opened the wallet, hoping to find a hefty sum inside. A trainer as strong as him surely wouldn't be short on cash!
But her face fell almost instantly.
The wallet was completely empty—not a single coin inside, its only value being the wallet itself.
"Did he not put the money he took from in here? But that doesn't make sense—even if he didn't, there should still be sothing!"
A sudden realization struck her, and she frantically checked her own pockets.
Her expression twisted.
Her wallet was gone.
Like a defeated rooster, Green slumped over Jigglypuff in despair.
"...We're dood. Not a single penny left. Co on, Jigglypuff, let's hurry back to Cerulean City—we need to scam so money before we starve!"
To be continued…
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