The first thing Logan saw when he opened his eyes…

Was a pair of long, perfectly straight, gorgeous legs.

White lace socks wrapped around fair, slender ankles, leading upward toward a skirt that only barely hinted at the secret scenery beneath.

Sadly, the skirt was too long to reveal more than a glimpse.

Not that Logan felt it was a pity.

Back when Green had fallen unconscious, he had already — boldly and shamelessly — stolen a glance beneath.

By any woman's standards, what he did was absolutely out of line.

That was why, when she risked her life to save him despite everything, Logan had felt something rare for him: genuine guilt.

"Awake?"

Her lively, sweet voice curled into his ears.

Logan gave a small nod, pushing himself upright.

A full day of rest had done wonders; the purple gleam that had always haunted his pupils had faded, leaving only black irises behind.

"Feeling much better," he murmured.

"Good — then eat something."

Green handed him a few rations — not lovingly cooked food, just energy bars meant to keep a body moving.

Logan didn't complain.

He bit into one, chasing it with a sip of water.

Months of surviving in the wilderness had trained his heart.

Of course he preferred real meals when possible — but in tough times, as long as it kept him alive, he could swallow anything.

"Since you're better now, I'm leaving. And don't get the wrong idea — I'm not taking you with me. Figure your own way out of here, okay? Heehee~~"

She had regained her playful spark, like an impish little devil both charming and exasperating.

Only now did Logan notice: Green had freshened up.

Her wounds were faint now under the medicine's work.

Even if the ruined surroundings had denied her a proper wash, she looked energetic and radiant.

After a brief pause, Logan spoke in a solemn tone:

"…Let me properly introduce myself. Logan — from Viridian."

"Huh?"

Green blinked her bright, expressive eyes.

Then she bit her lip, answering softly:

"…Green. I suppose… also from Viridian."

She hesitated.

Before the age of five, her memories were blurry at best.

But quickly she pushed those shadows aside, flashing a cheeky smile:

"…Remember this, Logan! This time, I saved your life — so now you owe me. If I need your help someday, you can't say no!"

"Don't worry," Logan replied seriously.

"I won't even ask whether it breaks the law or morality. Whatever you need — I'll help."

That's not a bad trade, Green thought to herself.

She'd risked her life — but in return, got his promise.

He had Mewtwo — a legendary Pokémon.

Even if he didn't, at the pace he was growing, it wouldn't be long before Logan turned into a trainer worth anyone's attention.

Maybe, she reflected, she'd made that demand partly to cover the reckless part of herself that had jumped in to save him.

Or maybe, so the thread of fate tying them wouldn't snap so soon.

Trying to bury the embarrassed and restless feelings stirring inside her, Green teased, voice low and playfully sultry:

"…Well then, I'm off, handsome! Heehee~~ Don't miss me too much~~ Who knows? Maybe we'll meet again very soon~"

She tossed out a Poké Ball, summoning Jigglypuff.

Then, with a playful wink and a blown kiss at Logan, she grabbed hold of Jigglypuff's little foot — drifting upward like a girl on a living hot air balloon.

Logan watched until her silhouette shrank to nothing against the sky.

Only then did he slowly get to his feet, stretching out his limbs.

The invasive pain from Mewtwo's cells wouldn't leave behind permanent harm.

It had simply pushed his body to its limits — risking his life in the process.

{Sorry, Logan! In that fight, I didn't notice what it was doing to your body. I couldn't hold back.}

Mewtwo's apologetic voice rang in his mind.

Logan closed his eyes, shaking his head with a faint smile:

"…No need to apologize, Mewtwo. From the start, we've been bound by an unbreakable bond. Your obsession… is my obsession. How about you? Feeling better now?"

{I'm stronger than it. Just like you said — I'm Mewtwo, the one who surpasses Mew!}

Deep inside its Master Ball, Mewtwo's cold lips curled into a smile.

"Of course," Logan replied.

"There's no such thing as 'original' or 'clone'. Mewtwo is Mewtwo; Mew is Mew. You may look similar — but you're not a cheap copy."

{I don't know what my next purpose is — but let me stay by your side, until we cut through your obsession.}

Its voice felt lighter now, almost like chains had fallen away — truly accepting itself as a being of this world.

"My obsession won't be so easily ended," Logan said, eyes shining with resolve.

"So please, Mewtwo — stay with me, until I see my ambition fulfilled."

He pulled a fresh outfit from his pack, tossing aside the torn and ruined clothes.

As he dressed, Mewtwo added:

{That girl took some of your things.}

"I know," Logan chuckled softly.

"But she'll find out soon enough that she lost more than she gained. Even if she saved me — I'm not the type to get taken advantage of."

Lifting his hand, Logan revealed Green's wallet floating above his palm, drifting with psychic ease:

"…A thief's skill is nothing compared to psychic power!"

He plucked a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it lightly.

"…Come on, Gabite, Dratini. Next stop: Vermilion City. It's a long walk — but perfect to train you both on the way!"

Dratini coiled affectionately around his neck, chirping softly.

With Gabite striding beside him, Logan tucked his hands in his pockets and set off toward Vermilion.

Not long after Logan's departure, the air shimmered where he'd stood.

Mew appeared, twisting about like a kitten chasing its own tail.

Its big, innocent eyes blinked; it peeked nervously toward the path Logan had taken — then quietly floated after him.

Meanwhile, high above, Green swayed atop Jigglypuff, humming a tune as she pulled out a familiar wallet.

"I saved your life," she giggled softly to herself.

"A bit of advance payment… and reclaiming what's mine — shouldn't be too much, right?"

She couldn't help her excitement.

Surely someone as capable as Logan wouldn't be short on cash!

But her face fell almost instantly.

The wallet… was completely empty.

Not even a single coin inside — its only worth was the leather itself.

"Did he hide the money somewhere else? But even if he didn't put what he took from me in here… there should have been something!"

A thought struck her; she frantically checked her own pack — and her expression froze in horror.

Her own wallet… was missing too!

Like a deflated balloon, Green slumped over Jigglypuff, groaning in misery:

"…It's over. I'm broke. Jigglypuff, let's hurry back to Cerulean City — maybe I can scam some cash before we starve!"

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