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Mew is said to be the ancestor of all pokemon.
Mew is one of the most researched and sought after pokemon.
And yet, researchers know even less about them than the Unown.
How can one pokemon be so elusive, but fly freely through the clouds, where paths are torn? How can they travel underwater and explore the world carelessly but to never get spotted? People swear up and down that they can hear their laughter in the distance–if they even knew what a Mew sounded like.
Mew is living the best life they can. They want to be near people, but they’re afraid. So, Mew shapeshifts into other pokemon to hide their true self from the world so that they can have affection and attention.
To be loved.
However, behind that facade, Mew isn’t happy. They aren’t being called by their own name, pet in their real form, or acknowledged in the slightest. Being out in the world as Mew, they concluded, would only cause harm:
Bad people want to use their power for destruction. Researchers want to be invasive of their privacy. Mew feels as if the world is not ready for their mysticism, and that’s why they hide.
Hide in the Tree of Beginning.
It’s a nice little home. Wild pokemon roam its luscious greens, it has a security system to leave the bad people out, and Mew has all of their comfort items there too: toys stolen from trainers that give them joy.
Well, only temporary joy. While the other inhabitants understood Mew’s presence, none of them still quite understood their legendary status.
Spring was the time of year where Mew felt the most alienated. Nidorina and Nidorino flock together, Pikachu with different shaped tails unite in love, among other variants of male and female; Eggs become a dime a dozen.
Mew may be considered the ancestor, but to be like all of these other pokemon…it’s impossible. It’s hard to explain; it’s just not Mew at all. In fact, they’re not even sure how they could be the ancestor to all varieties of species and monsters, especially gendered variants, when they feel so different.
So, Mew quietly explores the world, plays with their toys, and prank humans and pokemon when they’re bored. While the pink feline gets their kicks, it still does not fill the void that the poor pokemon possesses.
Time passes, and circumstances do not improve. Mew grows ever more lonely, sick even. Every morning, their stomach hurts when they slump out of their moss-laden bed, dreading the coming day.
This kept happening until Mew had the worst day of their life. Finally, that is when they decided to change their circumstances.
It was spring again. Mew felt sick once again, flying out of their little tree bed, joy far away. They see other pokemon in courtship, some dancing, and others playing. New hatchlings skittered about the green among their proud parents.
Mew sighed, and left the Tree of Beginning to get their mind off of things. However, as they flew around the world, they watched as pokemon got captured by Team Rocket, hurt by neglectful trainers, and noticed the world was more polluted than before.
With the world like this, Mew felt they could not trust anyone; this is why they can’t be known. But to not be known is something else they can’t stand anymore.
Is there a single good human in this world? Is there anyone they can share their secret to?
That is what they decided to find out.
Mew searched high and low for trainers and people who seemed kind, friendly, and connected with their partners. That criteria alone was not enough to satisfy this mystic; they needed to sense an extraordinary quality about who they chose.
When they spotted someone that seemed safe, Mew transformed into a lovely, cute pokemon…
…And approached you!
As it happens, you see your favorite pokemon, but in wild form. It seems unusual for this particular species to be on this route, but you gave the benefit of the doubt.
It approaches you affectionately, rubbing its head against your body. You pet it, wondering if it lost its trainer.
As you keep petting it, you offer it a berry. Gladly, the pokemon takes it and scarfs it down like it has never eaten it before; it utters a sound in satisfaction.
Once done, it starts to hop up and down eagerly. Taken aback, you ask about its excitement. In response, the pokemon bounds away from you, continuing to hop up and down, begging for your attention.
In instinct, you understood that it wanted to be followed. So, you packed your things away and were guided away from your intended path.
The wild creature kept going, occasionally turning around to see if you were still coming. It smiles with glee, and keeps traveling.
You noted how far both of you had gone, and began to question what was happening. You went through fields, lakes, forests, and a cave or two; just what was this pokemon on about? Despite your fatigue, you remained intrigued.
Eventually, both of you had made it when you noticed a giant, luscious tree with roots sticking out of it, boundless leaves, and clouds masking it.
“Is this where you wanted me to go?” You ask.
The monster nodded frivolously, ushering you inside. Still in awe of the scope of this plant, you slowly follow inside.
While there are usually guardians, they remained peaceful as the lone pokemon guided you through your final stretch. At this point, it was hard to keep up, especially with all of the branching paths, and hordes of pokemon that got in the way. Despite this, you were fascinated with the variety of nature that thrived in just one location.
Finally, the two of you make it to a remote area of the tree where you notice comfortable beds made of moss, a horde of toys, and a gentle breeze that sounds like music.
All was peaceful. The pokemon was smiling.
“This is pretty comfy…What did you take me here for?”
In response, you watch as your favorite species morphs into one you have never seen before: a short, floating pink specimen with pointy ears, large feet, small hands, pointy ears, and blue eyes full of weight.
“Mew, Mew,” they cry.
You gasp in surprise, tempted to pinch yourself. How could this happen!? Mew, of all pokemon, is who you were with!?
Excited, you were just about to get your team out, so that everyone could play and be happy. You also dug for your camera so that you could document this unforgettable moment!
However, before you could do that, you heard them cry again.
“Mew, Mew…”
You notice Mew’s sadness. “Oh…So you don’t want me to do that? What’s wrong?”
Mew flies up to you, pressing their head up to your hand. You pet it, and you notice that they are even more receptive to your affection than before, especially around their neck scruff.
“Mew…” They beckoned once more, floating away.
You watch as this happens, curious as to where they went. As it turns out, they went inside a hole inside of the tree’s many branches.
You notice Mew come out with something tied to their neck and gliding along their back. It was almost like a cape…except capes usually did not consist of four stripes: yellow, white, purple, black…
You have seen those colors before. You have seen other trainers wear them on jackets, backpacks, on bandanas, and waved flags of the same. Perhaps you even felt resonance with those colors, or maybe you have friends who do.
Regardless, this is the first time you have seen a pokemon express it.
Mew looks at you with nervous eyes.
Gently you say, “Are you nonbinary, Mew?”
Immediately did their blue eyes light up, and they nodded frivolously. For the first time in months, Mew flew around in loops, and chanted “Mew, Mew, Mew!” very happily.
You laughed as you watched them zip around and make the cutest noises. Eventually, their flight landed right into your arms, coming in for a hug. You embrace Mew, stroking their short fur a final time.
Letting go, the legendary closed their eyes in glee. Once again, you try to get your camera out, seeing if they will let you take a picture with them.
You received some head shaking, and another sad cry from them.
“Oh, I see now…” you say as you put the camera back into your bag. “You do not want anyone else to know yet.”
Mew nods, wagging their tail to and fro.
“Well, your secret is safe with me, Mew! Thank you so much for entrusting me with who you really are!” You place a hand onto your belt. “Is it okay if I take my friends out to play with you for a while? I’m sure you’d love the company!”
Mew nodded in approval, quickly getting their toys out as you opened all six of your pokeballs with your beloved team.
So, for an afternoon, you, your pokemon, and Mew have a ton of fun! You played various games, you cooked everyone your best dish, and you recalled your adventures this past year to Mew, with your team chiming in occasionally.
When the lighting got dimmer into the tree, you understood that the sun was about to set. Because you still had a long journey ahead of you still, it was time for you to go.
“I’m sorry Mew, but I can’t stay…” You said with a bittersweet smile. “Maybe we’ll cross paths again someday, or you will follow me without me knowing. But always know that you are in my heart, and I love mew for who you truly are!”
“Mew Mew!” They waved at you as you followed the hordes of wild pokemon on your way out.
You made your way safely to the nearest Pokemon Center with your team tucked in and resting up. You reminisce about your time with the most mysterious creature in the world! What a treat! In a way, you hate that you cannot tell your fellow trainers about your latest adventure. However, you were thankful that it happened at all, and they trusted you with a secret, no less! Mew is sacred, and you wanted to protect that.
As for Mew, they also thought about you. They had a hard time sleeping that night, because of how happy they were feeling; to finally be known.
For the first time in what felt like eons, they thought:
I’m alive.
I’m alive.