Chapter 74 - An Egg?

Julian stood amidst an unfamiliar field, where a colorful sea of flowers swayed in harmony with the gentle breeze. The sight left him utterly captivated. The meadow was a kaleidoscope of botanical wonders; some blooms were towering giants, while others were delicate and petite. What fascinated him the most were the peculiar specimens that seemed to possess a life of their own. A few of these sentient flowers ambled gracefully across the terrain, while others remained rooted in place, their petals choreographing an enchanting dance of their own.

Julian couldn't contain his wonder as he gazed around the enchanting meadow. "What is this place?" he whispered to himself, his voice tinged with awe.

Mew, perched gracefully on his shoulder and munching contentedly on a poke block, seemed to understand his query. The mischievous Pokémon floated up and, with a subtle gesture, beckoned Julian to follow. Without a word, Julian trailed behind Mew as it guided him deeper into the sea of blossoms.

After journeying for over an hour, Julian and Mew arrived at a breathtaking destination: a vast, serene lake that stretched far beyond the reaches of his vision. It lay undisturbed, its waters motionless like a glassy mirror, reflecting the pristine sky above. Julian was mesmerized, never before having encountered such a tranquil expanse of water.

He couldn't help but be captivated by the lake's clarity, which allowed him to peer all the way to its seemingly bottomless depths. His gaze then shifted forward, and there, at the heart of the lake, he spotted a small island. It wasn't the island itself that seized his attention, but rather a colossal tree that dominated it. The tree's leaves were an extraordinary sight to behold; they spanned an array of colors, from vibrant green to fiery red, from autumnal orange to sunny yellow, and even to a withered, timeless brown. Each leaf seemed suspended in its own distinct era, creating an otherworldly tapestry of time.

As Julian gazed upon this remarkable tree, he felt an inexplicably familiar energy emanating from it, resonating deep within his being.

Julian's mind buzzed with questions as he contemplated the enigmatic tree before him. "Is this The Tree of Beginning?" he mused aloud, but almost immediately, he shook his head. "No, it's not. From what I remember, the Tree of Beginning didn't look like this. This tree is completely different from the one shown in the anime. Why have I never seen it before, and what is this tree? Why do I feel some kind of familiarity with it?"

Frustrated by the lack of answers, Julian turned to Mew, his companion for this extraordinary journey, hoping to find some guidance or insight. Mew met his gaze and then, without a word, resumed its path toward the tree.

Julian took a deep breath, his curiosity and determination pushing him forward. "Looks like I have to go to that small island to find out what it actually is," he decided, taking a step closer to the water's edge.

Julian's curiosity knew no bounds as he extended his finger to touch the surface of the seemingly tranquil lake. To his astonishment, as his fingertip made contact with the water, he sensed the unmistakable presence of Omniforce. It was as if every water molecule held a piece of this cosmic energy, and he could feel them all.

Unable to resist the allure of this phenomenon, Julian took the plunge, diving into the pristine waters. Omniforce coursed around him, gently coming into contact with his skin and entering his body. It was a sensation he was familiar with from his meditative practices, but this time it felt different. Instead of actively observing Omniforce, it was drawn to him without effort.

Undeterred, Julian continued to swim toward the island, each stroke propelling him closer to his destination. However, he soon realized that the island was not as small as it had initially appeared. In fact, it seemed to grow larger the nearer he drew to it, leaving him both amazed and bewildered by the mysteries that lay ahead.

Exhausted and bewildered by the surreal experience, Julian finally reached the island. He clambered onto its shore, feeling utterly drained. It was the first time since he'd arrived in this peculiar world that he had experienced fatigue. The sensation was both disorienting and fascinating, as if he had swum for an eternity, yet also just a few moments.

With great effort, he managed to roll onto the grassy ground, gazing up at the sky as he took slow, deep breaths to recover his energy. In time, he drifted into a brief slumber, lulled by the tranquility of the island.

Upon waking, he was met with a curious sight: Mew, perched on his chest, gazing at him with inquisitive eyes. Something felt off, and Julian soon realized that the Mew before him was not the same as the one that had been accompanying him on his journey. This Mew was smaller and fully pink, in stark contrast to the lighter pink hue of his previous companion. The mystery deepened, leaving Julian with even more questions than before.

Julian's confusion deepened as he looked at the two Mews before him. "Another Mew?" he uttered in amazement.

As he pondered this bizarre occurrence, he suddenly felt a light, bouncing sensation on his stomach. Reacting swiftly, he gently grabbed the Mew on his chest and sat up. To his astonishment, another Mew had been hiding there, and his sudden movement had caused it to tumble onto his lap. This Mew, like the others, was smaller and fully pink.

The Mew on his lap, after a moment of adjustment, gracefully floated up and perched itself on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek affectionately. Julian was left in awe of the inexplicable events unfolding before him.

Then, an eerie sensation washed over him, as if numerous pairs of eyes were fixated on him from all directions, shrouding the island in an aura of intrigue and uncertainty.

Julian's disbelief reached new heights as he whispered, "It can't be?"

With a swift motion, he spun around, only to find himself surrounded by an astonishing sight. Mews, countless in number, filled his field of vision. They were everywhere—some near him, some observing from a distance, and others hanging from the enigmatic tree that dominated the island. But what united them all was their unwavering gaze, filled with curiosity, fixated squarely on him. It was as if the entire island pulsed with the presence of these mystical creatures, leaving Julian in a state of wonder and amazement that defied explanation.

Julian's astonishment knew no bounds as he stood there, petrified by the surreal spectacle before him. He had never fathomed the possibility of encountering so many Mew gathered in a single place.

Stammering in disbelief, he muttered, "What the heck is happening? Am I dreaming or is this actually real?" Julian's fingers instinctively rubbed at his eyes, but when he opened them again, the countless Mews were still there, their gaze undisturbed.

With a cautious, deliberate movement, Julian rose to his feet and turned his attention to the colossal tree that stood before him. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, dwarfing any tree he'd encountered in his lifetime. As he gazed upward, trying to discern its height, he lost his balance and tumbled backward, for the top of the tree stretched beyond his line of sight, its leaves adorned with a mesmerizing array of colors that glistened in the sunlight. The mysteries of this place continued to deepen, leaving Julian awestruck and eager to uncover its secrets.

Julian regained his composure and proceeded toward the colossal tree. As he approached, the Mews in the vicinity grew more familiar, some perching on his shoulder, others finding comfortable spots on his head, back, and chest. Their presence was endearing, and Julian couldn't help but smile at the trust they seemed to place in him.

Amidst the sea of Mews, he finally spotted the one that had brought him to this enigmatic place. It approached him and perched on his shoulder, sharing the space with another Mew. Julian felt a unique connection with this particular Mew, a bond that transcended words.

Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand and touched the massive tree. In an instant, he was jolted by a surge of revelation, and the answers he had been seeking began to unfold before him.

Julian marveled at the revelation that this colossal tree was, in fact, composed entirely of Omniforce—its roots, bark, and leaves were infused with this cosmic energy. It was this profound connection with Omniforce that had stirred his sense of familiarity, unlike the water that merely contained traces of the energy.

However, despite this newfound understanding, Julian's curiosity remained unquenched. He still yearned to unravel the mystery of the tree's true nature. Turning to Mew, he decided it was time to initiate a telepathic conversation, a form of communication he had never explored deeply due to their brief and intuitive interactions.

Julian [Mew, can you explain what this tree is?]

The Mew that had been sharing its poke block with its companion was suddenly taken aback by the unexpected voice that resonated in its mind.

Mew [Waaaaa, you can talk to me like that? I've tried so many times to communicate with you, but I was always blocked.]

Julian [I see. It must be because of the Omniforce.]

Mew [Omnifooseu?]

Julian [It's not Omnifooseu; it's Omniforce. I thought you knew about it.]

Mew [I only know of its existence and that it is also the source of our existence, so it is called Omnifooseu.]

Mew, having finally established a telepathic connection with Julian, started to relay their conversation to its fellow Mews. One by one, the Mews began to express their delight, creating a chorus of cheerful mews that filled the air. Julian's presence seemed to have ignited a newfound sense of energy and excitement among the mystical creatures.

The chorus of Mews resounded with joy as they chanted, "Ominfooseu, Ominfooseu, Omnifooseu," their happiness palpable. Julian couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm, even though the meaning of their jubilation remained a mystery to him.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Julian remained focused on his quest for answers.

Julian [Mew, I still haven't received my answer.]

Mew, pausing in its cheerful dance, finally began to explain to Julian the nature of the colossal tree and the mysteries surrounding it.

Mew [This tree is The Tree of Space and Time, created by the Original One and blessed by its creations, Dialga and Palkia. It serves as the source that maintains the balance of space and time throughout the entire universe, and we are its guardians.]

Julian couldn't hide his astonishment at the revelation.

Julian: "The Tree of Space and Time..."

Mew [Yes, now that we know the tree is made of Omnifooseu, we are very happy. I started to follow you because you had the same presence as The Tree of Space and Time, and it seems my intuition was correct.]

Julian: "I have a question. Is this tree related to The Tree of Beginning?"

Mew paused, considering Julian's question, before responding.

Mew [Yes, in a way, the Tree of Beginning relies on us Mew for its survival. Every 500 years, we take an egg from our species and fuse it with the Tree of Beginning. When the egg hatches, the Mew that emerges becomes its protector. After 500 years of safeguarding, that Mew returns to this place, and a new Mew egg is sent to take its place.]

Julian [I see.]

Mew [I was once a guardian of the Tree of Beginning.]

Mew patted its small chest with pride, conveying the significance of being a guardian of the Tree of Beginning for their species.

As Mew and its fellow guardians of the Tree of Space and Time frolicked around, Julian couldn't help but be drawn into the joyous atmosphere of the island. The warm and inviting ambiance seemed to coax him into staying longer, tempting him with the prospect of endless play and relaxation.

Julian found himself sitting among the little Mews, sharing in their playful antics. Even though he was tempted to stay in this captivating place, he knew that his ultimate dream was larger than any temptation. Time itself seemed to warp in this mystical environment, as he felt like he had spent mere minutes here despite the considerable duration he'd been on the island.

Julian savored the unique experience while knowing that his journey would eventually call him away from this enchanting world.

Julian couldn't help but comment on the peculiar nature of time and space on the island. "The Time and Space around here are so weird. Even the leaves of the tree are affected by it. Dialga and Palkia are really scary," he mused, reflecting on the incredible powers that governed this place.

Eventually, Julian made the difficult decision to leave, driven by concern for his other Pokémon companions who might be waiting for him.

Julian [Mew, I think I should go.]

Mew [Meeeewwww, leaving so early? I want to play more.]

Julian [Well, we can do that next time. My Pokémon might be waiting for me.]

Mew [Okay, but wait, I have something for you.]

Julian awaited Mew's surprise, curious about what it might be.

Julian watched in fascination as Mew disappeared into the colossal tree, only to reemerge with a small blue Pokémon egg in its possession. He couldn't help but wonder what significance this egg held.

Mew turned to its fellow Mews, sharing a few words with them before a chorus of cheerful chatter erupted among the little guardians.

Floating toward Julian, Mew gently placed the small blue egg in his hands. Julian's eyes widened in surprise.

Julian [An Egg?]

He looked at the mysterious gift, pondering its meaning and significance.

Mew [This is a special egg, and we all want you to take care of it and raise it well.]

Julian gazed at the assembly of Mews, their cheerful nods and mews affirming their trust in him.

Julian [If you say so, I will take good care of it.]

Mew [Then we will part here. I may come and visit you, but I don't know when that will be.]

Julian nodded in agreement, accepting his responsibility to care for the special egg. He carefully wrapped it in a warm cloth and infused it with his Omniforce, placing it securely inside his pouch. 

Realizing that his time on this extraordinary island was coming to an end. He held the special egg carefully, ready to embark on the next chapter of his journey, guided by the mysterious bond he had forged with these guardian Mews. With a final glance back at the Mews, he turned and began to walk away.

However, to his surprise, he suddenly found himself in a completely different location than before. The Tree of Space and Time had vanished from his sight. Confused but undeterred, Julian retraced his steps and soon spotted Snorlax, who was peacefully sleeping while small Pokémon played on its enormous stomach. The sight brought a hearty laugh from Julian, who realized that not much time had actually passed at all.

Settling down to wait for his Pokémon companions, Julian couldn't help but marvel at the incredible journey he had just experienced and the mysteries that still lay ahead.