Is this about not wanting to owe a favor to Dream? Quite the stubbornness there.
"You're looking at it wrong," Carl said with a blink. "If I lose the bet, Dream won't lift a finger. Only if I win will she help you, so technically, you owe me, not her."
Mewtwo's expression wavered slightly. Steam from the hot spring rose around it, as it hovered silently above the water.
"I don't want to rely on you," it communicated telepathically.
Carl leaned back against the edge of the pool, crossing his arms. "But you already owe me your life. A life-saving favor merits at least listening to me, don't you think?"
"Why did you save me?" Confusion flickered in Mewtwo's eyes.
"Do you need a reason to do good?" Carl shifted to a more comfortable position. "Only doing bad things requires excuses. Kindness is the purest instinct of life."
Mewtwo lowered its gaze, its reflection blurred on the water's surface. Those words sent it into deep thought. So, genuine kindness does exist without needing a reason?
"Am I a Pokémon or a human?" It suddenly inquired.
Carl was momentarily taken aback by the swift change of topic. "That depends on what you believe you are."
"Are the humans who created me considered my parents?"
Carl pulled out a projection device from his ring. "Let's have a biology lesson." He played footage about human reproductive technology.
After watching, Mewtwo's expression visibly wavered.
"Got it?" Carl put away the device. "The way you're born doesn't define your species. Your genes prove you're a Pokémon, perhaps even a descendant of Dream."
Mewtwo wasn't thrilled by the term "Dream's child."
"But Giovanni said I'm his perfect weapon," it hesitated.
Carl was relieved Giovanni hadn't brainwashed it too deeply. "That's just a role he assigned you, not your essence."
He explained patiently, "A knife can be a weapon in battle, a tool for cutting fruit, or a gift when given to someone. It depends on how you treat it."
"Some see Pokémon as partners, others as tools, and some as family. Likewise, Pokémon can perceive humans as friends, masters, or even lovers."
The key is whether both parties share the same understanding. Carl felt quite proud of his ability to guide others.
Mewtwo's expression softened noticeably.
"So Giovanni wants me as a weapon and expects me to think the same?"
"Exactly."
"Then why do I resist?"
"Because you don't agree with him. If he treated you as a partner, things might have been different. It shows a clash of ideals."
"A clash of ideals?"
"Meaning…" Carl was about to elaborate.
Mewtwo's eyes suddenly lit up. The problem wasn't within itself, but rather the incompatibility with Giovanni.
By contrast, Carl's approach of equal communication was comfortable and starkly different from Giovanni's coldness.
"I understand now!" Mewtwo smiled for perhaps the first time.
She quickly accepted Carl's perspective, resonating with her subconscious beliefs.
Giovanni stubbornly attempted to brainwash her, not realizing Mewtwo already had independent thoughts. With enough respect and care, winning Mewtwo over wasn't difficult.
Now, Carl not only saved her but also offered understanding, earning her trust.
"I'm glad you understand," Carl sighed in relief.
But before he could fully enjoy the moment, Mewtwo suddenly raised her hand towards her ankle, gathering energy.
"What are you doing?" Carl asked, slightly exasperated.
"This ring sends out a signal. That person can track me," Mewtwo said firmly. "I can't let him find me here."
Carl was momentarily stunned.
Was she worried about Giovanni showing up?
She's concerned about protecting him!
"Didn't save you and give you a lesson for nothing!" Carl chuckled. "Don't worry, he won't find you here."
"Really?" Mewtwo fixed her gaze on him.
"Absolutely," Carl replied confidently. "Why else would I dare challenge Dream?"
Mewtwo was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the truth. Finally, she lowered her hand. "You have one day."
Carl nodded.
"I still have questions," Mewtwo communicated again.
Carl sighed internally. Quite the inquisitive one.
Meanwhile, in the villa's living room.
"Why can't I sleep?" Serena murmured, holding a book that seemed to energize her the more she read.
"Maybe it's because Caitlin and the others aren't here. It feels different," Lillie said while browsing online.
"Is that it?" Serena was skeptical. Caitlin and Cynthia only stayed one night, and Sabrina just two. Could it really have such an impact?
A sudden ringing caught Serena's attention.
"A call?" She dashed barefoot to grab her phone off the dining table.
"Oh, it's just a late-night snack reminder." Serena looked at the screen, disappointed.
"Late-night snack?" Lillie touched her stomach. "Serena, even though it's just the two of us, let's make something. We can't sleep anyway."
She planned to continue her online search after snacking.
"Midnight snacks make you gain weight. Girls have to watch their figures," Serena said, a bit listlessly.
"Alright." Lillie touched her stomach, a bit let down.
Suddenly, Carl's voice echoed from the hall. "Serena!"
Startled, Serena looked over, delighted to see Carl stepping in through the back door. "Carl? Weren't you in Kanto?"
"Finished up and came back," Carl grinned, rubbing his neck. "Home is always more comfortable."
"I know right!" Serena's eyes sparkled. "Want a late-night snack?"
Lillie looked bewildered.
Carl rubbed his belly. Though he had eaten on the plane, Serena's eager expression made him nod. "Airplane food is terrible. I've been missing your cooking. Is it too much trouble?"
"Not at all!" Serena happily dashed to the kitchen. "How about I make you some pasta?"
"That sounds amazing!"
Lillie watched Serena rush off, then mused to herself: So this is what Carl meant by special treatment.
"How's the taste?" Serena asked, resting her chin in her hands, watching Carl enjoy his noodles.
"Delicious, as always," Carl slurped with satisfaction.
As a local, he knew the city's limited culinary options, yet Serena had quickly mastered the dish, even surpassing the local eateries. The hot, spicy noodles were perfect.
"I'm glad you like it!" Serena beamed, eyes crescent-shaped with joy.
Lillie, eating her noodles in silence, suddenly found them tasteless. She turned to Sabrina and Caitlin, "Eating too much late at night makes you gain weight, you know."
The two, savoring their regional delicacies, paused, chopsticks in mid-air.
Lillie's words carried a teasing tone. Serena immediately pulled her sister aside, her cheeks flushed. She certainly caught the underlying message.