Chapter 10: Dearly Departed

"Dad!" Katoshi yelled as he ran and embraced his father.

"Hello son," Ash replied. "I'm so proud of you!"

They hugged for several minutes, each not wanting to let the other go. Finally, Mewtwo interjected.

"While Katoshi has mastered his abilities, and his Dragonite has proven itself to be extremely powerful," Mewtwo said, "there are still further preparations to be made."

"Right," Ash replied. "We'll discuss it over dinner. Katoshi, I made your favourite."

"Awesome!" Katoshi replied. "Magikarp Curry!"

As Ash , Katoshi and Mewtwo sat down at the table, the topic quickly turned to strategy. Katoshi was the first to speak.

"You know, I've been aware of this plan for months now," Katoshi said. "That I would train here and go back in time to create a better, alternate future. However, you've never really explained to be how it is that I will be going back in time. I don't see a time machine anywhere around here."

"I suppose we haven't quite brought that up with you, have we Katoshi." Mewtwo said. "Ash, why don't you bring it in?"

"Sure." Ash replied, as he headed towards his bedroom. A few moments later, he returned with a small box. Slowly, Ash opened it to reveal a Pokeball unlike any that Katoshi had seen before. It was gold on the top half, silver on the bottom half, and had the letters "GS" engraved on the front. Ash handed the ball to Mewtwo.

"This, Katoshi, is the GS Ball." Mewtwo stated. "It is from the Shrine of the Protector in Illex Forest. For years, several people have tried to open it to unravel its mysteries. However, the only one capable of opening the GS Ball is Mew, the original Pokemon. However, as I am comprised of Mew's DNA, I too can open it and release the Pokemon inside."

Mewtwo held the ball in his paw. Slowly, the ball left his paw, and began levitating in the air. Mewtwo's eyes glowed a deep blue, as did the GS Ball. Suddenly, there was an explosion of bright light. Ash and Katoshi turned away to shield their eyes. Once the light dissipated, a small green Pokemon appeared before the trio.

"That's…that's a Celebi!" Katoshi exclaimed.

"Correct," Mewtwo replied. "Celebi has the ability to travel freely through time. Unfortunately, it draws its power from the life energy of the planet. Due to the massive damage that Giovanni has done, there is only enough life energy for Celebi to send you back in time, with no way of bringing you back. Celebi is our trump card."

Suddenly, there was a massive explosion coming from Route 1; Giovanni was drawing near.

"We're going to have to work quickly," Mewtwo said. "Katoshi, go upstairs and grab your things."

"R-right," Katoshi replied. As Katoshi ran up the stairs, Mewtwo turned towards the door.

"Mewtwo, where are you going?" Ash asked.

"I'm going to hold Giovanni off," Mewtwo replied. "I have given Celebi instruction; it will do as you command."

"But Mewtwo, you can't fight that thing alone!" Ash replied.

"I know," Mewtwo replied. "But I think it's about time that I met my maker one last time." And with that, Mewtwo set off to confront Giovanni, just as Katoshi returned from his room.

"Alright son, are you ready?" Ash asked.

"…I guess…" Katoshi replied, tears swelling up in his eyes.

Ash knelt down and placed a hand on Katoshi's shoulder. "I'm sorry son," Ash stated. "But this is the best that your mother and I could do to ensure that you can live a happy life, and to ensure a better outcome for the future. Always remember how much your mother and I love you, and how proud we are of you. I know you'll be a fine Pokemon Trainer, and we'll always be with you in spirit."

Katoshi broke down sobbing. Ash could hear explosions drawing nearer; Mewtwo and Giovanni were already going at it. Ash shouted for Celebi, who then placed a shoulder on Katoshi before teleporting with him into the past.

Route 1…

"I'm so glad you came to fight me, Mewtwo!" Giovanni yelled as he threw energy ball after energy ball at the Genetic Pokemon.

"I refuse to live in a world wherein you are its Master," Mewtwo replied. "If I can't stop you, I'll happily die!" Mewtwo then created a massive Shadow Ball and threw it at Giovanni, creating a large explosion.

Giovanni shook off the attack without harm. "Your death can be easily arranged," Giovanni replied, as his body began to glow with dark energy. "In fact, I've been saving this attack for you!" The ground began to tremble, and the sky grew even darker. Giovanni stretched out his claw-like hands, and a small deep-black sphere appeared between them.

"Spirit Break!" Giovanni shouted, as the ball rocketed towards Mewtwo. Mewtwo extended his paws to create a barrier, but the sphere passed through and struck Mewtwo in the chest. The sphere then entered Mewtwo, as he collapsed to the ground in agony. The sphere made its way to his heart before exploding inside of him. A massive hole was ripped through Mewtwo chest, as blood began to pour out of his mouth.

Giovanni walked towards the dying Mewtwo. "How did you like that?" Giovanni asked. "It was an attack of my own creation, just for you. I do hope you enjoyed it! I had best be going now. I wish you a long and painful death. So long Mewtwo!" With that, Giovanni walked towards Pallet Town.

Mewtwo closed his eyes to try to sense Katoshi. When he couldn't, he let out a smile, knowing that Katoshi was safe and that his job was done. The last of Mewtwo's life energy left him and followed behind Giovanni to be absorbed.

To be Continued in Chapter 11: Ash Stands Alone

(To be Released on June 27th, 2012)