Mew and the Legend Awakened

[Author's Message]

Did I mention climax? Oh, I meant "pre-climax". If I were to place everything in one chapter, it may be too long to be an enjoyable read! Anyhow, this chapter would entail one of the most interesting and romantic episodes from the story. So bring out the tissues and play those romantic instrumentals!

Now allow me to respond to some reviews:

CruztAce – Thank you for the review! I would not want to spoil what happens in the end, but I may at least hint that the fluff you requested MAY be granted :D

thor64 – Thanks for the review! I can empathize with your rage towards Team Rocket, particularly Giovanni. I know it seems we all want the story to end with them at the brink of death, right? Hahaha! Please allow me to try to portray Team Rocket as genuine as possible – manipulative, greedy and selfish in a sense that they would not stop until they have attained everything. Yet, there is really no… pure evil, right? Forgive me as well for the redundancy, yet it really is the Team Rocket, uhmm… custom. Moreover, the reasons as to why I didn't add the later Legendaries was that 1) it was unnecessary in which they, like what CruztAce said, would be "OP", and 2) I wanted to highlight how powerful and brilliant the older gen Legendary Pokémon really are. Let's appreciate how legendary these Pokémon truly are :)

Julie Togepi – Thanks for the review! Hahaha, I knew someone would notice how Entei and Raikou would be "missing". But no worries, I merely decided for them to make their appearance in this particular chapter :)

With that aside, please enjoy this chapter!

A Legendary Battle

A melody of metal footsteps could be heard from outside. Standing upright, Misty held on to the cold metal bars of her and her companion's cage. As if she was clinging on to hope, the young red-haired Trainer, tightened her grip. Every moment that someone passed by their prisoned room, she would have that small burning flame of hope kindle within her heart. "Ash… please be Ash," she silently prayed. Her companion was seated by the back, his head hung down. Misty looked back at the seemingly disheartened Brock. "Please don't feel sad, Brock," she comforted. "I know, that any time now, Ash will come barging in through that door." Brock looked at her with small forced smile. "I-I guess you're right."

Misty took of her hand from Brock's shoulder. Her aquamarine eyes started to glimmer with tears. "Please… Please hang on just a little more Brock…" Seeing Brock in such a grim and gloomy state did not help their circumstance at all. "Ash is going to help us out, I just know it! He'll help out our Pokémon too."

…

"Pika-pi!" cried out Pikachu as he stopped in front of a solid vault-like metal door with some intricate device that would allow it to open. Ash and Celebi also halted as they caught up with the yellow electric mouse. Ash looks down at Pikachu with trusting eyes. "Pikachu, you know what to do!" Pikachu returned his Trainer's determined expression. Using Spark, Pikachu sent electric jolts to the small device attached to the metal door, allowing the door to slightly open.

Just as Ash was about to pull the door open, a Team Rocket grunt spots them. "Hey! What're you doing here, kid?!" Before the Trainer could even respond, an Aurora Beam shot from behind Ash striking the Team Rocket grunt, causing him to freeze instantaneously. Feeling a chilly atmosphere from behind, Ash slowly turned about. There he saw, standing mightily yet as well gracefully, was the mysterious blue Pokémon from before.

Nervously, Ash walked towards the Pokémon as if to thank it. The mysterious beautiful beast merely gave an elegant nod, and gestured towards the door. Comprehending the gesture, the Trainer hurriedly pulled the heavy door to the side with all his might.

The room was dim. Pikachu jumped on to his Trainer's shoulder. Celebi and the mystery blue beast, as well, accompanied them as they entered.

"He-Hello?" came a soft recognizable feminine voice. "W-Who are you?" Ash immediately knew who this was. "Misty? MISTY! It's me… Ash!" he responded loudly. "The room is so dark… I couldn't see where you guys are!"

Brock stood from where he gloomily sat. "Ash! Thank goodness. Have Pikachu use Thunderbolt on the machines by your right side. It should light up this place for sure." The younger Trainer acknowledged this suggestion and raised his arms to feel the machines his friend was talking about. Just as soon as he felt the slightly rough texture of the large instrument's cold exterior, Ash held on as if to make a mark. "Hey! I found it!" he cheered. Misty and Brock shared the small joy with cheers of their own.

"All right Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on this machine!" Jumping off Ash's shoulder, Pikachu used a mighty Thunderbolt. Just as the lights starting flickering on, a large screech from someone was heard. When the lights have fully turned on, several reactions came about on a paralyzed Pokémon Trainer who lay in a peculiar pose on the ground. "I-I forgot… to… let… go… of the… machine," Ash said as painful jolts sparked throughout his body. "Pika…" Pikachu simply yet sincerely apologized.

Recovering from his paralysis, Ash run towards the cage that imprisoned his friends. "Misty, Brock, stand back, I'm gonna get you outta here!" he said as he forcefully attempted to break the bars through several side-tackles. The mysterious blue Pokémon walked over to the young Trainer as if telling him that it will just handle the situation. Using Ice Beam, the icy blue-hued beast froze the metal bars. It then used the giant crystal on its head, smashed the ice into tiny pebble-like glittering pieces with Headbutt.

Upon their freedom, Misty immediately ran to hug Ash. "I knew it! I just knew you'd come to rescue us!" She said through her subliminal silent sobs. Brock walked over to the mysterious icy-blue Pokémon. Patting its crystal, Brock smiled. "Thank you, Suicune."

"Suicune?" Ash asked as gasped for air, moments after Misty's tight embrace. Brock walked over to his friend. "Yeah, this Pokémon's Suicune. It's believed to also be known as the Legendary North Wind." Ash's eyes widened. "Oh… Legendary, huh?" Brock then snapped his young friend back into reality. "Come on! We have to release the other Pokémon and get out of here!" Misty and Ash looked at one another with the mutual determined expressions on their faces. "RIGHT!" They replied in unison.

With their shared efforts, and help from Celebi and Suicune, the Trainer trio have successfully released all the wild Pokémon that were held captive by Team Rocket's greedy clutches. Though, as most of the Pokémon have managed to escape, the three young trainers were unfortunately ambushed by a hefty number of Team Rocket grunts. Some had Pokéballs whereas others had weapons. "You're not getting away this time, twerp," came a sinister female voice from behind. Finding the voice to be all too familiar, Ash, Misty and Brock turned about to see none other than Jessie, James, and Meowth.

"Do you really think you can escape from Team Rocket Admins?" Jessie said haughtily, whilst tossing Arbok's Pokéball on her right hand. Ash gritted his teeth. "Team Rocket! We've beat you a hundred times, and we won't hesitate to do so one more time!" he yelled out. A smirk formed on the Team Rocket trio's lips. "We won't be so easy to beat now, wouldn't it? Look around you," said James. The three young Pokémon Trainers were indeed surrounded, perhaps by about fifty grunts. "We got you completely surrounded!" Meowth pointed out. "Now hand over that Pikachu!"

"No way!" yelled out Ash. "Never in a million years!" Jessie stopped tossing the Pokéball and gripped on it tightly. "Grr… why don't you just do what you're told?!" Pointing a finger towards the three, she commanded the grunts, "Get them!"

About five Pokéballs were thrown in the air. A Houndour, Mightyena, Muk, Parasect, and Rhydon emerged. All the Pokémon looked powerful, well-trained, and were more than prepared for battle.

"Ash, I don't think our Pokémon would be strong enough to fight," Brock whispered to Ash, as he swiftly took hold of Onix's Pokéball. "We have to try Brock," Ash muttered back. He then gestured his face towards the Pikachu on his shoulder. "Ready to battle, Pikachu?" Pikachu jumps off Ash's shoulder and does his signature battle stance. Electrical sparks flickered on his red cheeks.

Acknowledging the Trainers have chosen to battle, the grunts gave their orders.

"Houndour, use Flamethrower!"

"Mightyena, Tackle now!"

"Muk, go Body Slam!"

The Mightyena was the first to go as it run speedily towards Pikachu to tackle it. Yet just as it leapt up high in the air, a mighty Thunderbolt forcefully pushed it back, causing the dark-type Pokémon to land painfully on top of its Trainer.

"Hey Pikachu… was that… your Thunderbolt?" asked Ash. "Pi…" Pikachu said meekly as he shook his head "no". Suddenly, loud steps could be heard from where the Thunderbolt had stroke. As everyone looked to see who or what it was, a mighty roar came from the other side, confusing and startling everyone.

"Ash, what was that?" Misty whispered.

Unexpectedly, three large shadows swiftly moved about the room. Out of her acquired mixed feelings of fear, nervousness, and anger, Jessie bellowed at the top of her lungs, "Whatever you are! Show yourself!" As if granting the redhead Team Rocket member's request, the shadows stopped by the side of Ash and his friends.

What everyone witnessed caused them all surprised and staggered expressions. It was none other than Raikou and Entei.

The two legendary beasts roared greatly, causing some of Team Rocket's Pokémon to flinch. "Raikou… and Entei!" Brock said elatedly. "Please lend us your power." Turning back to the Trainers, Raikou and Entei nodded.

Jessie gritted her teeth. "How come the legendary Pokémon never are on our side?!" she angrily screamed. Throwing her Pokéballs in the air, she called out her Pokémon to battle as well. "Go Arbok!" Just as the two Pokémon were physically revealed, Jessie looked back the others with her raging eyes. "WELL DON'T JUST STAND THERE! BRING OUT YOUR POKÉMON AND ATTACK!"

James, out of his fear, called out his Weezing and Victreebel. Meowth posed his battle stance, ready to unleash his Fury Swipes. The other grunts also commanded their Pokémon to prepare for battle.

"It's now or never! Arbok use Poison Sting!" Jessie coached, the red-hot wrath still present in her eyes. The other grunts joined in as well. "Parasect, use Stun Spore!" "Rhydon, Horndrill attack now!"

"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!" Ash instructed. "Pikachuuu!" cried out Pikachu as he sent off a bolt of electrical energy. The special attack countered Arbok's poison sting. Entei opened his mouth to unleash an incredibly powerful Flamethrower against the Parasect. As it was a super-effective attack, the Parasect immediately fainted. To defend from Rhydon's painful Horn Drill, Pikachu sent a Thunderbolt attack, yet it had little to no effect at all. Frightened, all Pikachu did was cover his paws over his furry head. Out of the blue, a Hydro Pump sent the opposing Rhydon flying from whence it came from.

"A Hydro Pump attack?" Misty inquired herself. "Who could have used Hydro Pump?" She and her friends looked back and saw Suicune enter. Her mystical purple mane appeared as if it were dancing with the wind. Gracefully, Suicune jumped up over the Trainers and did a mid-air Blizzard, freezing several of the grunts, specifically those who held weapons.

"Sorry, I'm late…" Suicune apologized to Entei and Raikou through Pokémon speech.

"This is NOT over yet!" Jessie cried out. "Arbok use Body Slam!" Her blue-haired companion pointed a finger towards the Trainers. "Help Arbok out! Weezing use Sludge attack! Victreebel, Razor Leaf now!" James added. Meowth jumped high in the air. "Fuuury Swiiipes!" he cried out.

Raikou, Entei, and Suicune stood firmly in front of Ash, Misty, and Brock. Roaring loudly, each legendary Pokémon, unleashed a powerful attack simultaneously. Raikou used Thunderbolt, Entei used Flamethrower, and Suicune used Hydro Pump. The three special attacks merged to counter Team Rocket's attacks and send them all off flying once again.

"NO NO NO NO NOOO!" cried Jessie as she was blasted flying speedily through the air. "WE WERE SO CLOSE!"

"There's something else we're not close to keeping," remarked James as he also was sent flying.

"What's that?" Jessie asked with a frown.

"Our promotion…" Meowth answered with tears in his cat-like eyes.

An awkward silent pause then occurred. All the three could do now was merely sigh, and say:

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Their voices chorused as they were heard from the distance.

Back at the Team Rocket battle ship, the Team Rocket grunts still refused to budge. "Just because the admins were sent off flying doesn't mean we would let you escape," sneered one of the grunts.

"I have a plan," Suicune told her comrades. "Escort these Trainers outside and I'll deal with these grunts. Trust me."

Nodding in acknowledgment, Raikou and Entei turned to the Trainers and gestured that they climb on their backs. "Huh? You want us to…" The two nodded cutting off Ash's inquiry with their motioned answer. The three Pokémon Trainers immediately climbed on the beasts' backs. Ash with Pikachu and Misty rode on Entei, whereas Brock hopped on Raikou. Just as the three were secured, the legendary Thunder and Volcano Pokémon dashed to make their escape. Suicune gave one last look back as to make sure they have left safely.

Alarmed, the Team Rocket grunts ran towards where the two legendary beasts run off. Yet before they could go any further, Suicune, having gathered sufficient energy, used Sheer Cold. The attack quickly froze everything and everyone in the room. The gleaming ice, did not only stop in the room where Team Rocket had confronted the three Trainers, yet it continued to freeze almost half of the entire battleship.

With that, Suicune quickly rushed off to make her own escape.

… At the New Island Team Rocket Top Secret Laboratory …

Mew had teleported herself, Latias, and Latios in a hallway within the building. Looking around, Mew had noticed how the place was incredibly different from how Mewtwo's designed it. Contrast to the grand doors with quite bizarre and dark themes from before, the interior appeared incredibly bright and modern. The walls were off a white, translucent, and glass-like texture and the floor was of white marble. It compares to some high-class hotel in some contemporary busy city.

Latias gave her a friend a light tap by the arm. "Mew, go ahead and find Mewtwo. Latios and I will back you up," the red Eon dragon smiled as she gave her suggestion. Mew nodded. "All right then. Let's go."

The three levitated from room to room, puzzling Latios. "Mew, are you sure you know where we're going? I thought you knew where Mewtwo was." Mew paused before turning to face the blue Eon dragon. "Yes, I do… But maybe it is just that the whole place was altered inside out. I am afraid to say… we may quite be… well just a bit… lost," she nervously forced a chuckle.

"Oh, it's all right Mew!" Latias said. "Let's just go find Mewtwo." She then speedily checked several rooms through the hall.

"Hmm… nope!"

"Nu-uh."

"Nope!"

"Not here!"

"AHHHH!" came a high-pitched screech. "Oops, sorry ma'am! My bad."

Latios zoomed over in front of another door hindering Latias from opening it. "Latias, what on earth are you doing?" Latias attempted to open the pull down the knob, yet Latios kept obstructing her. "Latios, what gives?" "You just can't keep opening doors, Latias! You might get us in trouble!" he warned. Latias rolled her golden eyes. "Nope, come on! I'm just trying to help find Mewtwo!" she continued trying to reach for the knob. "Besides! I can tell Mewtwo is probably behind this big door! I swear! Now get out of the way," Latias pleaded as she tried pushing Latios off.

"Latias," Mew began. "I do not think…" yet she was cut off as Latias had just successfully pushed aside Latios and opened the door. "…that Mewtwo is in there…" Mew silently finished her sentence, as they saw several Team Rocket grunts and their Pokémon gambling, playing darts, drinking booze, and arm-wrestling their Pokémon. Latias gulped and nervously closed the door back. "Intruders! Get them!" yelled out one grunt.

"RUN!" Latias cried out, as she and her friends run off through the hallway. The chase led the three Pokémon to several rooms and there were times that the opposing Pokémon's speedy attacks nearly hit them. As they run around the facility, Mew had felt a bizarre yet incredibly strong force. Dashing to the front, she called out to the two, "follow me!"

Mew led them all through several floors upward, nearing the office of many Team Rocket elite members. She believed that they may be nearing Mewtwo, yet having several Team Rocket grunts by their tails and keeping up the chase was quite a hassle and would surely just give them more trouble.

"You know what Mew? Go on ahead," Latias said as she slowed down her pace. Mew looked at her friend with a puzzled yet worried look. "What? Why?" Latios nodded. "Yes Mew. Go on to Mewtwo. We'll meet you in a few. We'll fight of these Team Rocket Trainers and their Pokémon off first!" Just as Latios had finished speaking, a Hyper Beam from an Exploud. Latias immediately countered the attack with Dragon Pulse. As smoke filled the space and several coughing could be heard, Latias cried out to Mew, "Hurry! Please go now!"

Mew meekly nodded. "Be well," she whispered to the two, who responded with small smiles. With that she hovered off.

"All right, Latias," Latios murmured to his female counterpart. "You got us into this mess, you better be ready for battle." Latias giggled. "Aww, I'm sorry. But hey, at least, it's been a while since we battled. This should be fun!"

The two Eon Pokémon rushed off to the opposite side, driving the crowd farther away from Mew. "Do you think Mew could handle it?" Latias asked. Latios nodded and gave his bestfriend a sincere smile. "I'm pretty sure she can. It's not like you to doubt in her, Latias."

Several Razor Leaves were thrown at the two dragons, which they simply dodged with ease. Latias continued on with their conversation. "I'm not doubting! Just worried," she said. "I really really really wish she and Mewtwo will be all right." Latios gently placed his paw over Latias'. "Now don't worry, you'll get cry-baby like again. Anyways, don't we have some Pokémon to battle?"

Just as the two Eon dragons that they had flown considerably distant enough, they began their battle with the not-so-brilliant Team Rocket grunts.

… Giovanni's Office, New Island Team Rocket Top Secret Laboratory …

Mew teleported into the room, considering that opening the door could cause her to be noticed. She focused her energy into her senses, attempting to locate the only one she needed to find – Mewtwo. Slowly, she levitated around the room. It appeared empty, yet she still kept a stealthy and vigilant pace. Wandering around the room, she had noticed how spacious and quite intricate the office appeared.

For a criminal mastermind, Giovanni sure did have some classy taste. Several modern works of Pokémon visual art that were worth about a hundred thousands were hung across the walls. A large hand-stitched map of the Kanto region was draped behind the oak-wood office desk. Just above it was the familiar ancient engraving of her. Two large crystal glass windows were parallel on both sides of the room just by the desk. It was evening, and the windows gave an astounding view of the full moon's humble beauty and the gleam of the stars.

However, it was no time to stare at her engraving, nor was it the time to gaze into the stars, the moon, or night sky. Mew had to find Mewtwo, and she needed to find him fast. Closing her eyes, she whispered her wish, "Please help me find Mewtwo. I just wish to find him and see him alive…"

Mew continued to wander around the room, searching for clues that could potentially lead her to him. Pausing just by the middle of the room, where the moon light beamed, she appeared with a beautiful and soft glow making her seem as if she were an angel.

Quite tired from levitating, she carefully descended to the floor. However, just as she had made contact to the ground, the ancient engraving image of her started to glow a bright pink light through the lines. The floor then below her opened, causing her to fall quite painfully on her bottom.

"Argh, why did not I just levitate?" she cursed. Despite her unpleasant landing what she saw had somewhat pleased her. She had found Mewtwo! However, he was in a pretty weakened state encased in the bubble she had seen Giovanni trap him in. Quickly, she dashed over to Mewtwo.

"Mewtwo! Oh please, say something! Anything! I'm here now… I'm here for you…" warm tears silently formed in her eyes and made their way down her pale cheek. Mewtwo slowly opened his eyes. "Am I… am I being tormented with more dreams…?" he quietly spoke. Mew placed her paws by the solid surface of the bubble. "No Mewtwo. It is me! It is really me… What has Giovanni done to you?" Mewtwo left her question hanging with a short pause. "This… this serves me right, Mew. For treating you and all those Pokémon in the past so… so badly… I deserve this…" he muttered with a hoarse voice. "Mewtwo! Why are you saying this? That is the past… though it cannot be altered, we can still live for the future," Mew said, as she paved closer to the bubble. "Please Mewtwo… let us live for today, and for the future…" she continued. "Because it is in the present, and not the past, that I… I… I have come to know you… a-and might even lo–," Mew was cut off as she heard a low and grim chuckle from the shadows.

"I predicted that you would arrive sooner or later," Giovanni grinned. "Though, I figured that you would have not come alone." Mew narrowed her brows. "Why do you torment us so much?! What more is it that you want to prove or gain?" Giovanni placed a palm on his Persian. "If it has not been as obvious as before, my dear Mew… let me explain once again. Yet, I warn you. This would be my last explanation." Mew clenched her paws tightly, but said no word as she waited for Giovanni to continue. "It is quite a simple answer for a simple question. I wish to prove Team Rocket as the most powerful, most impeccable, and most superior organization ever known to exist on this wretched world! With this agenda, of course, I wish to gain every means of accomplishing this goal."

He then slowly walked towards Mew, the moon light from above, casting away the shadows from his face. "If I shall let you know my progress, we are doing quite well. Only that, there are a few hindrances and lacking resources. Not that are not capable of destroying these obstructions and attaining what we need. Team Rocket gets what it wants, no matter how dire the measures or consequences."

Mew felt the familiar disturbing evil aura that the man emits. "That is just incredible selfish, and power-hungry. You're lust for such desires would be your downfall!" she said.

Giovanni smirked. "Hmm? And how is it that you are considering of defeating me? Look at Mewtwo. The most powerful Pokémon is in my hands. I should say that you would be an easier catch." Mew felt her emotions interplay within her, yet, she repressed for the moment as she needed to focus. "What you did to Mewtwo is just so horrible. I could not stand for you to hurt him any longer!"

"We'll see about that," muttered the Team Rocket boss. Throwing two Pokéballs, he summoned Absol and Mightyena. "I may be a ground-type Gym Leader in Viridian City, yet I also have a holistic training skill. Now, Mightyena, Absol, use Night Slash!" At incredible speed the super-effective attack had immediately hit Mew.

"Night slash again!" Giovanni commanded. Fortunately, Mew this time dodged with Teleport.

Re-appearing behind the two dark-type Pokémon, Mew used Aura Sphere. The super-effective attack caused both Pokémon to be pushed back against the ground's rough surface. Glowing green, Mew used Recover. "Do not underestimate me. Making use of your type advantage will not make me falter!" Giovanni sighed. "This could be, perhaps, the most incredible yet annoying battle I would have."

As for a second round, Giovanni brought out a Donphan and Steelix. Though defeated in the first round, the Team Rocket mastermind remained a calm and collected demeanor. Something Mew secretly was cautious of. The rosy Psychic feline glowed a white light and transformed into a Suicune. Avoiding Donphan's Rollout attack and Steelix's crunch, Mew perfectly aimed a Hydro Pump on Donphan. Immediately the Armor Pokémon fell fainted by Giovanni's foot. Steelix then commanded to use Bind. Squeezing Mew, rather Suicune's body, Mew glowed a white light and once again transformed back into her normal self. The Steelix had a good defense, yet she knew all too well of its weakness. Transforming into Blastoise, Mew used Hydro Cannon, and after a few second knocked out the Steelix.

"It's your turn," Giovanni told his last Pokémon. Out from the shadows emerged his Persian. "I believe you must have felt quite tired from the last few battles, Mew. I can keep this up all night long, can you?" Mew monitored her breathing. Indeed, the continuous battling did quite take a toll on her, her will-power, conversely, has enhanced sharply.

"Persian, use Agility then Swift!" The opposing Persian's evasiveness enhanced, yet Mew's Psychic-type gave her an advantage. Knowing where it would strike, Mew dodged the Swift attack and threw a pink Energy Ball. The Persian, however, speedily dodged it. "Now Persian, Foul Play!" A direct and super-effective hit, Mew felt great pain from the attack. "Dark pulse!" commanded Giovanni, sweat trickling down his temples and heart pounding faster. Mew, too slow to counter or dodge due to the painful Foul Play, was hit by the special attack. The pale rosy psychic legendary fell to the ground. She felt dizzy, exhausted, and generally, in great pain. Notwithstanding, her willpower has not faded away. "Give it up, Mew! Remember, I can keep going. I don't think you can…"

Unexpectedly, Mew's eyes glowed blue. Using Telekinesis she levitated Persian into the air and forcefully threw him against Giovanni who crashed against the sturdy concrete wall. Mew immediately used Recover and hovered over to the Trainer and his Persian. Sensing another trick up his sleeve, Mew used Disable on Giovanni, preventing him from releasing any more Pokémon. Staring at Persian, Mew used Hypnosis and entranced the Pokémon into a deep slumber.

Giovanni gritted his teeth. "Well, I see you could keep up as I could. It is true, Mew. I have now realized my mistake of underestimating you…" Mew growled under her breath. "You're up to something Giovanni," she told him in a deep and venomous tone. "I always am, my dear friend. However, it is a part of me to finish what I have started." Adjusting a small diamond on his watch, a sleek black jet plane flew overhead. A large Fearow then flew down to escort Giovanni to the jet plane. "Now if you shall excuse me," he said as he said as he climbed to ride Fearow. "I am off to finish some more errands. Follow me and I promise you that the Tree of Beginning will be nothing but a wasteland when you return to it!" With that the man escaped.

…

Though Mew knew that she should not have let Giovanni escape, her heart told her that there are more serious matters at hand. Dashing towards Mewtwo, she could feel his breathing significantly slow down. "I have to get him out of there!" she cried to herself. "But how?"

Not for long, Latias and Latios flew down from the opening Mew fell from. "Oh Mew! You're here! We finally found you!" Latias gleefully embraced her friend. "We were worried Mew," added Latios. Mew gave a small smile.

"I am sorry if I did worry you… but at least, I found Mewtwo," she meekly spoke. "Although, he was not well. We have to bring him to the Tree of Beginning." The two Eon dragons nodded. Latios offered to carry the bubble as Latias used Psychic to place it onto his back. Mew, however, halted them. "I will teleport us all there, I-," "Are you sure Mew? I'm not doubting that you might not be strong enough and all, but… I'm just really worried about you… You look so worn out," Latias cut her off, voicing her concern. Mew smiled. "Don't worry one bit. I believe I can."

… The Tree of Beginning, Giovanni's Arrival …

Several black helicopters, fighter jets, and tanks have arrived once more at the Tree of Beginning. Ash, Misty, Brock, and the legendary Pokémon present paused a while to see what was going on. "No, can it be…" Ash murmured to himself. "Pika… (Oh no…)" worriedly remarked Pikachu as he sat on his Trainer's shoulder.

"What is going on?!" Brock cried out. All the wild Pokémon surrounding them huddled closer in fear. The fear that was all too familiar. Descending from the black vehicles, numerous Team Rocket grunts with their weapons and Pokémon have emerged. They all took formation and appeared much like a fearsome SWAT team. "Order men! In position, now!" instructed the Team Rocket admins.

On particular jet plane that seem to stand out descended upon where Ash and his friends stood. As the door opened to the side. Unknown Team Rocket admins escorted out their leader, the ambitious Team Rocket mastermind who was none other than, Giovanni.

The man wore a full black suit. Much like what he wears during his battles with Trainers who challenge his gym. He looked around. The land was significantly less "greener" than it was before. There were much lesser trees, shrubs, flowers. The once clean and pure river that flows by was now dried up. The soft dark soil turned rough, grainy, and dry. All that seemed to remain untouched were the crystals.

"I see…" Giovanni began, eyes closed and hands behind his back. "We are closing to the destruction of this land." Ash run up to face him. "You again?! What do you want from here?" Giovanni took a bold step forward. "I simply am watching the progress on the establishment of Team Rocket's latest headquarters. Yet I received news that there were particular people and Pokémon who attempts to stop us," frowned the Team Rocket boss. "I was not quite pleased to hear that, should you know."

… At the crystal heart of the Tree of Beginning …

Mew had successfully teleported everyone to where the crystal heart hid.

"Please place him beside the crystal Latios," requested Mew. The blue Eon Pokémon carefully slipped the psychic legendary off his back. Just as it made contact, the warmth from the crystal melted away the bubble Mewtwo was encapsulated in. "Ohh…" Latios and Latias watched with wonder. Mew felt her heart pound heavily. "The Tree… it is finally accepting Mewtwo," Mew whispered to herself, her cerulean eyes dazzling by the crystal's light.

"Ugh… where… am I?" Mewtwo groggily spoke. "Mewtwo! You're awake!" gleefully screeched Latias. "Shhh!" Latios hushed. "He still may be too weak." Mew slowly floated by Mewtwo's side. "We are at the Tree of Beginning. How are you feeling Mewtwo?" she gently inquired. Mewtwo amethyst eyes began to sparkle with life at the sight of Mew well and alive. "Mew… Giovanni… he…" Mewtwo tried to recall, but was too fatigue. Mew placed a paw on her counterpart's lips. "Shhh… please, let's not talk about him for the moment."

Latios and Latias, quite sensitive to emotions and to the romantic episode occurring, silently and inconspicuously left the two behind.

"Mew, I'm so sorry…" Mewtwo began. Mew looked back at him with puzzled eyes. "What are you apologizing for?" she asked. The silent and warm environment gave an ever so comfortable feeling for the two psychic legendary felines. "For not having to be able to defend you from Team Rocket… I was full of pride, I was too sure of myself – of my abilities and my power," Mewtwo meaningfully spoke. "It never occurred to me that I would feel fear… fear that I might lose you."

Mew turned to face Mewtwo as he lay against the crystal heart. "I-I would fear the same…" Mew told him. "If you should really know," she continued, taking a deep breath. "In the past, I fear that you would not change your savage ways, that you would always remain cold… especially to me. Yet, never did I doubt you. I always believed in you. That's why I came to see you every now and then."

Mewtwo chuckled. "A frozen heart could not be thawed by force alone… You incessantly showed me the warm compassion no one else ever would. That is why… I have come to, at least…" Mew's eyes started to widen, her heart pounded loudly and she felt Butterfrees in her stomach. Is he finally going to admit he loves her?

"I have come to at the least tolerate you," smirked Mewtwo. It was as if Mew was hit by a meteorite. "W-What? Tolerate me?" she questioned, still unbelieving of what he had just said. "Oh Mewtwo! I could just smack your head right now!" Her annoyance started to flare within her. Mewtwo weakly chuckled once more. "Why? Were you expecting for me to admit that I love you? I thought you already knew. Knowing you are a psychic legendary…"

"Just because I am psychic and a mythical Pokémon does not mean… wait, what did you say?" Mew realized that he had just confessed. "I said that you are a psychic lege-," Mewtwo nonchalantly responded. "No! Prior to that…" Mew whispered, as she leaned in closer. "You said you… love me?"

Mewtwo stared at her brilliant blue eyes and found himself lost within them. "And I thought you already knew," he smiled genuinely. Inevitably, sapphire captured amethyst once again. "I did not… but… do you really… uhmm… do?"

This time it was Mewtwo's turn to lean in closer. "Do you… uhmm… reciprocate such feelings?" he awkwardly asked. Mew giggled, and with both paws, held his cheeks gently. "If you meant for me to say I love you too, yes I do… I love you, Mewtwo."

With that, and fortunately no Ash nearby, the two finally gave in and shared their long-awaited, meek, yet passionate kiss. The warmth from the crystal allowed the two a more intimate and comfortable environment. After a few seconds they pulled back, and Mew gave him a playful pat on the nose. "It took you this long!" she giggled. Mewtwo just simply smiled.

…

As if it was meant to destroy the moment, the cave that housed the crystal heart trembled. "W-What's going on?" Mewtwo asked alarmingly. Mew faced her newfound mate. "Mewtwo, I believe Team Rocket is about to strike once again… please, I beg you… to stay here and wait for me." Mewtwo's eyes widened. "Wait here and leave you to face that madman?! Never Mew! I will never let… ugh!" The purple clone held on to his side. He was still too fatigue to fight. Mew placed an arm behind his neck, and gently helped lay him down once more. "I never want to lose you… never again, Mewtwo," Mew said as her eyes started to glow pink. Using Hypnosis, she lulled Mewtwo to a deep sleep. "Don't Mew… please… don't…," Mewtwo fell fast asleep.

Placing a tender kiss on his temple, Mew hovered upwards. "I am deeply sorry Mewtwo. But I have to stop him in any way I can." With that, she flew off to the exit.

[Author's Note]

How was this for a chapter? I really am sorry for mentioning that this might have been the climax, yet again, it was quite too soon. Anyways, coming up next is the grand battle for the Tree of Beginning. Stay tuned! Please, if you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please make sure to review!