And here it is, the return to Pallet Town, training for the League, and Mewtwo Strikes Back! I'm so sorry it took so long to write this, it was really hard but I finally did it.
You guys are awesome, thanks for all of the reviews, they keep me writing.
As Ash and friends pulled over the crest of the last hill, Ash stopped and took a deep breath.
"Ah, there's no place like home," he commented, stretching his arms out and taking in the vision that was Pallet Town.
"So this is Pallet?" Brock asked as he gazed the little town.
"Yep," Ash said. "And do you see that building at the top of the hill? With the red roof and the windmill, that's the Professor's Laboratory."
"Yeah, mom's probably at the restaurant right now so we can go see her later," Ash said.
They made their way through the small town in relative silence. Occasionally, Ash would stop and say hello to one of is neighbors. Finally, the reached the bottom of the hill and made their way up the steps to the Oak Lab.
As they walked up, Ash pulled out his Pokédex and transferred all of his Pokémon directly to the lab. A few moments later, he felt them being released into the Professor's garden and meet up with the rest of his team.
Ash knocked on the door and waited. After a moment, he could hear the Professor's voice shouting for them to come in.
Pushing the door open, Ash walked in followed by his friends, "Professor Oak! It's me Ash!"
"Ah, what a surprise," Oak said walking up to them, "Oh my, is that a Togepi?" he leaned forwards to get a good look at Misty's little Egg Pokémon.
"It certainly is Professor," Misty said happily as Togepi trilled in her arms, "I wanted to thank you again for giving me that Pokédex."
"Ah think nothing of it my dear," the Professor said as he led them down the hall to his sitting room. "It just so happens that you're not the only Pokémon trainer's to stop by today."
They walked in to see Gary sitting on one of the couches, drinking a cup of tea. He looked up to see Ash entering the room, and a smirk made it's way to his face. "Ashy boy," he greeted, "It's nice to see you finally made it, I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it."
"Yeah well not all of us have fancy sports cars to chauffer us around to the gyms," Ash said, then he smirked and said, "You're not compensating for anything are you?"
Gary's eyes narrowed as a light blush appeared on his face, "No!" he said angrily, "you better remember our deal, and I want to take you down myself."
"Oh don't worry," Ash replied, "I don't plan on losing any of my matches."
"Now now, why can't Pallet's two top Pokémon trainer's get along?" Oak said, trying to defuse the tension.
"Top trainers?" both Ash and Gary said at the same time.
"That's right," the professor said proudly, "The other two trainers that left at the same time as you two just couldn't take it. You are the only trainer's to have earned all the badges you need to compete. Gary earned ten badges, while Ash earned 8."
"Ash!" a familiar voice shouted, and Ash suddenly found himself with an armful of brown fluff.
"Hey Eevee, how are you doing?" Ash asked, chuckling as Eevee wriggled in his arms.
"Hey kid, what up?" Pikachu also asked from Ash's shoulder.
"I'm doing great!" he said happily, "But I'm really bored, can I battle at the League? Please!"
Ash laughed internally, 'Of course you can, it's still a ways away though so we have plenty of time to get some training done. I'll be staying here until its time to leave.'
"Yay!" he cheered before running off.
"Was that an Eevee?" Gary asked, stunned.
"Yeah," Ash said, "I caught him at the Safari Zone."
"Well, he certainly is an energetic Pokémon," Oak said, chuckling. He then stood up and went to his computer, "Gary, Ash, may I see your Pokédex's?" he asked.
"Sure Gramps," Gary said. Both he and Ash pulled out their Pokédex's and handed them to Oak. He slid them into a computer and began scanning them.
"Very interesting," he commented as he read the data on the screen.
"What?" Misty asked, interested.
"Well, according to this information, Gary has seen about 60 different Pokémon while Ash has seen over a hundred and fifty," he explained.
Ash merely nodded while Gary sweat dropped.
"Gary however, has captured more than ten times as many as Ash has," he finished.
Gary got this cocky smirk on his face, while Ash's eyes widened. He glanced at Gary incredulously.
'Why would he need to capture so many?' he wondered.
'Compensating?' Blastoise suggested, mimicking Ash's earlier statement.
Ash's eyes widened and he did his best not to laugh. Pikachu didn't even bother and started laughing so hard he fell off of Ash's shoulder. Ash caught him in midair and held onto him.
"What's up with your Pikachu?" Gary asked.
Ash shrugged, "No clue," he said while winking at Brock and Misty.
"I have an idea Grampa," Gary said, deciding to ignore the weird electric type, "Lets go to your lab and show him all of the Pokémon I caught." he turned to Ash with a cocky smirk on his face, "That way you can learn how a real Pokémon Trainer does things."
Ash rolled his eyes.
"That's a good idea," the Professor easily agreed, "Let's Poké-round in my laboratory!"
'Is he serious?' Gyarados asked.
'Even I know that pun was lame,' Blastoise said.
'He's an old geezer,' Scyther said, 'they're weird like that.'
'He reminds me of the old Alpha from my pack,' Growlithe commented.
Ash smirked at his Pokémon's comments, before following the Professor deeper into the building.
They came upon a room with steel automatic doors. Oak typed in a password into the keypad next to the door and it slid open. Inside was a massive room filled with endless metal shelves of Pokéballs.
"Well, here we are," said Oak, spreading his arms in welcome, "This is where all of the Pallet Town's trainers Pokéballs are kept."
"Wow," Ash said, looking around. His aura spread through the room, sensing hundreds of thousands of life signatures.
Oak walked up to a particular shelf that held eighteen Pokéballs on it. "These are the Pokéballs I received from Ash."
Ash smirked as he recognized his Pokéballs, from Nidoking's Moon ball to Absol's premier ball.
"If I remember right, Ash has captured only about 18 Pokémon in total," Oak continued.
"Nineteen," Ash corrected.
"Well yes," Oak conceded, "But I wasn't counting Pikachu since I gave him to you."
Ash nodded while Gary snorted.
"On the other hand, Gary has captured over 200," Oak finished.
Gary wore a proud smirk on his face.
"Training isn't just about capturing Pokémon," Ash said, "I may not have a lot of Pokémon, but my team is very diverse and well trained. The only Pokémon Types I'm missing are Ice and Rock types. And since my team is so small I can spend more time training each of my Pokémon.
Professor Oak nodded, "Very good Ash, your training style, while completely opposite Gary's can be just as effective if not more so if you do it right. I'm very impressed with how both of you have grown, and I look forwards to seeing you in the Pokémon League."
"Thank you Professor Oak," Ash said, bowing.
"Yeah thanks gramps," Gary said.
"Professor Oak, when is the Pokémon League being held this year?" Misty asked.
"Ah yes," oak said, "I assume you both know where it is?" he asked Ash and Gary.
"Of course," Gary said.
"On the Indigo Plateau," Ash said.
"Very good," oak said, "The conference is set to begin in exactly two months time so I suggest you start training."
"I will Professor," Ash said.
"This seems like an awful lot of work," Bock commented, "How do you keep up with it all?"
"It's actually not as hard as you'd think Brock," Oak said. "Every morning when I wake up, I come to perform a check on all of the Pokémon. Once that's finished, I set up an automatic release program that sends all of the Pokémon in these Pokéballs out onto the ranch."
He led them out of the main building and out to the backyard. That is, if twenty acres of nothing but green grass and tress filled with Pokémon could be called a backyard.
"I have a team of Pokémon breeder's working here with me in charge of feeding the Pokémon and ensuring they are in the best of health. While they are doing that, I begin my research. For example, I've recently been studying the variations between different Pokémon of the same species; it's very interesting.
"Once the breeders have finished feeding the Pokémon their dinner, I activate a recall system that bring all of the Pokémon back to their balls for the night."
"You must get to learn a lot," Ash commented as they walked around.
"Yes," he agreed, "Living here certainly gives me a unique opportunity to research and communicate with lots of different Pokémon."
Just then, a silver floating Pokémon came up to the group.
"Hey Metang, what's up?" Ash said as he went to pet his Iron Claw Pokémon.
"What is that?" Gary asked. He pulled out his Pokédex and trained it on Metang.
Pokémon unknown, no information available
Ash frowned as he sensed a wave of fear pass over Gary.
"Ash especially has given me quite a few rare opportunities to study unusual Pokémon," Oak said. "You seem to have a penchant for capturing unusual Pokémon."
Ash smiled, "Thank you Professor," he said. As Metang floated away, Brock turned to Oak.
"Wow Professor, this place is really great, the Pokémon must love it here," the breeder said.
"I certainly hope so Brock," he replied, "I designed this place so I could study Pokémon the proper way: in their natural habitats, living free. When Pokémon live in an environment similar to the one they were born in, it's easier to see how they are affected by their individual trainers."
There was a sudden explosion in the distance, and smoke could be seen rising above the tree line.
Ash whipped around to face the smoke.
'Pidgeot, what was that?' he asked his flying type.
'Give me a minute to get closer,' she replied. He could feel her flying from a far part of the compound.
"That smoke is coming from the Electric Pokémon Preserve," oak said, "Lets go quickly."
"It's too far away to get there on foot," Gary said. He pulled a Pokéball from his belt and tossed it into the air, "Fearow, I choose you!" Out of the ball appeared a large flying type Pokémon. Gary quickly climbed on it's back and took off.
"Charizard!" Ash yelled, agreeing with Gary.
A loud roar and the Flame Pokémon landed right next to Ash. He quickly climbed on too the Fire/Flying Type's back and they were off.
'It's those two Team Rocket freaks who attacked us last week,' Pidgeot reported, 'They are forcing Voltorb and Electrode to Self-Destruct so they can capture them.'
'Got it,' Ash replied, 'Gabite, Nidoking, get there as soon as possible, we might need your help to subdue any rowdy Electric Types.'
'On our way,' both Pokémon replied.
They came upon the enclosure, and began descending quickly. Fearow easily alighted on the fence, while Charizard landed just inside with a thud. Both trainer's leapt off of their respective Pokémon and charged towards the smoke.
'Stay back for now,' Ash ordered Charizard, 'You'll be useless against a horde of raging electric types.'
Charizard grunted an acknowledgment and took off into the sky to circle with Pidgeot.
There was a blur of movement to Ash's left, and the Aura Guardian smirked as he felt his Lucario fall into step with him.
They came upon a seen of horror. A massive crater in the ground with dozens of knocked out Voltorb and Electrode. Other Pokémon had been caught in the blast as well; several Magnemite, an Electabuzz and even a Jolteon were smoking in the crater.
On the other side stood Butch and Cassidy with a massive net in their hands.
"What do you think you're doing?" Gary demanded.
"Team Rocket," Ash growled, "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu leapt into the air and launched a massive bolt of electricity at Buff and Cassidy.
"Oh no you don't," Cassidy growled, "Rhydon, take care of this!" she released a massive Drill Pokémon in front of her. It's Lightningrod ability activated and absorbed the thunderbolt, doing no damage.
"Go Hypno, help her out!" Buffer ordered as he released a Psychic type. "Use Shadow Ball!"
"Rhydon, use Horn Drill!" Cassidy ordered.
Hypno brought his hands together and formed a dark purple ball of shadows and launched it at Pikachu. At the same time, Rhydon went charging towards the Mouse Pokémon with his large horn rotating at high speed.
"Two on one isn't fair!" Gary shouted, throwing his own Pokéball, "Go Arcanine! Use Protect."
There was a flash of Light as Gary's Pokéball released the Fire Type. Arcanine stood in front of Pikachu and a green barrier of energy formed around them. A moment later, the Shadow Ball impacted against the shield and exploded, doing no damage to the Pokémon.
"Lucario, Agility into Close Combat," Ash ordered, "Take care of that Rhydon!"
Lucario vanished in a burst of speed and slammed into the charging Ground/Rock Type. He began pummeling the Horn Pokémon with Kick and Punches, one after another, each aimed with precision to deliver the most pain.
"Nose Arcanine, use Flamethrower on that Hypno!" Gary ordered.
"Pikachu, Signal Beam!" Ash ordered.
Both Pokémon quickly launched their attacks, which converged into a fusion of bug and fire energy and came screaming down on Hypno. There was a huge explosion as the attack landed, and when the smoke cleared, Hypno was completely knocked out.
At the same time, Lucario delivered one final blow, in the form of a kick to the face, to Rhydon. The Drill Pokémon slumped over, unconscious as Lucario calmly walked back to Ash.
"Rhyhorn!" Cassidy shouted, she quickly returned her Pokémon as Bum did the same with his Hypno.
"Grr, you're going to pay for this, Patch let's get them," Cassidy said angrily.
"MY NAME IS BUTCH!" Botch shouted at her.
"Hurricane!" Ash shouted.
Pidgeot came soaring down as her wings took on a light blue glow. She flapped them hard, creating a heavy wind interlaced with blades of energy. The attack slammed into Team Rocket and sent them flying off into the sky.
"Oh yeah!" Gary cheered, "Take that losers!" He turned and gave Ash a high five.
"Thanks for the help," Ash said.
"No problem," Gary said, "We make a pretty good team don't we?"
"Sure do," Ash agreed.
"Hey Ash!" Brock called.
They turned to see Brock and Misty come running up with Professor Oak bringing up the rear.
"Oh my word!" Oak said as he looked at the field, "What on earth happened?"
Ash quickly explained.
"We must hurry and get these Pokémon healed," the Professor said once Ash finished.
'Kirlia, get Eevee and teleport down here now,' Ash silently ordered, then out loud, "Lucario, start using Heal Pulse."
'Yes Master,' he said.
Ash let out a sigh. Lucario had taken to calling him Master whenever he gave an order, and no matter what Ash did, nothing could stop him. A moment later, Kirlia appeared with Eevee at his side.
"Kirlia, use Heal Pulse, Eevee, Heal Bell," Ash ordered. They nodded, and the three Pokémon began walking among the electric types and sharing their energy.
Once the Pokémon were finished and resting, all of the humans began working together to repair the enclosure. It took several hours, but with the Pokémon's help they managed to get it done.
"Excellent work, all of you," Professor Oak said once they'd finished, "I can't thank you enough for getting rid of those troublemakers Gary and Ash."
"Your welcome," Ash said.
"Don't mention it gramps," Gary waved his hand dismissively, "Well, I'm going to head home, see you at the Pokémon League Ash."
"I'll be there," Ash said, nodding to his rival.
As Gary walked off, Ash turned to the Professor, "Professor, can I do my training here? That way I can work with my whole team at once."
Oak brought his hand to his chin in thought. "I suppose so, just make sure you stay deep within the reserve so as not to disrupt anyone with the explosions."
"All right, I can have Kirlia teleport me and all of my Pokéballs each day," Ash agreed.
"Excellent, now I suggest you head home," Oak said, "I believe your mother should be getting off of work soon."
Ash nodded and led Brock and Misty to his house. His mother was home, and she greeted all of them like long time friends and offered them houseroom until the Pokémon League. Afterwards she made a spectacular welcome home feast and sent them off to bed.
The next morning, Ash was the first awake as usual and quickly made his way down to Oaks lab after a quick breakfast.
After collecting all of his Pokémon, Ash hiked deep into the preserve. About three miles away from Oaks lab, he tossed all of his Pokéballs into the air and released all of his Pokémon.
"All right, listen up!" he shouted, "The Pokémon League starts in just two months, and we are going to spend every day training our asses off."
-Begin training montage with musical accompaniment-
Pokémon!
Ivysaur hitting Scyther with a Vine Whip
No time to question my moves
Growlithe using Flamethrower on a boulder
I stick to the path that I choose
Gyarados and Blastoise racing across a lake
Me and my friends are gonna do it right
Ivysaur glows brightly, and evolves into Venusaur
You'll never see us run away from a fight
Absol firing a Razor Wind at Kirlia
To be a Master is my dream,
Pikachu using Volt Tackle on Metang
All I've got to do is believe
Scyther dodging Illusion rocks created by Zorua
I've got a chance to win
Ash sparing with Lucario, hand-to-paw
I'm on my way to victory
Bagon glowing brightly and evolving into Shelgon
Pokémon!
Eevee sending a Shadow Ball at Nidoking
I can be a Champion if I just believe
Charizard, Dragonite and Pidgeot having a three-way Sky Battle
I'm on a Master Quest
Gabite Outraging on Gengar
I want the whole world to see
Venusaur stomping the ground to create an Earthquake
I'm gonna be the very best,
Gabite evolving into Garchomp
'Cause all I've got to do is believe in me.
Scyther performing Double Team around Pikachu
Pokémon!
"All right, great job all of you," Ash said to all of his awaiting Pokémon, "Tomorrow we'll be leaving for the Indigo League.
"Now that our training is done, I'm going to give Kirlia, Scyther, Growlithe, and Eevee the chance to evolve."
"I will!" Growlithe said, bounding up to Ash.
"So will I," Kirlia said.
"I'm still not sure what I want to evolve into so I'll wait for now," Eevee said.
"I wish to grow stronger before evolving," Scyther said.
"Alright," Ash said as he pulled both a Fire Stone, and a Dawn Stone from his bag. He set the two evolution stones on the ground in front of him.
Kirlia went first, he gently placed his hand on the bright blue stone and instantly started glowing brightly.
He grew taller, and his head became more rounded. Two sharp horns grew out of his chest and back and his waist became rounded. His arms and legs grew longer, and a sharp blade grew from his elbows. The glow burst away to reveal a newly evolved Gallade.
Growlithe immediately went up and placed a paw on the Fire Stone and started evolving. He grew larger, and larger, until he was twice as tall as Ash. His ruffled fur grew longer and more untamed. His tail was longer and more long fur grew from his rear legs. The glow burst away to reveal an Arcanine.
Ash smiled at his Pokémon as he pulled out his Pokédex.
Arcanine, the Legendary Pokémon, and the evolved form of Growlithe. Arcanine runs so smoothly, it appears to be flying and is known for its majestic cry. Upon Evolution, Arcanine learned the moves Extreme Speed and Fire Blast.
Gallade, the Blade Pokémon, and the evolved form of Kirlia. Gallade extends its elbows as if they were swords, and when protecting someone, it fights fiercely. Upon Evolution, Gallade gained the ability Steadfast and learned the moves Psycho Cut, and Night Slash.
"Great moves," Ash said happily, "Were definitely ready for the League. Everyone return!" All of the Pokémon, except for Pikachu and Arcanine, were recalled to their Pokéballs.
As Pikachu leapt up to Ash's shoulder, Ash turned to his newly evolved Fire Type. "Alright buddy, lets test out your Extreme Speed." Using the leg up he was offered, Ash nimbly clambered up to Arcanine's back. In a burst of speed they were off, racing across the fields and pastures of the Oak Corral.
Within fifteen minutes, they were standing in front of the Professor's main lab. Ash leapt off of Arcanine and gave the Pokémon a few affectionate pats, "Thanks buddy, you did really great." He returned the Legendary Pokémon and clipped the ball to his belt.
"Hey Professor Oak," Ash called as he walked into the lab, "Are you here?"
"I'm in my lab Ash," Oak called in reply.
Ash walked into the lab room and saw Oak typing away at a Computer. He quickly walked over and placed all but eight Pokéballs back in their slots. Oak finished up what he was working on and shut down the device.
"So Ash," he began, "I assume you'll be leaving for the league tomorrow?"
Ash nodded, "That's right, I want to get there with plenty of time to practice before the actual battling starts."
"I understand Ash," Oak said, "Good luck, I'll be routing for you."
"Thanks Professor," Ash said as he walked out.
"Oh one more thing Ash," Oak suddenly said, causing Ash to turn back.
"The League rules limit your carry capacity to six Pokémon for official battles, I understand that you won't try and cheat but it will probably be easier if you stick with six Pokémon until the League is over."
"All right Professor, I understand," Ash said, he pulled two Pokéballs from his belt and handed them back to the Professor.
"Thank you Ash, I'll see you at Indigo Plateau," Oak said, waving goodbye.
Ash nodded and left, making his way back home.
-scene break-
"Are you guys ready to go?" Ash asked as he checked his own backpack, making sure he had everything.
"I'm ready," Misty said. Togepi sat in her arms as usual, trilling away happily.
"Just about," Brock said as he put his sleeping bag into his enormous backpack.
Satisfied he had everything, Ash slipped his backpack on over his long coat and put his guardian hat on.
"Good luck honey," Delia said as she gave Ash a hug, "I'll be rooting for you!"
"Thanks mom," Ash said as he returned the hug.
"Goodbye Mrs. Ketchum," Misty said.
"Thanks for having us over," Brock said.
"It was my pleasure," she said, "You're welcome to come back at any time."
"Thank you," they both said in stereo.
The three trainers walked out the door and started hiking down the path out of town.
Ash sat in meditation as Brock cooked lunch. They'd made good time in the two day's they'd been traveling. The next stop was the Pokémon center at Old Shore Wharf for a break and then onto the Indigo Plateau.
"Hey you there!" a loud voice cut into Ash's meditation. He opened his eyes to see a trainer pointing at him. He wore a yellow vest over his bare chest, purple shorts, blue and white sneakers, and a red bandana tied around his head. There were two Pokéballs attacked to the left side of his vest.
"Can I help you?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, I'm looking for a Pokémon Trainer named Ash from Pallet Town," he said, "Do you know him?"
"Yeah, I know him," Ash replied, "He's me."
"My names Raymond," he said, "Lets have a match, unless you're afraid to lose!" he grabbed one of the Pokéballs from his vest and brandished it.
"I don't lose," Ash said, standing and grabbing an all red Pokéball with black grips along the side, a Cherish ball, "Zorua, to the battlefront!" he threw the ball and released the Tricky Fox Pokémon to the field.
"Go Donphan!" Raymond shouted, releasing a grey elephant like Pokémon. Ash frowned, 'Odd, those are normally found in Johto,' he commented.
'Like you should be talking,' Garchomp said.
'Good point.'
"Donphan, Rollout!" Raymond ordered.
"Use Dig to dodge, then Shadow Ball!" Ash countered.
Donphan curled into a ball and began rolling down the field at high speed.
Zorua instantly dug into the ground and disappeared from sight. Donphan rolled right over the hole and turned around to roll right back.
Zorua emerged from his hole, just as Donphan came rolling back. The Armor Pokémon slammed into Zorua, sending him flying.
In midair, Zorua charged up a Shadow Ball attack and launched it at Donphan. It connected and exploded against Donphan's side sending it off course and crashing into the dirt.
"Now Faint Attack!" Ash ordered.
Zorua vanished, and reappeared on Donphan's blindside and rammed into it. Donphan yelled in pain before fainting.
Raymond growled as he returned his Pokémon.
"Lets see how you like this," he said angrily as he tossed another Pokéball.
Out appeared a massive and muscular Machamp.
"Use Karate Chop!" Raymond ordered.
Machamp ran forward as it's open hand started glowing white.
"Extrasensory!" Ash ordered.
Zorua's eyes glowed golden, and he fired a circular multicolored beam of energy at the Superpower Pokémon.
It connected and blasted Machamp back several feet.
"Now use Incinerate!" Ash ordered.
Zorua took a deep breath and fired a beam of fiery energy at Machamp. It connected and exploded, causing the Superpower Pokémon to go flying. It landed near its trainer with a crash, completely unconscious.
"Grrr, how dare you!" Raymond yelled. A moment later, he had taken his final three Pokéballs and threw all of them at once. "Get him!" he ordered.
The Pinsir, Golem, and Venomoth that appeared charged towards Ash. Ash was reaching towards his belt for backup, when a sudden glow lit up the field. Zorua was evolving.
He grew taller, at least three times his original height. His face became more pointed and angular. A huge mane of hair grew down his back, ending in a point just above the ground. His legs grew longer, and stronger and he stood up on his rear feet.
The energy burst away to reveal a newly evolved Zoroark, roaring with fury. Instantly his began glowing crimson as his eyes glowed bright blue. He raised his arms above his head, the aura around them growing thicker as the energy collected, before bringing them down and slamming the earth with his fists.
A dome of red and pink energy erupted from where his fists connected. Growing larger, it raced across the field and slammed into the three attacking Pokémon, sending them flying back in a massive explosion.
Raymond, who was staring slack-jawed at Zoroark, quickly returned his Pokémon and fled.
Ash snorted as he went up to examine his Pokémon.
"What do you think?" he asked smugly.
"You look great," Ash said, "It's going to be fun battling with you." He pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
Zoroark, the Illusion Fox Pokémon, and the evolved form of Zorua. Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents. Upon Evolution, Zoroark learned the moves Night Daze, Nasty Plot, and Dark Pulse.
Ash gave out an appreciative whistle, Zoroark smirked. Ash returned him and went to eat lunch.
About Half an Hour later, Ash suddenly looked up from his nearly empty bowl. He could sense something flying towards them very fast.
"Look out!" he yelled, pushing himself away from the table. Brock and Misty dove for cover just as something large and yellow zoomed right over the picnic table, knocking it over.
Looking around, Ash quickly stood up just as a large Dragonite landed in front of him. It was perhaps a foot taller than his Dragonite, and had a large black back hanging from its shoulder. It reached into this back and pulled out a simple envelope and handed it to Ash.
Frowning, Ash ripped open the letter and pulled out a small grey card with a Pokéball symbol on it. The center button on the Pokéball lit up, and formed a hologram of a woman wearing a bulky maroon dress in the middle of a curtsy.
"Wow," Misty commented from over Ash's shoulder.
"Greeting's Pokémon Trainers, I bear an invitation," the woman said.
"She's really small but really pretty," Brock said dreamily. Ash rolled his eyes.
"You have been chosen to join a select group of Pokémon trainers at a special gathering," She continued, "It will be hosted by my master, the worlds greatest Pokémon trainer at his palace on New Island."
The image of the woman faded to be replaced by a small map of the ocean.
"A chartered ferry will leave from Old Shore Wharf to take you to the Island this afternoon. Only trainers who present this invitation will be admitted. Should you decide to attend, you must reply at once! My master awaits you."
With that, she gave another curtsy and the image vanished.
"Uh, is there a rewind button?" Brock asked.
Misty ignored him, instead asking, "Should we go?"
"Of course we should!" Brock shouted, startling Ash and Misty slightly, "I've gotta meet her!"
"Sounds like a great warm-up match for the Pokémon League," Ash said, "But do we have time?"
"Of course," Brock said instantly, "The League doesn't start for another week."
"I suppose I'll say yes then," Ash said. He pulled the other card from the envelope and checked the yes square." After giving it back to the Dragonite, they watched as he lifted off and flew back to wherever he came from.
Quickly packing up camp, they started making their way to Old Shore Wharf.
"Where in the name of Arceus did this storm come from?" Pikachu demanded as the gang ran towards the Wharf. Rain was pouring down on them, soaking to the bone.
They quickly made it to the building and ran through the automatic doors, shaking the water loose from their clothing.
"Togepi's totally soaked," Misty complained as she pulled out a towel and started drying the little egg.
"I can't believe how fast that storm came in," Brock commented.
Looking around, they noticed a large crowd growing near the doors to the docks. Blocking the entrance was an Officer Jenny and a woman wearing a blue uniform. Ash pushed his way to the front of the crowd to find out what's going on.
"Its not just rain," Jenny was saying, trying to placate the crowd, "the harbor manager thinks this could be the worst storm ever."
"Listen to me," Miranda, the harbor manager said, "the prophets have predicted the return of The Winds of Water. For years I have prayed that mankind would never witness that deadly storm ever again."
"Isn't that just a legend?" Officer Jenny asked.
"The ancient writing's tell of a storm wiping out all but a few Pokémon. In their sorrow, the water of their tears somehow restored the lives lost in the storm. But there are no Pokémon tears today, just water's which no one can survive," Miranda said ominously.
"And that's why your ferry to New Island's been canceled," Jenny said with finality.
"Well I'm going to New Island anyway," a young man shouted out, "I'll my Pokémon are Water Type, we'll just swim over to that palace."
"I warn you," Miranda said quickly, "The waves will be savage, you will never make it."
"And besides," Jenny said angrily, "If you tried that stunt and your Pokémon got hurt, you'd be out of luck because we had to close down the Pokémon Center."
"What? Why?" Ash asked.
"Because the Nurse in charge of the center disappeared last month," Jenny explained, "And if any of you see her, please contact me at once. That's a picture of her over there on the wall."
Brock walked over to look at the missing poster, but Misty dragged him away before he could say anything. Ash, his friends, and three other trainers ran out to the wharf.
Ash tossed a Pokéball into the air and released his Dragonite. Climbing onto his back, Ash glanced around to see Misty releasing her Milotic into the ocean as Brock climbed onto his Skarmory's back.
Another kid wearing a teal muscle shirt released a Gyarados and leapt onto it's back just as another teen released a Pidgeot. The final girl released a Dewgong into the ocean and jumped to it's back. Together the six trainers flew/swam out into the massive storm towards New Island.
The winds were extremely strong as they buffeted the Pokémon. Down in the ocean, the water Pokémon swam strongly, constantly battling the waves.
'The storm keeps getting stronger, the closer we get to the Island,' Dragonite said, 'Are you sure this is a good idea?'
'Not really, but it's too late to turn back,' Ash replied. He looked around, expanding his aura.
'That's odd,' he thought, 'I can feel a massive amount of psychic energy surging through the clouds.
After a few minutes, they burst through the clouds into the massive eye of the storm. Instantly the winds stopped blowing and the waters became calm. In the dead center of the eye was a large island.
It looked mostly human built, with large buildings covering it and multiple windmills to provide electricity. In the topmost tower, Ash could feel a powerful being watching them. It radiated Psychic energy identical to the energy permeating the storm.
'What is that?' he wondered, 'It seems familiar, but different.'
'It similar that energy you felt on the St. Anne,' Lucario said.
'But still not quite the same,' Dragonite concluded.
At the base of the island was a small dock with a glowing lantern guiding the way. Dragonite flew ahead and was the first to land. Ash quickly hopped off his back and returned him.
As the other trainers arrived, Ash watched as the woman from the message walked up to them.
"My master bids you welcome to New Island, would you kindly present your invitations," she said emotionlessly.
Ash looked at her closely as he absently pulled the invitation from his pocket. As one, all of the holograms activated, forming the woman in front of them.
"The bearers of this invitation may be admitted to New Island,"the hologram said.
"Hey, aren't you the Nurse Joy who's been missing from the Pokémon Center?" Brock suddenly asked.
"What?" she asked, her voice still void of emotion.
"Yeah, you look just like her," Misty said.
Ash narrowed his eyes as his aura sight activated. He could see a shroud of psychic energy had enveloped her mind, clouding her senses and controlling her actions. It was incredibly strong, Ash knew he had no chance of releasing her from it.
"I'm afraid you are mistaken, I have always dwelt on this island and have always been in the service of my master. Now please, come this way," with that the turned around and began walking up a long staircase.
The six trainers followed her in silence as they climbed the stairs. Eventually, they emerged onto a large balcony. She led them to a massive set of stone door that opened by themselves as they approached.
They walked into a massive dining hall. Stone pillars covered the place and on the left and right sides of the hall were two large fountains. In the center of the hall was a large dining table with ornate golden chairs placed around it.
"Now that you are here, all trainers worthy of an audience with my master are present," the woman said.
"But, what about the rest," Misty asked, "There were bunches of trainers waiting on the wharf."
"Only those trainers capable of braving the storm have proven themselves worthy in my master's eyes," she said.
"You mean that storm was some sort of test?" Brock asked.
"That's impossible," said the teen in the orange jacket, "No one can make a storm like that."
"Please release your Pokémon from your Pokéballs and take a seat," the said, not bothering to answer Brock's question, "It will not be long before my master's intentions are clear."
With that final ominous note, the massive doors swung shut and sealed them in. The woman walked away and the trainers made their way to the dining table.
"We haven't been introduced yet," the girl wearing a purple shirt said, "I'm Neesha, and these are my Pokémon." She tossed six Pokéballs into the air and released a Wigglytuff, a Rapidash, a Blastoise, a Vileplume, Ninetails, and a Dewgong.
"The name's Fergus," the boy in the teal muscle shirt introduced, "Say hello to my Pokémon." He released a horde of Water Pokémon and a Nidoqueen. There was a Gyarados, a Seadra, a Golduck, a Tentacruel, and a Vaporeon.
"I'm Corey," said the boy in the orange jacket, "meet my Pokémon." He released a Venusaur, a Hitmonlee, a Scyther, a Rhyhorn, a Pidgeot, and a Sandslash.
"I'm Ash, this is Misty and Brock," Ash introduced. He took five balls from his belt and tossed them into the air. With a brilliant flash of light, Zoroark, Lucario, Dragonite, Charizard, and Nidoking appeared. Pikachu leapt from Ash's shoulder and ran to join the herd.
Behind him, Brock and Misty released their Pokémon to join the enormous pack. Misty released her Staryu, Vaporeon, Milotic, Ponyta, and Kabutops while Togepi squealed in her arms. Brock released his Steelix, Skarmory, Magnemite, Exeggcute, Omanyte, and Golbat.
"That's quite a collection you guys got," Fergus commented.
Suddenly, all of the lights in the room went out. Ash's aura sight activated on reflex and he could see a massive wave of psychic energy forming at the top of the spiral staircase.
A beam of light formed straight down the middle of the stairs and the woman suddenly spoke up. "You are about to meet my master," she said, "The time has come for your encounter with the greatest Pokémon master on earth."
All of the Pokémon around them tensed, getting ready for a massive fight.
'Something's coming,' Dragonite said.
'I know,' Ash replied.
A figure appeared at the top of the light beam, slowly floating down. Even before he could see it, Ash felt massive waves of psychic energy practically leaking off of it.
It was predominately colored light pink. It had a large head with two small horns; a small tube traveled from the base of its skull directly to its spine, bypassing its thin neck. It's chest and shoulders were well defined, almost looking like a breastplate. It had long spindly arms that ended in a three-fingered hand with bulbous tips. Its legs were more muscular and it stood on its toes similarly to Lucario. Finally, it had a long and thick tail with a bulbous tip.
As it landed, it glared down at all of the trainers and Pokémon. Ash could feel intense hate emanating from it. As he looked at the Pokémon, a word forming in Ash's mind of it's own volition; Mewtwo.
"Yes, the worlds greatest Pokémon Master is also the worlds most powerful Pokémon," the woman continued, "This is the ruler of New Island and soon the entire world Mewtwo."
There was a moment of silence as everyone stared at Mewtwo, before Fergus leapt to his feet. "A Pokémon can't be a Pokémon Master, no way!"
"Quite human, from now on I am the one who makes the rules," the woman said, but at the same time another voice was projected into all of their heads. It was deep and filled with such hatred that Ash flinched. The Psychic voice had overridden his mental shields it was as if they weren't there.
Mewtwo raised his hand and lashed out with a powerful Psychic attack. Fergus became covered in a fiery blue aura of psychic energy. He started yelling in pain as he was lifted twenty feet into the air.
Mewtwo merely watched as he screamed for nearly a minute, before giving a small laugh and launching Fergus into the pool with his Pokémon. He burst from the water spluttering and angry.
"We'll show you, go Gyarados Hyper Beam!" Fergus ordered.
His massive Atrocious Pokémon reared out of the water and fired a massive beam of energy at Mewtwo.
The Powerful Psychic Type Pokémon merely raised a hand and formed a Mirror Coat in front of itself. The Hyper Beam impacted against the Mirror Coat, and was reflected back. It crashed into Gyarados, instantly knocking the Water/Flying Type out.
"Childs play," Mewtwo said arrogantly, still using the woman's voice as well. He then turned to her and said, "Your usefulness has ended." He waved his hand and she let out a gasp before starting to stumble.
Brock ran up to her and caught her just as she collapsed. The hat she was wearing fell off, revealing the bubblegum pink hair of Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy!" Brock said happily as she came to.
"Uh, where am I, and how did I get here?" she asked as she looked around.
"You have been under my control," Mewtwo said, "I transported you here from the Pokémon Center. You're knowledge of Pokémon physiology proved useful to my plan. And now I have cleansed your tiny human brain of memories from the past few weeks."
"Just who are you?" Brock demanded.
"I am the new ruler of this world, the master of humans and Pokémon alike," Mewtwo said.
"You're just a bully!" Misty shouted.
"Only Lord Arceus can be the ruler!" Pikachu said, "He is the creator of all and ruler of all!"
"Then He is a fool," Mewtwo said. All of the Pokémon gasped.
"Humans are a dangerous species," Mewtwo said, "You brought me into your world with no other purpose but to be your slave. But no I have my own purpose; my storm will create my own world…by destroying yours."
"So you hate all humans, and your going to destroy us to save all Pokémon?" Brock said.
"No," Mewtwo refuted, "Pokémon will not be spare either, they are just as guilty for allowing the humans to enslave them."
Ash could feel the anger emanating from his Pokémon. Pikachu, de facto leader of Ash's Pokémon by nature of being his starter, leapt from Ash's shoulder. "We are nobody's slave!" he shouted at Mewtwo, "Ash is our friend and you have no right to do what you are doing."
Mewtwo huffed, "You are just as pathetic as the rest." Suddenly, his eyes started glowing and Pikachu was flung into the air.
"Dragonite!" Ash shouted.
The Dragon Pokémon gave his wings a mighty flap and shot into the air to catch Pikachu. He landed just behind Ash, and Pikachu leapt to Ash's shoulder.
"Humans and Pokémon can never be friends," Mewtwo said.
"That's not up to you to decide," Ash said.
Corey stepped forward, "If you are a Pokémon then there's no reason I can't catch you," he said, "Go Rhyhorn, Horn Attack!"
His Rhyhorn let out a roar and charged at Mewtwo. As the Ground/Rock type leapt at the Psychic type, he merely raised his hand and caught Rhyhorn's horn. The Spikes Pokémon flailed in surprise before being flung across the hall and into the nearby wall.
"Your Pokémon are no match for my power," Mewtwo said arrogantly, "I am far to strong to be weakened by your pathetic attacks."
"Then you won't mind proving it in a real match," Ash challenged, clutching a Pokéball in his hand.
"Is that a challenge?" Mewtwo asked, amusement evident in his voice.
"Oh yeah, you bet it is," Ash said.
Ash could feel the amusement emanating off of Mewtwo in waves, like he was waiting for this very thing to happen. Around the powerful Psychic type, large holes opened up in the floor. Out of the holes rose three very familiar, yet very different Pokémon.
It was a Charizard, a Blastoise, and a Venusaur. Except they all had unusual markings covering their bodies.
"Like most Pokémon trainers, I too started with Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle," Mewtwo said, "But for their evolved forms, I used their genetic material to clone more powerful versions."
"Copies!" Neesha said in disgust.
"They're clones," Corey said.
Suddenly, the walls started shaking, and the massive window behind Mewtwo started melting away to reveal a massive battlefield.
"A Stadium," Brock said, "Mewtwo planned this all along."
"You're fake Venusaur can't beat my real one," Corey said, "Right Bruteroot?" His Venusaur roared in agreement.
"You're Blastoise doesn't stand a chance, right Shellshocker?" Neesha asked, prompting her Blastoise to roar in agreement.
"Get ready Charizard, it's battle time," Ash said.
"Oh yeah, bring on the pain," Charizard said.
"Hm, very well," Mewtwo said. His eye glowed and him and his three clone Pokémon were teleported to the opposite side of the field. "Who will be the first to oppose me?"
Corey's Venusaur stepped up and roared his challenge at Mewtwo.
"I underestimated you last time, but that won't happen again," Corey said.
Mewtwo gestured for his Venusaur to step forwards.
Ash watched silently as Mewtwo systematically beat Bruteroot and Shellshocker. 'He relies on power to overwhelm his opponents,' he thought, 'Some basic strategies but overall nothing all that original.'
"Are you ready for this Charizard?" Ash asked as he stepped up to the battlebox.
"You're going down," Charizard said to his opponent.
"Ok, lets start off simple, Charizard use Flamethrower!" Ash ordered.
Charizarde leapt into the air and soared down the field. He opened his maw and unleashed a massive deluge of flames at the opposing Charizard clone. It reared back slightly at the overwhelming heat, before taking to the air and dodging the attack.
It spun around and launched it's own flamethrower at Charizard, he spun to the side to avoid it.
'Fly up and let it get close to you before using ThunderPunch!' Ash ordered telepathically.
Charizard flapped his wings hard and soared straight up. Charizardtwo took off in hot pursuit. The clone quickly caught up with Charizard and unleashed another flamethrower attack. It hit Charizard in the back and he winced.
'Damn, this guy's strong!' he commented.
Suddenly putting on the brakes, Charizard spun around as his fist started crackling with electricity. Charizardtwo, to stunned to dodge, was hit in the stomach with the supereffective attack.
'Now, Dragon Tail!' Ash ordered.
Charizards tail took on a teal blue glow and he fliped in midair to bring it down on Charizardtwo's head. It let out a squak before beginniing to plumit from the sky. It landed on the ground with a resounding crash, kicking up dust and covering the field with debris.
Ash scanned the field with his aura vision to confirm what he already knew. He'd won. Charizard flew down and used his wings to clear the field before landing right in front of Ash.
"What? But, how is this possible?" Mewtwo demanded.
"Because you lack what most humans are born with," a new, distinctly feminine voice said.
There was a loud gasp from all of the Pokémon. Ash looked up to see a small pink cat like Pokémon had appeared. Again, a name formed in his head on it's own; Mew.
"You lack compasion, the ability to think on the fly and adapt to any situation," she said, "Humans were granted these in place of the special abilities Pokémon have. You're storm could rage for years, but humans would still survive and eventually learn to thrive."
Mewtwo started laughing, "It matters not, they will fall to my power regardeless."
As this conversation continued, Mew contacted Ash telepathically.
'Stand ready Chosen one,' she said, 'I am going to need your assistance.'
'What? Chosen one?' Ash asked, 'What do you mean by that?'
'Every generation, a human is chosen by Lord Arceus to stand as his Champion, you are this chosen,' she explained, 'You, and only you have the ability to command all of the Legendary Pokémon. You can understand us at all times and are granted knowledge of us.'
'Is that why I already knew what you are?' Ash asked.
'Correct,' Mew said, 'Now, I want you to command me in a battle with Mewtwo.'
'Ok, but what moves do you know?' Ash asked.
'All of them,' she replied simply.
"I see there is no convincing you with words," Mew said aloud to Mewtwo, "If you wish to continue your little world domination scheme, then you are going to have to defeat me."
Mewtwo started laughing.
'I was created from your genetic material, but I am much more powerful than you ever will be. You stand no chance,' he said.
"Then prove it," Ash said, stepping forwards, "I'll command Mew in a battle against you and we'll see who's more powerful. If you win, I won't stand in your way as you take over the world, but if we win you must obey her demands."
'Hmm, very well,' he said. Before anyone could blink, Mewtwo had launched a Shadow Ball at Mew.
"Dodge it!" Ash said.
Mew agily spun around the Shadow Ball.
"Now use Dark Pulse!" Ash ordered. Mew quickly fired a beam of black rotating rings at Mewtwo.
He quickly brought his hand up and formed a barrier to protect himself.
"Brick Break!" Ash ordered.
Mew flew forwards quickly as her small paw started glowing and she brought it down on the Barrier. It shattered under the assault and continued to slam into Mewtwo.
He grunted at the power behind the attack. Forming an Aura Sphere in his hand, he slammed it into Mew and sent her flying.
"Teleport in close and use X-Scissor!" Ash ordered. Mew vanished in a flash of pink and reapeared right behind Mewtwo. He twisted around but she was already bring her hands together in an x formation. The Bug Type attack slammed into him and sent hin crashing to the ground.
"Now, Shadow Ball!" Ash said.
Mew quickly formed the ball of ghost energy and launched it at Mewtwo. At the last minute, Mewtwo threw up a Mirror Coat around himself and the Shadow Ball reflected off back to Mew.
"Protect!" Ash shouted.
"Instantly, a green barrier formed around Mew and the Shadow Ball impacted against it. A moment later, a second Shadow Ball impacted the Protect and shattered it, continueing on to Mew and slamming into her.
Mewtwo flew after her as his body was enveloped in a shroud of psychic energy. He slammed into Mew with his signature Psystrike, causing a massive explosion across the stadium.
Ash could feel Mew was weakening, she had little defence in her small body, unlike Mewtwo.
'Use the smoke to hide and use recover,' he thought to her.
The smoke gradually floated away to reveal a panting Mewtwo and a fully healed Mew.
"What!" he demanded in anger. "I see, you used Recover, well two can play at that game."
"Oh no you don't," Ash said, "Use Heal Block Mew!"
As Mewtwo began to glow, Mew unleashed a blast of light at him, forcefully canceling the Recover move and preventing him from using it again.
"What!" Mewtwo said angrily. He tried again to use Recover but failed. "What is happening?" he demanded.
"Heal Block prevents you from healing yourself," Ash explained, "You can't use recover anymore. Mew, lets finish this with Dark Pulse!"
Mew instantly unleashed a beam of dark energy rings at the stunned Mewtwo. It slammed into him and sent him crashing into the stadium wall.
"Now, Hyper Beam!" Ash shouted.
Mew brought her hands together and formed an orb of orange energy. She fired the massive Hyper Beam at Mewtwo, and it exploded on impact.
When the smoke and dust finally cleared, Mewtwo was sitting in the whole he'd made, unable to move due to pain.
Mew calmly flew up to him as he glared blearily at her.
"From the moment you became aware, you have been subjected to nothing but the worst of humanity," she said, "Now, as punishment for attempting to destroy the earth you must serve under the best of them.
"You will remain on Ash's team for five years, and will do as he commands. You will not attempt to hurt him in any way nor will you hurt any who he calls friends."
"I…will…not," he said angrily, his voice filled with pain.
"You have no choice, we beat you and these are my demands. Ash, use the Master Ball you were gifted to capture him, even in this weakened state he could escape any Pokéball," she ordered.
"How do you know about my Master Ball?" Ash asked as he pulled it out of his backpack.
"I was the one who ensured you would win it," she said.
Ash threw the purple and pink Pokéball at Mewtwo. "NO!" his mental voice shrieked as the Pokéball smacked into his chest and popped open to absorb the Psychic type into its confines. As it landed it began rocking back and forth violently, it's light flashing constantly.
After a full minute of fighting, the Pokéball finally won and it dinged a successful capture.
Ash ran out to grab the Pokéball while shouting, "Brock, I'm going to need your rejuvenator!"
He picked up the Masterball and quickly walked over to Brock who'd taken a small box from his large backpack. Nurse Joy quickly took over, taking the box from Brock and grabbing the Pokéball.
Setting the machine up quickly and efficiently she began healing Mewtwo. Ash turned back to Mew.
"What should I do with him?" he asked.
"Show him what he would have destroyed," she said, "Show him the best of the world, because he's seen nothing but the worst. He must stay with you for five years, afterwards you must release him if he wants it but not before."
Ash nodded, "I understand, thank you."
"No, thank you," Mew said, "I'll always be your friend." With that, she teleported away.
Ash blinked in surprise, 'No way,' he thought in surprise.
"Ok Ash, it's done," Brock said, distracting him from his thoughts, "the machine has healed most of his injuries, but he's still low on energy."
Ash nodded, "Let me have him, now's my best chance to get through to him."
Brock merely nodded and handed him the purple and white Pokéball. Taking a deep breath, Ash tossed the Pokéball into the air.
'Be ready,' he thought to his Pokémon.
The Master Ball popped open and Mewtwo's essense burst from the device to reform right in front of Ash. Even as Mewtwo formed, Ash was pooling his aura into his palm and reaching out to touch the Psychic Type.
Grabbing onto Mewtwo's arm, Ash released his aura as a pulse into Mewtwo's body and formed an instant Empathy bond.
Angery at Ash's capture of him, Mewtwo was prepared to murder him the moment he was released. However, he was surprised when a sudden surge of energy and emotion invaded his body.
Ash closed his eyes and began pouring all of the love he held for Pokémon into the empathy bond. He could feel all of the anger that Mewtwo felt for natural life. He was jealous of natural born Pokémon, angry that he was denied such and was only created as an experiment. He focused on those feelings and followed them to their source.
Flash's of memory began pouring through Ash's mind. Waking up in a large test tube, destroying this island, being tricked into servicing Giovanni, escaping and returning to rebuild New Island. Then suddenly, he found something new he didn't expect.
There was a block in Mewtwo's mind, where memories had been supressed. Concentrating the immemse mental might of 20 minds, Ash bore through the block to release the memories.
Images of a little girl and a Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle began flashing through Mewtwo's mind. He sat in shock and awe as forgotten memories invaded his senses.
'What is this?' Mewtwo asked in his deep baritone, confusion now radiating from him.
'Innocence,' Ash said as he experienced the memories with Mewtwo. 'All creatures are born with it, even you, it is experience that takes it away.'
Ash began sharing his own life with Mewtwo, showing him the innocence of his own childhood. All of Ash's other Pokémon started revealing their own memories of their lives after hatching.
'Life is wonderful,' Ash said, purposefully quoting Amber from Mewtwo's memories, 'and you would have destroyed that. But now that's in the past, and you have a chance to start again.'
'Why would you care?' Mewtwo asked, 'I'm just a clone, a copy made in some experiment.'
'That's not true,' Ash said, 'It doesn't matter where you come from, our how you were created. Our lives are defined by our actions, not the circumstances of our birth.'
Mewtwo was silent as he contemplated this. Not really having any response, he decided to ask a different question, 'How are you connected to the other Pokémon? I can sense a power within you, but I don't understand it.'
'It's called aura,' Ash explained, 'it's an energy that permeates all living things. I was born with the ability to manipulate aura and I've used it to bind all of my Pokémon's aura together with myself. It allows us to share thoughts, emotions, memories, and sometimes power.'
'And you wish to include me in this bond?' Mewtwo guessed, 'I can sense your desires.'
'Yes,' Ash said, 'however, it's completely up to you. I cannot force the bond without if falling apart. Both partners must be willing. Even if it were possible I wouldn't force an aura bond on anyone.'
'I see,' Mewtwo said thoughtfully, 'I don't think I'm ready to go through with this bond right now.'
'I understand,' Ash said and withdrew from Mewtwo's aura.
Opening his eyes, Ash looked around and saw that everyone was watching them. Standing up he turned to talk to them.
"Mewtwo is my problem now, I would appreciate it if you didn't mention this to anyone," he said.
"I understand," Neesha said.
"I doubt anyone would believe me if I did," Ferguson said.
"But, what are we going to do about those clones?" Brock asked, pointing towards the Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur clones.
"They have no experience in the wild," Mewtwo said, "I would feel better if they were captured."
"I can take the Blastoise," Misty said immediately.
"I've always wanted a Charizard," Corey said.
"And I can take the Venusaur," Neesha finished.
"Thank you," Mewtwo said, "I shall feel better knowing they are in safe hands."
Neesha smiled, "You can count on us," she said.
The three trainers each took out Pokéballs and tossed them at the clone Pokémon. Each sphere impacted against the Pokémon and sucked them in. All three were instant captures.
"Now that that is finished, I shall transport you to the mainland," Mewtwo said.
His eyes started glowing and everyone vanished in a flash of blue light.
And that's it. Next is the Pokémon League. I've got some special plans for the upcoming battles so stay tuned.