I do not own Pokémon. Credit goes to Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak.
Also, credit goes to Laurleen aka Emi-Xstitch on DeviantArt for co-writing the first four chapters and then RubyDaSquirlz on DeviantArt for the successor chapters starting at chapter 5.
Leaf and Mewtwo stopped by the Poké Mart the following morning shortly after breakfast. Gaining enough revenue from her trainer battles allowed her to stock up on Poké Balls, Antidotes, Paralyz Heals, Awakenings and an Escape Rope. When they strolled down an aisle displaying food items, Leaf grabbed a box of Lava Cookies. The psychic Legendary picked up a box to examine it with intrigue.
"I don't suppose this is real lava?" Mewtwo asked.
Leaf grinned and shook her head.
"Nope!" she chirped.
"I would be concerned if it was. That doesn't sound consumable."
Mewtwo put the box back and followed her as they left the aisle.
"Are you excited about this Gym battle?" Mewtwo asked her.
"Yep," she answered, "Magnemite and Bellsprout have a good chance."
"Red has Pikachu, so that shouldn't be much of a challenge for him," Mewtwo added.
Once they made their way to the checkout counter, Mewtwo watched as Leaf paid for her items, studying the money more closely than he had before. After that, they left the store and started their stroll to the entrance leading to the Cerulean Gym. He was getting adjusted to walking on his feet instead of just floating, but it was still an odd sensation. When they stopped inches before the doors, they waited until the doors automatically slid open. They stepped inside, setting foot into the lobby.
At the back of the lobby sat large windows giving a good view of the arena which took the form of a swimming pool. On a platform at the far edge of the pool, Mewtwo noticed sculptures which resembled a large seashell, seaweed and coral. He observed them with curiosity for a brief moment before he glanced at Leaf.
"Should I find a seat and cheer for you?" Mewtwo asked her.
Leaf gave Mewtwo a smile and nodded at him. They strolled down the lobby and stepped through the sliding door. Tilting their heads to their left, they noticed as Red and Gary were engaging in practice battles in a smaller adjacent room.
"Lucky!" Leaf chirped in a singsong voice.
Mewtwo spotted the redhead from yesterday from the corner of his eye just as she emerged from the locker room.
"Excuse me," she called over, "you must be Leaf Aoyama, right?"
Leaf stiffened before she tilted her head towards the redhead, cautiously avoiding her eyes.
"Y-Yeah," she answered.
The redhead had clearly just got changed into a sky blue swimsuit, and her hair was down from the ponytail it was usually in. She held three shrunken Poké Balls between her fingers, ready to be challenged.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Misty!" she greeted, "are you wanting to battle me or practice battle?"
Mewtwo carefully moved to sit over on the bleachers.
"I just want to go straight to the battle," Leaf answered.
Misty nodded and headed over to her platform, waiting for the referee. Leaf took a deep breath as she swung her leg back and forth. After she took the time to collect herself, she stepped over to the challenger's platform. She brought out her Bellsprout and Magnemite, allowing the magnet Pokémon to equip its Sonic Boom and swap its Tackle into its reserves. Bellsprout swapped out his Wrap move so he can equip his Poison Powder move.
"Ready to go?" Leaf asked.
The Bellsprout flapped his leaves eagerly and Magnemite spun its magnets.
"Whenever it's announced," Misty nodded.
Just as Leaf withdrew her Magnemite, the referee appeared on the bleachers and approached the railing. Misty took another moment to stretch her limbs.
"The battle between Leaf Aoyama and Gym Leader Misty is about to commence. Both trainers will use two Pokémon. Are we ready?"
"Let's go, Bellsprout!" Leaf called over.
Bellsprout carefully hopped over the platforms and Misty sent out Staryu, having out the other two Poké Balls.
"Let's go, Staryu!"
Misty sent out her Staryu which landed on a platform floating in the pool.
"Begin!" the referee announced.
"Staryu, rapid spin!" Misty commanded.
The Staryu launched itself towards the plant, spinning wildly.
"Jump out of the way!" Leaf called over.
Bellsprout thought fast and jumped off the platform he was standing on.
"Follow it!" Misty ordered.
The Staryu attempted to turn like a boomerang and come back to meet with the Bellsprout.
"Counter with a Vine Whip!" Leaf instructed.
Bellsprout brought out his vine and whacked the Staryu with it. The Staryu soon crashed back onto its platform.
"Swift!"
After righting itself, Staryu pointed its gem forward and shot a barrage of stars at the plant. The knock-back sent the Bellsprout crashing into a platform, causing Leaf to flinch. Bellsprout struggled for only a moment before it hopped back to its feet.
"Hang in there, Bellsprout," Leaf called, "get it with Acid!"
"Dodge and use Psywave!"
The Staryu jumped to avoid the shot of acid and a pink barrier quickly pulsed from its body, enlarging the farther away it got. Bellsprout stiffened and braced the pulsating barrier. The Staryu landed and watched as the barrier impacted with the plant. Once the Psywave dissipated, the plant still stood even when it panted heavily. Leaf took a moment to examine the water the platforms were floating on.
"Bellsprout," Leaf said, "think you can swim?"
"Bellsprout!" the Bellsprout nodded.
Leaf's Bellsprout jumped off the platform and splashed into the water.
"Another Swift!"
Staryu started up another Swift attack.
"Get your vines ready," Leaf instructed, "I got an idea."
Bellsprout brought out his vines and stared down the Staryu just as it launched out stars.
"Knock them back with the Vine Whip!" Leaf ordered.
Before the stars could hit Bellsprout, he knocked them back with each whack from his vines.
"Rapid Spin!" Misty commanded.
The Staryu started spinning rapidly while it followed the stars. Before it could get closer, the Bellsprout thought fast and restrained the Staryu in his vines.
"Nice one, Bellsprout!" Leaf cheered, raising her fist into the air.
Swinging his vines, Bellsprout slammed the Staryu hard onto a platform. In a matter of seconds, the star-shaped Pokémon collapsed.
"Staryu is unable to battle," the referee announced, "Bellsprout is the winner!"
Misty sighed and recalled her Staryu.
"Good job, Staryu, you did your best," Misty picked up another Poké Ball and tossed it, "go, Starmie!"
Once Starmie burst out of the Poké Ball, it landed on a floating platform and its gem lit up. Bellsprout climbed out of the water before he turned to stare down the mysterious Pokémon.
"Ready to keep going, Bellsprout?" Leaf clamored.
"Bellsprout!" Bellsprout chirped.
"Starmie, Hydro Pump!"
It sprayed a massive powerful jet of water at the plant, aiming to slam it against the wall behind it. Leaf stared in disbelief as the blast of water knocked Bellsprout off the platform. The instant the plant Pokémon slammed into the wall, it collapsed onto the floor.
"Bellsprout is unable to battle," the referee announced, "Starmie is the winner!"
"Crap," Leaf muttered under her breath.
"Good job, Starmie!" Misty cheered.
The front half of the Starmie spun victoriously. Sighing, Leaf reached for the other Poké Ball and sent out her Magnemite. Misty's eyebrows raised.
"Oh, interesting!" Misty raised her eyebrows, "I haven't fought a Magnemite in a while! Let's see how well it does against Rapid Spin!"
Starmie started spinning violently towards the floating magnet.
"Come on," Leaf beckoned, "get it with a Supersonic!"
The Starmie dropped to dodge the waves of confusion.
"Try Rapid Spin again!" Misty ordered.
Starmie caught itself in midair and moved to go around and hit it from behind. Mewtwo seemed most intrigued by this method as he finally perked up. Magnemite thought fast and flew out of the way, even if as Starmie started flying after it.
"Swift!"
Starmie stopped stopped and shot a barrage of stars as its predecessor had done. Strangely enough, the Magnemite endured the barrage of stars without even flinching, much to Leaf's relief. Misty couldn't help but groan.
"Rapid Spin!"
Starmie started spinning back towards Magnemite. Without warning, the magnet Pokémon dived into the pool.
"Don't go in the water!" Misty warned.
The Starmie moved to land on a platform, clearly waiting for it to resurface.
"Almost got us there, kid, that's good thinking."
"Y-Yeah," Leaf stammered, her eyes glued to the pool, "you're probably in for a surprise. Sonic Boom!"
Magnemite shot a sonic blast from underneath the pool, startling the Starmie. Misty gave a fierce stare.
"Swift!"
The Starmie shot the stars at the wave, trying to cut a path through it before it reached its target. In a matter of seconds, the Magnemite emerged from the water.
"Now use Thunder Wave!" Leaf instructed.
Before Misty could react, Magnemite unleashed an electric field which enveloped the Starmie. The Starmie floated on the surface of the water, clearly paralyzed as its core blinked red.
"Uh-oh," Misty muttered under her breath.
Starmie tried to move, but the electrical jolts in its body froze it in place.
"Ok," Leaf called, "Thundershock!"
Upon cue, Magnemite unleashed electric blasts which jolted the Starmie. The water sparked as well but soon calmed down. The Starmie lay still, its light still blinking.
"Starmie?!" Misty called over.
Upon a single faint twitch, Misty returned the Pokémon.
"Oh well," Misty sighed, "great battle!"
"Starmie is unable to battle," the referee announced, "victory goes to Leaf Aoyama from Pallet Town!"
Leaf couldn't contain her excitement as she fluttered her hands and Magnemite happily twirled its magnet limbs. Red just emerged from the practice arena while Mewtwo smiled and rose to his full height. Shortly after Leaf recalled her Magnemite, Misty walked around the perimeter of the pool and approached her challenger. Misty pulled out a small box in her other hand, opening it to reveal the water droplet shaped badge.
"I believe this Cascade Badge is rightfully yours," Misty declared, "for beating me in a fair battle. Congratulations!"
Leaf smiled before she pulled out the Cascade Badge and placed it into a slot of her badge case.
"Thanks, Misty!" Leaf chirped.
Leaf offered her palm, allowing Misty to give her a high five. The Cerulean Gym Leader then gave her a TM labeled Water Pulse.
"I assume the boys will want to challenge me when I've healed up my Pokémon?" Misty grinned.
Leaf made a brief glance at Red just as Gary emerged from the practice arena.
"Yeah," Leaf agreed, "pretty much. You take care."
Leaf strolled over to Mewtwo shortly after he left the bleachers. She glanced at Gary and went to pick up a Revive and Super Potion. The psychic Legendary gave her a soft smile.
"Well done," he praised, "shall we go to the Center?"
"And maybe check out the rest of the city?" Leaf added, "yup!"
Leaf waved at Red and Gary before she followed Mewtwo out of the gym. Once outside, the psychic Legendary took a deep breath.
"That was…quite a shocking battle," Mewtwo gave Leaf a wink.
They took a moment to stroll to the Pokémon Center to heal up her Pokémon. When they emerged from the Center, they started heading north. Reaching the edge of the city, they observed a long bridge which seemed to stretch across the river.
"I believe the humans call this the Nugget Bridge," Mewtwo pointed out, "I've heard a lot of battles go on here."
Leaf nodded in agreement as she stood close to Mewtwo.
"Yeah," she replied, "this should be fun."
Mewtwo and Leaf started their stroll across the bridge. He kept his eyes down as they came to the first trainer. The bug catcher soon focused his eyes on Leaf and readied his Poké Ball.
"Hey, you!" the bug catcher yelled, "you have what it takes to beat us and win a fabulous prize?!"
Leaf stiffened before she tilted her head towards the bug catcher, not bothering to stare into his eyes. He started by sending out a Caterpie.
"Ok," Leaf reached for her own Poké Ball, "go, Pidgey!"
Mewtwo stepped back, glancing over towards the cave again. At least he was near something of a safe spot, he considered as he listened to the battle.
"String Shot!" the bug catcher commanded.
"Dodge," Leaf called, "then use Gust!"
The Pidgey did as commanded and thick blades of air slashed towards Caterpie, sending it tumbling backwards. The bug catcher stared in disbelief as Caterpie fainted at that spot, so he recalled it before sending out a Weedle. The Pidgey hovered and glanced down towards Leaf, ready to make the next move.
"Poison Sting!" the bug catcher ordered.
Just as Weedle started firing poison needles, the Pidgey dodged with no trouble.
"Now use Gust," Leaf instructed, "again!"
Pidgey launched another Gust, flying closer to have a bigger impact.
"Pijo!"
The same move easily brought down the Weedle, so the bug catcher grimaced as he sent out a Metapod. Pidgey circled above them, waiting for a final command.
"Let's give it a Gust!" Leaf gave her Pidgey a thumbs up.
Pidgey nodded at Leaf before she flapped her wings. She sent the final attack at the Metapod, hoping it hadn't instinctively hardened already. The bug catcher gaped as Metapod dropped to the ground. Groaning, he recalled his Metapod.
"Wow," he rasped, "good stuff."
Pidgey chirruped and spread her wings wide before she started glowing. Mewtwo perked his head up and stared in awe. She grew in size and the draft coming off her wings increased in strength. She moved to land in front of Leaf, realizing she couldn't fit on her shoulder anymore.
"P-Pidgey," Leaf gasped, "you evolved!"
"Pijoo!" the newly evolved Pidgeotto chirped.
Floating off the ground, Pidgeotto gently touched her beak to her forehead and shook her head, looking to the trainer she defeated. Mewtwo smiled and walked closer to her.
"Ready to move on?" Mewtwo asked Leaf.
Leaf made a brief glance at Mewtwo and nodded.
"Yeah," she answered, "let's go."
Her confidence boosted tenfold since Pidgey's evolution, so her Pokémon continued to plow through the other four trainers with ease. Pidgeotto paused partway through to have a drink and quick bath from the river before going back to the two, playfully splashing Mewtwo and Leaf. Bellsprout even learned Razor Leaf and Sandshrew learned two ground type moves. When they reached the end of Nugget Bridge, they stared down the last trainer. Mewtwo tensed upon seeing him and brushed Leaf's back warily.
"I don't like this one," Mewtwo spoke into her head.
Sandshrew seemed to jump from foot to foot eagerly, ready for another battle. The last trainer locked eyes onto Leaf and started strolling towards her.
"Congratulations!" he cheered as he spread his arms forward, "you just earned a fabulous prize!"
Leaf nodded sheepishly as she avoided the trainer's eyes.
"Yeah, whatever," she muttered, "what's the catch?"
The trainer didn't say anything as he placed the Nugget into Leaf's palm.
"By the way, kid," he added, "how would you like to join Team Rocket?"
Leaf stiffened as her eyes widened and panic surged through her veins, taking a step away from the mysterious trainer.
"No way!" she protested, "I'm not joining you guys!"
Mewtwo growled quietly and pulled her closer to him gently, glaring at the suspicious figure as he let out a hiss. Sandshrew stopped at his trainer's tone and stared up at the boy, starting to growl as well.
"Stubborn girl," the trainer grumbled as he shed his disguise and put on his black cap, "I suppose you're too retarded for Team Rocket anyway."
Just so you know, I have a DeviantArt and Tumblr of the same username but condensed into one word. If you have either of those, then don't be afraid to make fanart of this fanfic if that's what your heart desires. Just be sure to tag The Mindwave Chronicles or even my username and I'll be happy to take a look at it.
Feel free to drop a review, because Mewtwo is in need of emotional support!