(Three Years Later)



Asha sat on her hunches, she looked over at her Mew, who was busy playing with her new bubble technique. She knew that she had but to prove to Asha that she was ready, and she'd be on her way to find the humans she'd seen only a few years prior.

Asha smiled as she watched Mew. It had been a tough time keeping the little ones attention, but all her hard work payed off. Her little prodigy was learning at high speeds now. If they have managed to make a clone, it will probably find a tough battle with this one if it must battle at all. Hopefully they have made the same mistake with it as they did with me. I'd be sending this little one to certain doom if they created a mindless follower. . .but I feel that this is not the case. Somehow, I know that it. . .he/she. . .will not want to do whatever it is they designed it for. If it survived at all. She thought as the little Mew looked over at her with a smile.

*I'm ready, Asha, I'm ready to prove that I'm all set to go.* Mew told her with her head up high and her eyes sparkling with potential.

*Alright than, let's get down to business.* Asha said as she got herself into a more comfortable position for fighting. Without farther warning, she threw an energy ball at the little Mew, who did her best to block it, but ended up dodging. *That was good, when you think you can't handle it, it is always a good idea not to try and catch it. You could end up only hurting yourself more.* Asha congratulated Mew, who beamed with pride.

Asha sent another, this time, it was not the same as all of the other practice ones. It was filled with enough energy to completely knock the Mew out. She prayed in the quiet of her mind that the little one could either block or dodge.

Mew's eyes were wide as she saw what the other had launched at her, seeing that it couldn't be dodged or caught, she concentrated quickly and formed her own, with it, she threw in the way of the huge energy ball. They collided and when the dust cleared, Asha was just a few feet in front of her. *I've never seen something so powerful! How'd you do that?* Mew asked as she watched the other in astonishment.

Asha smiled and sat down again on her hunches. *Little Mew, the ball you created to meet mine before it hit you was nearly the same power. You created your own energy ball of nearly equal power. You have proven yourself worthy in my eyes. You are nearly ready to leave.* Mew sagged where she stood and sank to the ground.

*What do you mean by 'nearly ready'? Haven't I proven that I won't let you down?* Asha could tell that the other one was so ready to accept defeat of not being good enough, but Asha didn't let that happen.

*There is one thing that you still have to prove to me.* Mew shook her head, meaning she couldn't possibly know what that was. *I need you to tell me where it is that you will be going, where it is that those humans have gone too.* Mew sat down thought really hard about it. Asha waited patiently until Mew opened her eyes again and shook her head.

*I don't know Asha, I suppose I was only hoping to catch them as they went along. I never thought about having to know all of those things you've been teaching me. How can I find them?* Mew asked as she looked up at the other. Over the past three years, being in her constant presence helped her to not be so nervous and to understand the other better. She'd seen her in times of absolute weakness, and when she stood the tallest and the strongest. She understood the reason why she was so concerned about her safety. Asha loved Mew like a grandmother would love her granddaughter.

*Feel with your heart. Close your eyes and let your heart guide you, it will be a long journey, but you can do it if you let your heart show you the way.* Asha said, knowing that the little Mew already had a gut instinct about where they were.

Mew did just that, and as she did, Asha placed her own mind against hers, showing her where to go, making her 'beacon' of location very strong. *I did it! I know where to go!* She squealed as she flew forward and wrapped her little arms around Asha's throat, giving her a hug.

*Than go now, while the feeling is still strong in your heart.* She told Mew. Who smiled and nodded, giving a verbal 'meew' to show her excitement.

She stopped in her tracks and looked with concern at Asha. *But. . .what about you? Will you be ok?* She asked the larger one.

Asha waved her worry off with a paw and put a paw gently on the other's small head. *Don't worry about me, worry for now only about yourself and staying hidden. If you should need me, just call for me, I'll hear you where ever you are. Stick to the rivers, and the lakes, hide there at night, use your bubble to keep enough air in it for that night and stay well under the waters. No pokemon will dare attack you, they all know us, though have no fear of one telling others. We are their protectors, their 'Gods' so to speak. But go now, please.* She urged the little Mew, who smiled and gave her one last hug and a small kiss on the side of her face.

*I'll see you soon. Please don't let anyone forget about me!* She begged as she began to fly off in the direction she felt and Asha had given her.

*Don't you worry about that! As long as I shall live, you will never be forgotten!* She told the Mew as she watched her disappear into a small dot in the sky. Please be alright, please let everything I've taught her not be in vain and let her continue to remember them all well. . .She prayed silently as she turned and went back into her den. The first signs of winter were coming in fast, and she had a lot of preparations to do before it came to the mountains.



Mew flew fast and certain in the direction she knew was the right one. She followed the river and slept there at night, when she awoke the next morning, she rose from her watery bed and flew off once more, stopping only for moment to eat and than fly off again.

She never stayed in one place too long, and now, she saw why Asha had told her the importance of remembering her goal. There was so much that she hadn't seen, and wanted so badly to go down and investigate. But, she had to keep herself on the right track, it was very important. She didn't want Asha to have to come and look for her, she knew well from others what was done when she did. Asha hated venturing any farther than she had to from her cave, Mew knew it was because she was deeply depressed and didn't want to waste her time having to do other things that meant literally nothing to her.

So she did as she was told, she traveled where there were few to no humans, she stuck to the river and followed it, Asha told her that this river had salts and litter that were from the ocean, no older than two months. It was all Asha needed to define which way to go to get to the ocean. And the fact that Asha knew that she needed to go to the ocean, was enough to boggle her mind. She had only perceived a direction, not a detailed map of the exact location. It was yet another thing that proved to her just how advanced and intelligent Asha was compared to her and her kin.

Using the rivers natural current to allow her to continue her journey, Mew placed herself inside of a bubble. The words of Asha still deep in her thoughts, she curled up and let a deep dreamless sleep take her. By using the river to push her along, she could travel even when she was resting or sleeping.

Karp swam by eyeing her with wary concern, but left her alone. The moon set finally and the sunlight touched the water. As she opened her eyes, she discovered she could feel salt very heavy in the water. The ocean! She thought in triumph as she allowed herself to float up slowly to the surface.

Upon reaching it, she allowed the bubble to pop and caught herself before she fell back in, than quickly flew off towards the direction of her pull. It wasn't until nightfall that she reached her goal. Clouds swirled unnaturally around something she still couldn't see. Weariness falling over her, she flew unsteadily into the clouds, the ocean had been much bigger than she dared to imagine. As she cleared the clouds, she saw a large building, it looked a lot like a cave, only, it moved in odd ways. She eyed the windmills curiously, than decided for a closer look. *Finally!* I made it! She cheered as she dove down for a closer look. The turning of the windmill peaked her curiosity to higher levers. She tried to follow each blade with her head and eyes, but they moved a little too fast. This looks like fun! She thought as she floated over and landed on one of them.

The motion of the windmill knocked her down to the next blade as it raised too high for her to sit still, she gave a quick squeak of surprise, than as the other blade rose too high, it knocked her to the next, she gave the same squeak of surprise and than was knocked down to the next one. She laughed and closed her eyes. This is so much fun, Asha's going to wish she could try it! The little Mew through as she continued to laugh and play a little more.

It wasn't until she realized she'd been distracted that she wandered away from the windmills and down to the base of building, closer to the water. As she floated down, she saw humans, but before she could get closer, she had to back away as the female seemed to sense her and turned. She hovered up high above them and spun, watching them from upside down. The windmill had triggered her need to play, so she followed the two humans and the Meowth.

As she followed them in the tunnel, the other cat pokémon tried to see her. She swung to the left as he looked right, than a quick right as he looked left, and just before he spun around she quickly phased out. She laughed to herself as she continued to followed them. I never thought they'd be so fun to play with! She thought as she kept on them.

After a little while of walking, she began to get tired of following them, as she looked around, floating a little bit in front of them, she saw a door. I wonder where this goes? She asked herself as she used her psychic abilities to open the door and floated into the room. Now this is neat! She thought to herself as she looked around. The other three followed into the room as well, even if they didn't know that they had followed the elusive Mew. All they knew was that they were walking and as they walked by the door it opened, they could not see Mew.

She explored the room. This looks a lot like the lab that Asha spoke of. She thought as she floated down to see what had caused the humans to have such rapt attention. The screen they were staring at now had the voice of a very frightened and terrified man.

"I haven't got much time, I pray this record of our experiment survives." The sounds of explosions and people screaming echoed in the background. "A year ago, we discovered the fossil of what proved to be the ancient pokemon, Mew. There was sufficient genetic material to replicate Mew, but Giovanni, who funded our projects, insisted that we try to design super clones, more powerful than any living pokemon. Many attempts failed, but finally our experiments proved successful. We produced a living pokemon, and we called it, Mewtwo!" The computer was saying as Mew looked hard at the picture.

That looks like Asha! She thought. Could it have the same powers as well? She asked herself.

"But for some reason, the creature's anger is out of control, and with its psychic powers it is destroying our laboratory. We dreamed of creating the worlds strongest pokemon, and we've succeeded." The screen blinked off.

Both humans looked at each other. "Sounds like a real Pokenstein." The female said softly. The male nodded.

"Sure does." He agreed.

"One big CAT!" The Meowth explained as they all turned around as one. Mew flew quickly to safety, for the third time, she was forced to retreat.

"So, this must be the lab. . ." The male stated as he looked around, Mew listened curiously.

"But if Mewtwo destroyed it. . ." The female started, wondering aloud.

"Than somebody rebuilt it." The male finished quickly.

"Yes, but who?" The female interrupted softly. "Hmm. . ." they all mumbled as they thought about it.

She watched the clones closely and her curiosity grew as she felt a psychic touch awaken them, she floated down lower to try and get a better view, this time, she refused to have to retreat. This was definitely worth being discovered over. As she hovered behind the two humans and the Meowth, the clones slowly began to move down towards the base, where they slowly walked out. Each one of them called out to their master, allowing him to know that they had awakened. They are calling out for a male. If this clone really is male, Asha will not be very angry for me being found out. . .perhaps I should follow them, so that I may study this Mewtwo before I have to get into a fight with him. She cocked her head to one side and thought for a moment. Since this clone is so full of rage, a fight might be unavoidable. I'm sure that Asha would understand if I was forced to fight. She thought, than realized that the clones were heading for the door again. Once more, the door opened with a psychic touch, but this time, it was not her own. She knew that it was dangerous for the humans to see her, but she couldn't help it, the thought completely escaped her mind as she floated past them. Her mind suddenly focused on nothing more than hurrying up to see this Mewtwo and to watch the clones, to see how much power they all had.

She stayed out of sight as she watched this Mewtwo fight, but as he threw 'Ash' up into the air by her, she quickly formed a bubble to break his fall, he bounced harmlessly for a while. Mew laughed and watched him before she showed herself and popped the bubble, she laughed once more before creating her own bubble; she bounced on it for a few moments, while the others watched her in amazement, already forgotten in her mind, including Mewtwo.

*What?* Mewtwo exclaimed as he saw her, she was playing carefree, he pulled his paws back and summoned a huge blast and hurled it at her.

One moment she was bouncing on the bubble, the next moment, it had popped and threw her back. She yelped in surprise, being jolted back to the present so fiercely by Mewtwo. Suddenly she realized just how right Asha was when she had trained her. Mew's worst fears and brightest hopes were now focused upon the enraged clone. And just as Asha had predicted, this clone spoke human language, however, he also understood the pokemon. She stared in awe of Mewtwo. He looks so much like her, only a little bigger and . . .male. She thought, but was forced into a dangerous dance of skill with the clone, Mewtwo.

Before she could speak to him, he hurled another blast at her, she teleported as Asha had taught her. This was her favorite game that she and Asha played during training. But as she appeared, Mewtwo was ready for her, launching yet another blast at her, she teleported yet again, only to appear to another blast. This is fun! Just like when Asha and I were playing! She thought as she appeared again and laughed, she was deeply entertained by his blasts and having to dodge them. She floated closer and got a better look at him, and than she heard him speak.

*Mew,* Mewtwo spoke her name with contempt. *so, finally we meet.* He started, she answered with a remark of her own.

*Yes, finally.* Her remark caused his eyes to narrow, but her attention was taken from him as one of the humans said her name, she listened, but after they failed to say more, her attention was focused upon her tail. The twitching motion of it and the way it evaded her intrigued her.

*I may have been cloned from your DNA, but now I will prove that Mewtwo is better than the original.* Mewtwo stated as Mew started to look at the rest of her surroundings. *Superior to Mew.* He added after the slightest pause, she could sense the provoking, mocking tone in his voice, he was attempting to rile her up.

She looked back at him and sighed. *That may or may not be.* Her response got a result that she nearly wasn't ready for.

*This world is too small for the two of us!* Mewtwo spoke, as his aura glowed and he levitated himself up towards her.

Mew turned and fled from the angry clone. Asha had warned her about not knowing the clone's strength and to try to avoid an open conflict if at all possible. She gave a quick 'meew' as she fled. *Can't we just talk?* She asked as he took off after her.

As she glided through the air with Mewtwo hot on her heels, she tried to lure him up where the clouds were, but decided better as he shot a strong blast after her, it was a little to close to the human boy, Ash, she saved than she liked, so she lowered the battle.

Dodging the towers and Mewtwo's blasts were a bit of a challenge, but she was happy as she made it over the ocean. I made it! She began to think, but quickly went back as he fired a more powerful blast at her, it landed harmlessly in the water. She flew quickly behind a pillar, he stopped and spoke to her.

*Why do you flee from me?* He asked, than continued on in a sarcastic tone. *Are you afraid to find out which of us is GREATER?!*

Mew felt his energy gathering and decided to risk getting past him before getting blasted. This had never worked when she was training with Asha, but she didn't have much of a choice. For a moment, she thought it might, but Mewtwo was so close that he was making attempts to actually grab her! At this range, I'll never be able to avoid a blast! She thought, turning just in time to watch one come right for her. *Mewtwo!* She cried out as it flung her up into the clouds, as she went, Mewtwo smiled. Satisfied that he had defeated her and he were the stronger.

He laughed a little to himself, but his victory was short lived. As the blast carried her up, she was able to er away, and send one of her own blasts on a collision course for Mewtwo. It came through the clouds and towards Mewtwo much faster than his head. By the time he saw it coming, it had already hit him full force. He grunted on the force of the impact and was carried down to the stone benches, leaving both a crater and a lot of dust.

Mew floated down, unscathed, to see what had happened to Mewtwo. I pray he's alright. She thought as she waited, and she didn't have to wait long.

From the thick dust, Mewtwo used his barrier to push it away, his eyes matched the bright blue of his power. She knew he was not happy. *So, you do have some fight in you!* He nearly growled at her as he released his barrier and floated easily towards her. *But I have no time for games.* He said as she floated down to meet him, at a safe distance, just in case. *Destiny is at hand! Who will rule? My super pokemon? Or your pathetic group of spineless inferior pokemon?* She once more could feel him trying to goad her into anger.

*Should it matter?* she asked, but he seemed to ignore her.

*We were created with powers far stronger than the originals.* Mewtwo added, his eyes reflecting the rage that was built inside.

Mew, seeing where this was going to lead, did her best to make Mewtwo understand. *But Mewtwo, it doesn't prove anything to show off any sort of super powers, it is not that which makes one stronger, but the real strength comes form the heart!* This small speech seemed to deepen his rage and frustration.

*My clones don't need their powers to prove their worth!* He snarled as he summoned a quick blast and sent it hurling at a reckless speed towards Mew, who barely avoided it. *I will block all of the pokemon's special abilities, using my psychic powers.* He told Mew as he pointed his finger. *Now, go!* He commanded his pokemon as he engaged his own battle with Mew.

*This won't prove anything Mewtwo.* Mew told him as she prepared for his attack.

*It will PROVE which of us is GREATER!* He roared as he suddenly slammed his barrier into hers. She was ready though, and met him halfway, the force flinging them away.

They continued to slam into the other, both hoping that the other would fail. Mew was beginning to become upset about this and as they met the last time, she refused to back off.

Mewtwo seemed to be expecting it and pushed harder, until they were forced back by the sheer power and friction between them. The impact of their separation knocked both barriers down and destroyed all of the spotlights in the stadium.

It took both only a moment to regain control of their powers, Mew, hoping to catch Mewtwo off guard was the first to strike. However, it did not end that way. Mewtwo met her blast head on with his own only a moment after and the combination of the two created a massive friction that once more, temporarily disabled their abilities. Mew regained control first, than Mewtwo a moment or so later, as they summoned their powers once more and sent them forward, an unexpected surprise met up with them. The young boy, Ash, Mew had saved threw himself in the lethal path of the raging battle's attack. It slammed into him so hard that it held him in the air before setting him down.

*Fool! Trying to stop our battle!* Mewtwo exclaimed, he was truly taken aback by what the human child had just done. The full consequence had not passed through his still shocked mind.

*Do you see what fighting leads to?* Mew asked, but the other remained silent.

A Pikachu ran to help him, shaking him and using thunder shock to try and revive him, but as it failed, Mewtwo realized the full effect that it had done to the boy. As did the fighting pokemon from all around, their own battles had ceased the human child, who the Pikachu called Ash, had been caught in the crossfire.

The intensity of their sorrows and their genuine tears of regret caused an ancient miracle to begin to unfold. What once was lost, was returned and restored by the love of one.



* * * * * *



From the cave, Asha sensed the great wrongness and shook her head. What has happened must not be. With that, she teleported to the island and used the ancient powers circling Ash to call him back to life. As she reached down and touched him, he looked over at her. His eyes were still closed with the expecting pain of the attacks. She smiled as he opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Mewtwo?" He asked, but already knew that he was wrong.

She shook her head. *No. I am not the young one.* She said gently, Ash seemed surprised by her ability to talk like Mewtwo.

"Than? Who are you?" He asked, looking around him. "And. . .where am I?" As he asked her the last, he looked down. "AH!" He screeched in alarm as he saw his own body and Pikachu desperately trying to revive him. "Am I dead?"

Asha smiled and shook her head. *No, you are not, merely. . .misplaced for the moment. As for who I am? Perhaps that. . .is best not known. Fear me not, though, I feel a strength in you, a power that is not like the others. You remind me of a dear friend that I lost long ago. . .* She stopped herself, than smiled once more at Ash. *There is something that I must tell you, that you will remember no matter what happens. Are you ready to hear it?* She asked him, looking into his eyes for the truth that she knew he probably wouldn't speak.

"I. . .guess so." He stammered, she gazed at him fondly as she felt his nervousness pushed down so that he could listen through his blood pounding in his ears.

*You life will not be an easy one, and there are many challenges ahead that many never have to face. But you must remember that, through them all, you can over come any obstacle. And never give up, no matter what the odds are. There's always a way to win. But only if your heart and mind are open together to see the truth of the circumstance.* Ash stared at her with wide eyes, still in shock of her resemblance to Mewtwo. She smiled warmly and shook her head. *Don't worry, those words you can never forget. Deep inside, you will always remember, Ash. Now, close your eyes. I'm going to help you return.* She commanded him gently, as he obeyed, she focused the energy around her to his body below.

As she did so, the sky lightened as if day and the power focused on Ash's lifeless, stone body. What was wronged, has been righted. She though as she pushed Ash back into his body. She waited until he stirred and woke up before she allowed it to stop and released him to do as he would on his own. Her strong psychic presence was still heavy enough in the air to keep the light glowing. She mentally cursed her aura for being so bright.



* * * * * *



*The human risked himself to save the pokemon. I pitted them against each other, but not until they put aside their differences, did I see the true power they all share.* Mewtwo stated as he watched the human resurrected.

Mew nodded and spoke gently. *Life.*

*I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant, it's what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.* He continued, Mew agreed with him as she noticed Asha from very far above.

Mewtwo used his psychic powers and gathered all of his pokemon, he allowed Mew to help and assist him as he lifted them all and followed where Mew might take him and his charges.

The human, Ash, called after him. "Mewtwo! Where are you going?"

*Where my heart can learn what yours knows so well. What transpired here, I will always remember, but, perhaps for you, these events. . .are best forgotten.* Mewtwo replied as he used Amnesia to erase the minds of the humans and their pokemon.

Mew guided him over to an island. *There is something I must do* She told him as she turned to Mewtwo, he nodded.

*I will wait for you.* He promised, she smiled and took off to make sure that Ash was alright. The rain had just ended and the clouds were beginning to break up, she watched Ash as she darted from cloud to cloud. Mewtwo watched her with curiosity. What is she doing? He asked himself as she finally returned. *Is it done?* He asked, almost fearing that she'd not tell him.

But she nodded. *It is.* Than she cocked her head to one side. *Are you ready to go now?* He nodded, trying to ignore the nervousness building in his stomach at leaving the only home he'd ever known; he imagined the mountains from in his dreams. . .



* * * * * *



It took nearly two weeks to reach their destination. Mew thought it would be best if she dropped them off in Asha's territory, rather than risk leaving them anywhere else. Mewtwo was more than happy to release his pokemon and allow them to keep the skills they already knew. However, he was very nervous about being in such a foreign place and all by himself.

*I do not wish to be alone. . .I. . .don't feel safe here.* Mewtwo confined to Mew as they landed about three miles from the ruins in the clearing that Asha always hunted in.

*There is nothing to worry about. The creatures here will not harm you, they have a fair respect of. . .ones like you. . .and me!* Mew said hurriedly, she didn't want to completely give away that there was another like him. She could sense the same pain of loneliness in him that was embedded in Asha. There's no harm in playing matchmaker every now and again. She thought as she listened to Mewtwo go on.

*The scents are all. . .different here. I can't smell any humans, everything is so. . .pure.* He remarked as he gingerly sniffed at the air, Mew smiled as she watched him. He was acting just like the Mew-kittens the first time they were allowed outside of the tunnels and caves to play and learn to live outside. *It feels almost sacred. Are you certain that I am not crossing onto a privilege only area, because I feel I probably will not be welcome here.* Mewtwo said, but Mew hurried to calm his fears.

*Oh no! You will be more than welcome here, but first, there is something I must do, please, allow me to go for only a short time, I promise that I will return shortly. There is nothing here that will harm you, I have shown you what can be eaten and what can't be, you seem to already know quite well how to hunt. . .you will be fine. There are a few caves by the river, in case night falls and I have not yet returned, but I will be back. Don't worry about that.* She reassured him as she waited for his response.

*Alright, since I really have no choice in the matter, I will wait for you. If you are gone past nightfall, I will be by the river, although I doubt the caves.* He told her as he looked around, she nodded and said her goodbye as she took off to the air. Mewtwo watched her go with growing concern. There is something here that she is not telling me, why do I feel like I am on territory that I should not be on. He asked himself as he sank to the ground, waiting for Mew to return.

Mew took off as fast as she could for the caves that Asha loved inside the ruins. *Asha! Asha!* She cried, but as she approached the caves, she found nothing. Only the nest that was her bed for the coming winter nights. Oh no! Please say that she hasn't gone to investigate the stranger in her territory! Mew thought as she sped away, using her sense of smell to locate the roaming feline.