Asha was hunting down a Primeape as she smelled the newcomer. I know that scent, but. . .She was thinking as she abandoned the search and jumped silently into the trees, using their thick foliage as camouflage. The closer she got to the smell, the close she was to the clearing. Perhaps it is only Mew. It has been a while, perhaps she has changed slightly since I have seen her last. Asha thought as she moved with a little more caution. Or, this is an intruder who is intent on harm here. But that smell. . .it makes me. . .almost lightheaded. . .The last thought gave her motivation to fully investigate the new stranger. As she made it to the clearing, she saw what she smelled, Mewtwo. He was lying in the shade, his eyes were everywhere, he had the same expression that she first had when she saw this place. Oh my God! It can't be true. I knew that I felt something like myself when I helped Ash, but. . .I never dreamed that the clone could be. . .male. She thought as she leaned forward, watching him with a child's fascination.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Pidgey came flying out of the trees and other flight pokemon followed shortly after, Asha had to stay focused on staying in the tree to avoid falling out and revealing herself. But before she could even mutter more than three curses, the true culprit of the huge scare came racing into the clearing. The clone nearly jumped halfway up the tree he was under when the little white streak came racing through, but Mew managed to stop just before colliding into his swiftly built barrier. *Mewtwo, you need to come with me, you're not safe here. Or well, your safe, but your not completely safe, or well. . .* Mew was trying to explain the situation at hand when Mewtwo suddenly stood up fully and leaned in close to her.

*What do you mean I'm not safe. . .* He asked her, but as he did, the wind drifted down to give him a breeze and a scent of something. . .exotic. Mew smelled Asha as well, and swallowed hard.

*Too late.* She whispered as she cowered down on the ground. Mewtwo looked at her sharply.

*What do you mean 'Too late'?!* He demanded, but Mew was already taking off for the dense woods just ten feet away from them. Mewtwo followed her closely with his eyes, and there, when she stopped, he caught a glimpse of a tail. What? He asked himself as he focused on becoming invisible and let his barrier mimic all around him, making him disappear into the background. He walked as quietly as possible to see what was going on.

*What do you think you're doing?! You brought another into MY territory and you didn't even ASK first?! What if he was just pretending so that he could catch you! What if he belonged to those. . .HUMANS!? What would you do than? He's a lot bigger than you, he could win instantly if he really wanted!* Asha was yelling at the little Mew, but Mew knew that it was only because she was scared for the little one's safety.

Mewtwo listened and watched in awe. Not only did the tail closely resemble him, but as did the rest of. . . her. A cold chill ran down his spine as he watched her four fingers clutch the trunk tightly. Four fingers. He thought, looking down at his three, than noticed the same 'handle' on the back of her neck, he fingered his thoughtfully. So, perhaps I was not cloned from Mew as the scientists had hoped. It appears that I was cloned from this one here. He thought as he watched her jump gracefully down from her perch and snort at the Mew.

*Well, since you've already brought him here, why don't we just go and meet him.* She growled softly at Mew, who stood her ground and wagged her tail in frustration.

This is not good! If she's this angry, she'll scare him off! *Don't be mean to him! He's had a hard time recently. He was mistreated and the humans tried to enslave him, he's very confused right now.* Mew warned her as she floated in the massive feline's way.

*Fine. I'll be nice, I'll greet him as I greeted my other Mew guests.* She sighed in resignation. Mew nodded and began to leave back to Mewtwo.

Mewtwo heard them talking of meeting him and quickly raced back to the spot they had left him, than realizing that he should have been visible to them, he quickly went to the river, as though pretending to be getting a drink. He saw as he went a Mew floating with her head down, she had been yelled at some more, of that he was sure, so he simply lowered his head down to the water and took a drink. I hope they'll allow me to stay, I'd like to get to know this other one better. Perhaps she's got some advise that could help me. He was thinking as he heard a soft crunch in the ground behind him, the sound he recognized as Mew's little feet touching the ground.

But as he turned to look at her, he found himself face to face with Asha. *So. Your Mewtwo.* Her eyes locked straight with his. Their blue was endless, the bright color seemed to swirl with power and defiance. Her scent was stronger now in his nostrils, he tried not to breathe too deeply, lest he give in to the pull he felt to lean closer. She was having no such troubles. Her eyes stared into his with a lethal challenge that promised pain if he tried anything.

Mewtwo relaxed and kept his eyes locked with hers, even though he didn't think he could look away if he wanted to. *Yes, I am Mewtwo. Who might you be?* He cursed himself for the bad English and waited for her to respond.

Asha stared deeper into his eyes, and, once satisfied that he would do her and Mew no harm, she relaxed her gaze. *I am called The Armagedian, but, I prefer Asha.* She stated, wincing as she remembered her actual name. Mewtwo's eyes filled with understanding and he waited for her to say more. She refused to give him more information than that, but in the awkward silence, his scent caused her mind to reel with feelings she didn't know she had, the lightheadedness returned, only stronger, she had the distinct urge to smile at him, but she fought it. Mewtwo seemed to sense her dilemma and tried to soothe her by breaking the silence.

*Mew said that it was safe here from humans and trainers. Is that true?* Mewtwo asked, hoping she'd take the opportunity to break the silence.

She nodded. *For the most part.* She muttered, than turned to leave.

Mewtwo didn't want to see her go, he was still fairly confused about the scent and what it was doing to him, but he did know that he didn't want her to leave. *Wait!* He said suddenly, his paw wrapping around her upper arm. The contact did something she never expected it to, a flush of heat came over her, she felt a sudden need to be in his arms, to feel his heart beat next to hers. In that instant, fear coiled in her mind, she spun around shoved him into the river, he fell back, releasing her arm in shock.

*Don't TOUCH ME!* She cried as she took off faster than anything he'd ever seen. Mewtwo looked at Mew, who had just floated up to them, and than back at the retreating Asha.

*What was that all about?* Mewtwo asked Mew as they watched Asha go.

Mew shrugged and sighed. *She's been alone up here in the mountains for so long, she's evolved on her own and lived on her own since she was created. She's been so lonely and has always wished for another, but, now that you're here, you've triggered her need for a Mate. It's hitting her hard, since she's used to watching life from afar.* Mew explained as she watched Asha go, than looked back at Mewtwo, who was looking back at Asha longingly.

*So, the scent that she's giving off is her body's reaction to me, a male. And the reason she's so terrified of me right now is because I have what she's always needed.* Mewtwo stated, his voice was edged with anger, it sounded like he was trying to believe he was being used again.

Mew shook her head and placed a small paw on Mewtwo's shoulder. *No, YOU'RE what she's always needed. Another of her kind. She's been alone for a long time, and now, suddenly, she has you. Give her a little time. She needs you very badly.* Mew told him as he watched where she had disappeared in the dense woods.

*What should I do? How can I make her more comfortable?* Mewtwo asked as he looked down at the little Mew.

*Go to her, talk to her, show her that you're not going to hurt her. She could use some company.* Mew told him, than lifted herself off of the ground. *Come on, I'll show you where her cave is.* Mew told him as she started off, Mewtwo followed her with slight reluctance, he didn't want to go racing off to have her scared again, and worse this time, she would be cornered, he didn't want to have to fight her. He'd seen the power reflected in her eyes and knew that she could best him if it came down to it.

Mewtwo paused, he thought about what the Mew was telling him, and noted just how many times she pointed out how long she'd been alone. I hope she's not trying to do what I think she's trying to do. He thought as he nodded slowly, looking back over at the Mew. *Fine. Show me.* With that, they took off for the destination, Mew went slowly, giving Asha time to cool off and relax.



Asha sunk to the floor of her cave, shivering, she could still feel his paw on her arm. Why did it feel like that? Why does his presence make me feel so weak? She asked herself as she looked at her paw, the four fingers flexed and made a fist. He only had three fingers. But he looked exactly like me! She thought as she looked at her reflection in the small collecting pond that she used as a water source in the winter. Than she smiled, watching her reflection. He was kind of cute, he had a really handsome voice, and a body to die for. . .She laughed as she realized what she sounded like. I sound like a young Mew in love! She watched her reflection a moment more, turning her head to examine herself more in depth.

Her head was more the shape of an oval heart, being bigger where her jaws and back of her skull were and narrowing as it came forward into an almost muzzle. Her colors were completely different than Mewtwo's but than again, her evolution had stripped her of the vibrant blues she used to have. Now, she looked old and wary, but was quite the contrary. Anyone making that mistake would be making a fatal one. At the back of her skull, began to 'handle' that traveled to between her shoulder blades, as she turned her head to examine it, she could feel the muscles there working to turn with her. She frowned. It was the sign of her species, she was not a Mew, but, she was the first at the same time. The other Mews had come to call her the Goddess Mew, since she was so much more powerful than they were had seemed to be gifted with much more intellect. She disavowed the name and begged them to only consider her one of them. They had agreed, but from that moment on, she had been shunned. Never in her face, of course, but behind her back. She knew of it, but there was nothing she could do about it. Looking on, she saw her breastplate, it was colored, while his was not, plus there were more differences there had proved him male and her female. Her plate had rises that were the equivalent to the breast of a female human, although they were not that; and Mewtwo's was flat, the same as a human male's.

She sighed and shook her head, looking out into the late afternoon sky. I should not have treated him so badly, now, he'll probably to find his own land and territory and we'll never meet again. I should have apologized, and been a little more polite. After all, was it not my wish to not be alone? Now that it is granted, I might as well suffer with it. She thought, but, the feeling of his touch warmed her flesh again and gave her a sense of dread. But I'm frightened of what my body is doing to me, I've never felt like this before. She thought, than yawned.

She rose up on her hind legs and looked over at her nest, it was still only partially made, and winter was less than eight weeks away in the valley, only two weeks in the mountains. I'll never finish it in time this year. She thought, remembering her first winter here alone with the Mews, it had been a mild winter, and still, they had nearly died from the exposure of the col

d winter. She shivered as a cool draft echoed through the cave. This is going to be a hard winter.

*Asha?* Mew's voice echoed through her mind, she automatically turned, but there was no one there.

*Yes.* Asha replied warily.

Mew noted that all of the anger had seeped from her voice now, and she was back to her own wary tone, Mew had been very frightened by the aggression she had shown Mewtwo, having never seen her so riled up. *Is it alright if I come?* She asked, than remembered Mewtwo, but Asha interrupted before she could add his name.

*So, which direction did he leave in? Did he tell you where he would look for his own territory?* She asked Mew, who was taken aback by the sincerity in the other's voice. She genuinely believed that Mewtwo had taken off and left her.

I didn't realize she gave up on hope so swiftly. Mew thought than answered her quickly. *No! He hasn't left. He's with me, I was just about to ask if it was alright if he came in too. Can he?* She asked.

*I really don't feel like facing him at this moment. I treated him so badly, he'll probably never forgive me.* She told Mew, but before she finished, Mewtwo had landed at the foot of her cave and walked cautiously in. Asha caught his scent and felt her skin flush automatically. Mewtwo. She thought, than turned, trying to keep the embarrassment out of her face. *I. . .I'm sorry. . .* She was starting to say, but turned back away from him and walked farther into her cave.

*No, don't apologize, it's not your fault. Mew told me that you were created the same as I was. I can understand your reaction. I am not too deeply offended by it.* Mewtwo spoke softly to her, walking forward a little to catch up with her. She had stopped when he spoke, and listened, Mewtwo gently laid a paw on her delicate, but built, shoulder. She stiffened, and his grip tightened until she relaxed beneath it. *I promise, I'll not hurt you. Perhaps you can help me to understand what you've come to accept.* Asha turned her head to look at him, Mewtwo marveled in the beauty the movement had. She's absolutely breathtaking. I could never dream for a moment that she even existed. Now that I know she does, I'm no less amazed. He thought as she looked deeply into his eyes, he let her find what she was looking for.

He has the same lost eyes I had so long ago. Maybe I could help him to understand what the humans took from us at our creation, but. . . *A purpose?* She asked, Mewtwo's eyes brightened and he held her gaze, she knew without him saying a word that she was right. *There is no true purpose for any one except what they make for themselves. Those that have a purpose are slaves, tools of man or of a Trainer. To live free of such a thing is truly wondrous, our 'purpose' is to ensure that humans never gain the ability to clone and create again. I'm quite sure you've taken care of that as I had, am I correct?* Mewtwo nodded, his mind focused on Asha's eyes. *When I was first created, my creator told me what my purpose was, I was angered by his words, and destroyed him and the lab I was created in. In my rage, I killed many people, people and creatures that didn't deserve such a punishment, even those that had nothing to do with me or knew I even existed. I realized the power I could wield and promised myself that I would never destroy anything on such a high level again, and have tried to keep that promise, but as if would happen, I broke that promise when humans searched for me in Mew's absence. . .I was so ashamed of what I'd done, that I saw myself as no more than the monster they had created.

*The true purpose, if one must follow one, is to uphold life, and protect it at all costs. With all of our might, we must uphold the laws of nature, that the just survive the wicked, and that the strong survive and the weak die. But the weak are not those that aren't physically, psychically, or emotionally strong, the weak are people like I was, those bent on destruction when it suited them. The strong are those like Mew, who choose to fight only when everything else has been attempted and when it will serve a greater purpose than to prove one's strength and power.* Mewtwo felt a wave of shame sweep over him, he looked away from her, suddenly understanding what he'd done in a different view.

It had seemed bad when Ash had nearly died to save the pokemon, but when she put it that way, suddenly it seemed a whole lot worse. He swallowed hard and nodded his head. *Yes, you're right.* He was starting to say, but she shook her head and quieted him with a look.

*No, there is never a time for regret, we cherish the moments of our proudest and our weakest. They are our teachers, we learn from our mistakes, so that we never repeat them. There is no regret. Remember that.* She told him as she looked down at his paw touching her shoulder. Mewtwo felt the urge to let go, but he just gave her a gentle squeeze. She looked up at him and smiled, there was true tenderness in her smile.

*I'll remember. But remember also. . .Asha, that you're not alone anymore.* Mewtwo raised his paw from her shoulder to her cheek, he stroked the side of it with one of his fingers. She closed her eyes and smiled, leaning farther into his paw.

Mew watched from outside of the cave, she smiled in victory as she watched Asha lean against Mewtwo and rest her head on his shoulder. Finally! He got through to her! And in one try too! She triumphantly thought as she watched them for a while longer. After a moment of talking some more, Asha leaned closer and Mewtwo wrapped his arms around her slender body, holding her close. She appeared to be crying. Oh no! This isn't good! She thought, and flew closer, phasing out so that she could get a better view of what was happening.

*It's just so hard! You couldn't imagine what it's like to be out on your own, with everyone at odds with you, and than, you have to take care of Mew kittens upon that! That winter almost killed us, and now. . .with this winter almost here, I'm afraid I'll not be prepared. I'm not strong enough to survive a hard one this year. It took a lot of my energy and strength to train Mew how to fight you if it came down to it, and now. . .* Mew was relieved that she wasn't crying about something else, but was worried that Asha was right. What if there was a hard winter? She hadn't gotten any reserves, the time when she usually did that had came and went when she was teaching Mew, what if Asha really was in danger. She seemed genuinely upset about it.

*Don't worry, I'm sure that together we can gather everything we'll need for the winter.* Mewtwo was saying, but Mew's heart leapt into her throat.

WE? So. . .they're going to spend the winter together. . .ALONE?! YES!!!!! She thought, holding her mouth, lest a sudden meew escape her without warning.

Asha looked down at her nest. *It's hardly even finished. Most of the grasses have dried out and can't be pulled with much success. I'm worried that I'll never complete it in time. The food and this nest can't both be completed by winter. It's too late for them both.* Mewtwo looked over at the nest, it looked better than she was giving herself credit for, but he didn't know how hard winters hit in the mountains either.

*It can't be that hard, when will the first blasts of cold weather get here?* Mewtwo asked, looking back into her eyes, she'd pulled away from him a couple of minutes ago and was looking away until now.

*Next week, at the most. In two, this whole area will be covered in blankets of snow and ice.* Mewtwo jerked and his surprise showed visibly.

*But this is the jungle! I didn't think it would snow in places like this.* She nodded and Mewtwo sat down on his hunches, thinking. Asha laid herself down on the ground beside him, watching him thoughtfully.

*Believe me, it will snow, and it will get cold, much colder than you can imagine. So, as you can see, I don't have time to hate you right now, I've got bigger problems ahead of me.* She paused, lowering both her voice and her gaze away from him. *Like surviving this winter.* Than she raised her voice again, looking at him with a distant look that made him stiffen. *So, you can still leave if you want to, there are valleys just below here that do not have winters except for rains, there is still time to prepare. Just stick to higher ground.* She told him, holding back a sob, as she got back up and stalked deeper into her cave, back where she kept the only thing of importance to her hidden.

Mewtwo watched her go and raised his lips to snarl at her, he didn't have to be yelled at. He had been moved by her speech, and had thought everything was settled, but that was all wrong, she'd turned on him in an instant. This is not worth my time. He thought, and started off for the clear blue skies, now turning cloudy. But a sound stopped him in his tracks. He heard a sniffle, instantly, his countenance changed, he turned and looked back towards where she stormed off. Is she crying? He asked himself in dismay, suddenly afraid that he'd upset her again. He listened harder, both mentally and physically, and was rewarded by more muted sniffles and mumbled unprotected thoughts of pain.



Asha rushed off into the deeper recesses of her den, hiding away from Mewtwo. As soon as her back had turned to him, tears started to stream down her face, leaving their damp trails in her soft fur. She shook her head, and threw herself down on her 'thinking' nest, below her was all that survived of the lab and of the one person that had helped her through all her troubles as she cared for the young Mewlings. Miss Kimmings, one of her creators attendants, had managed to survive the blast, along with her unborn. She'd helped Asha find a place and taught her how to feed the Mewlings, than left her with a little piece of herself to remember, she'd given her all of the blankets she could find in her temporary home in Sea Bridge, now known as Pallet Town, and helped Asha make her first nest big enough for all of them. A tear rolled down her face, she remembered hearing from a couple of humans walking through the woods not long after the 'catastrophe', Miss Kimmings' family had been killed in an unexpected explosion just outside their home. She'd lost her husband and two children, ages 7 and 12. She mourned for her friend, mostly because she was the closest thing to a mother that Asha had. It had also been Miss Kimmings that had named her Asha, after the full name, Ashadawna.

It just isn't fair! I can't even make Mewtwo care. I almost allowed myself to trust him, I almost allowed myself to open up and to let him in on my life! But no, I had to go and open my big mouth! If I could just tell him how I feel, if I could just let him know what I feel. . .I don't hate him. In fact, he's quite handsome. . .but that ISN'T the point! She cried, tears were starting to slow and beginning to stop, but she still felt the huge hole in her heart that she'd had since the first Mew couple chose each other. That thought triggered a whole new wave of agony through her. I just want to be loved! Just for once to feel the hand of another one against me, to have someone hold me in the coldest winter nights. But, I suppose it's not meant to be. She thought as she brought her paw up and wiped the tears that had started anew.

Mewtwo blinked in confusion, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was in so much pain, it was no little wonder she was inadvertently pushing him away when he tried to get close. She's just scared. That's why she's being so aggressive, she doesn't know how to act around another like herself. Than a sudden wave of shame overcame him. She's been trying to accept me, and every time she does, I have to counter that attempt with something else. She was only trying to get along with me. Mewtwo thought, than lifted his head up in sudden determination. Well, if I am responsible for this wrong, than I will be the one to right it. He thought as he stood tall and walked towards the back where Asha left.

It didn't take long before he found the reason she was down on all fours; the pathway had lowered remarkably and he was forced to walk like her in order to avoid hitting the ceiling. At one time, he was afraid he was lost, but the sound of Asha's quiet wailing lead him the correct way. After a couple of endless minutes, he was almost crawling to the entrance of a larger room, which held many things he'd never seen and some of which he had. In the direct middle of the room was a large nest-like bedding. It took almost the entire space of the room. In the center of it, was the shape of Asha's back, which was moving slight with her tears. His heart went out to her, he now saw the true effect he had on her. His presence had reminded her of just how lonely she truly had been.

For a moment, he considered going back the way he had came, and just forgetting that he ever saw her like this and heard her cries. But than he thought of another problem. What if she wanted me to hear her and come to her rescue? What if this is a test to see if I will truly care, if I just walk away, it will prove that I am heartless and cruel. With that decided, he approached the nest slowly, letting her sense her. The fact that she didn't, gave him an idea of just how distressed she was. When he climbed into the nest, he felt the softness of many blankets and animal skins. Most of them were soft fur of various types, but there were also many types of feathers to line it as well. Soft grasses helped add to the comfort, but he payed them no mind, his goal was to comfort his new friend, to try to correct what he did wrong. *Asha?* He called, resting a paw on her shaking shoulder, she jerked her head up so abruptly that he knew she hadn't meant for him to find her.

Her face was stained with streaks of tears and she still had them falling down from her eyes. The vulnerability of her situation was immediately seen. She had been discovered by the stronger, younger one. Now she would be at his mercy. She thought as she looked deeply into his lavender eyes. But she found no ill intent, instead, she found the attempt of comfort. As his paw went form her shoulder to her face, and stroked softly, she collapsed into his arms, falling against him in a tearful heap. He held her as she cried, unsure of what else to do. *Why. . .did you come. . .back?* She asked him, her voice very unsteady.

*I came back because I need you, because I don't want to leave you.* Mewtwo said, trying to understand the words himself as her brow furrowed in confusion.

*Why? Why would you want to stay with something like me. I've done nothing but insult you and still, you think you should remain? Why?* She asked him, her eyes trying to blink back the tears that were still heavy in her eyes.

Mewtwo remained silent. He couldn't find anything to say that would comfort her, so he simply held her close, she didn't fight, this time, she only cried against him once more. He closed his eyes, her tears were slowly seeping through his fur and touching his skin, every now and again, he'd give her an encouraging squeeze, which would slow her ragged breaths and sobs. I'll understand better in time, as will she, I just have to have patience. If I can help her, she can help me to understand my anger. Since she felt the same thing, she can help me cope. He thought, trying to give a reason to his unwillingness to leave, but knew the true reason, even if he refused to admit it to even himself.

Mew watched them with a smile. Good, all is going rather well. She was thinking when a bolt of lightning and the crash of thunder caused her to nearly reveal herself. Oh no! Asha hates storms! She was thinking as Asha's face came up and her body stiffened in fear.

*No! Shush, it's all right.* Mewtwo calmed her instantly, her eyes nearly swirled with fear as she met his eyes, his calmness settled her, sending her into a trance she couldn't escape. I could see forever in those eyes. Mewtwo thought as he looked deeply.

I could lose myself forever in that gaze. She thought as she sighed, trying to relax against him. From the edges of her mind, came an urgent voice. She tried to ignore it, but as the next crash of thunder came louder, she sat up straight, inadvertently pushing herself hard against Mewtwo. *The rains!* She cried, grabbing Mewtwo by the shoulders, all of her uncomfortable feelings falling numb as the terror took over. *After the rains the snow will come! I have to hurry! Winter's coming in fast!* She cried, her pupils growing wide in fear. Mewtwo's did the same as he felt her body trembling with adrenalin.

*How fast?* He asked, knowing that she'd already answered that about twenty minutes or so before.

*In about a week, the rivers will rise, flooding the lower valleys and than the snow will start to fall here when the rains have moved South. In about a week.* She repeated as she jumped at the clash of thunder. *And the storms almost here, I have to go and start hunting, if I do not have a good enough nest, than I at least want to eat during the cold months ahead.* She told him as she gently pushed past him, he grabbed her upper arm, both because he didn't want the feel of her to leave, and to stop her.

*I'll help. I'm not going anywhere, but where you go.* Mewtwo said calmly, Asha smiled a genuine smile and nodded her thanks and gratitude.

*Than I'll show you how.* She agreed as they left. *Mew! MEW!* She cried at the entrance of the cave, calling for the little Mew that she'd trained into a fighter and survivor these past few years.

Mew came scampering quickly from the back and appeared in front of Asha, her eyes were wide with fear for her friend. *You have to come with me to the valley! There isn't enough time to hunt and build a warm nest. Please Asha?* Mew begged as she looked out at the black sky.

But Asha was shaking her head. *No, I'm not leaving my home. But you have to go home, you're not strong enough to be here this winter, your fur won't get that thick, mine will. As will Mewtwo's. Don't worry about us, just go home, please, before this storm gets here and traps you here.* Mew came forward and gave Asha a quick hug, and, too Mewtwo's surprise, gave one to him too.

*I'll come back as soon as I can, please don't disappoint me with your death. I want to learn more.* She told Asha, who laughed and gave the little Mew a quick mental shove, which sent her flying out through the entrance. *Go! AND FAST!* She called out over the next blast of thunder, and with that, Mew was gone. *God help us. . .* Asha whispered, and Mewtwo suddenly understood what she was afraid of. . .