(four days later)

Nearly every river and small stream had flooded their banks, Mewtwo's memory of drier weather seemed to be an eternity gone. The grasses that they had managed to gather were being dried out in front of a soft fire of the likes he'd never seen. It was a soft pinkish glow, almost seeming to be nothing more than mere heat, instead of hot fire. It made the grasses fresh and soft, yet sealed them in that state forever. They'd done the same for several types of different berries and fruits they'd managed to spare from the storms and the other creatures. He'd learned so much in the past days that he couldn't imagine not knowing it.

The teaching had been tough on Asha, she'd had to flex patience that she'd not needed even for the pesky Mew. She found herself fuming at Mewtwo on more than one occasion, but always forgave him and helped him with more tolerance. With all of the nest complete, the hunting had started, which proved to be Asha's greatest feat. Mewtwo did not know how to hunt, other than to try and chase it down, but instinct could only take him so far.

*No! You can't just leap at a Taurus and expect it to stand still which you kill it! There's technique involved! Haven't you been listening to me!?* Asha demanded as she watched Mewtwo's failed attempt at grabbing a young Taurus, even though her tone was angry, Mewtwo could see the smile trying not to be seen, and the laughter just on the edges of her tone.

He looked back at her in exasperation. *I've tried it every way that you have told me. If you think you can catch him, than go ahead, do it.* Mewtwo pouted as he stood looking at her in the shadows. It unnerved him how her eyes shone in the shadowy light, the gleam they gave off before she attacked, it made a shiver go up his spine.

She smiled wickedly and sank lower to the ground, watching the wary, now very alert Taurus. *Fine. I will.* She answered him as she slowly began to stalk closer to him. Mewtwo watched her in awe, her muscles rippled in ways his did not. Her slight build was not visible now, only a tone, sleek feline. She stopped when the Taurus looked at her, he skittered uneasily, but she remained as motionless as the stones next to her. Her grayish coat made her look almost like the stones and the rain-washed ground. Mewtwo marveled in the ability she had to change her colors so. As the Taurus looked away, she crept swiftly forward, stopping on a dime as he turned back to look for her, but as he turned the last time, she sped up on the ground with speeds Mewtwo had only imagined. Within seconds, the Taurus was beneath her, clutched tightly in her clutches. Her jaws and claws fatally embedded within the young Taurus' flesh. His eyes swirled in pain and confusion, but as she bite down harder, his eyes faded into lifeless orbs as he died. Mewtwo shook his head, he didn't know how she did it, but suppose it would be a while for him to learn it. *See? Was that so hard? All you have to be is patient. Taurus aren't the smartest of pokemon, they depend on what they see more on their smell and sense. If you give them something to look at, their either run or charge. Either isn't good.* Asha explained patiently as Mewtwo helped her to carry the dead animal back to their den.

Mewtwo did nothing more than snort his displeasure with having been proven the creature was catch-able, but as much as he protested he'd given his best, he still always enjoyed watching her hunt like this. He'd had to watch himself carefully around her, his instincts had nearly cost him her friendship, being male and in the presence of a female in heat hadn't been easy, but he'd managed to make himself forget about her scent with the business of preparing for winter. Over the past few days, her scent had been weaker, and gave him hope that she was soon going to lose it for a while. Her heat almost being over, things would go more smoothly when the winter finally hit and her scent wasn't driving him half mad with need. *How much more do we need?* He asked her, looking over at her after they stored the young Taurus with all of the other meats, in the 'lava' room.

The 'lava' room was another thing that Mewtwo marveled. It was a large space where super heated stones were gathered and placed strategically around the room, the meats were placed in the middle where they'd be cured and dried. The 'lava' stones were small charged rocks from the volcano several hundred miles to the south, how Asha had gotten them, Mewtwo didn't know. *We just need to relax now, there's enough here to last us if we don't gorge ourselves the first two months. Now we have to rest. It's a short time until the snows. Maybe early tomorrow morning, or later tonight.* She said, looking up at the sky. The black clouds were starting to turn a grayer color, but looked no less threatening.

Mewtwo looked up with her and than shook his head. *That soon? But I thought you said within a week.* He was tired, and grateful now that she had pushed him so hard to help her complete everything before things got really cold. Even if he hadn't liked it when it was happening.

*Yes, and it's just starting tonight, it won't really hit hard for another two or three days, that gives us time to play in the snow and gather some wood for the fires and storage. Besides, this is going to be the 'fun' snow, it's perfect for playing and throwing. The Mews come up here sometimes and play while the weather is still suitable, but this season, they may not make it up here.* Asha explained, smiling at the others confusion, but she refused to say more.

Mewtwo sighed and walked back into the nest area. They'd been able to separate the nest into two different areas, so that they'd not have to sleep next to each other. Mewtwo had both been grateful and frustrated about the arrangement, but kept silent about it. He sank down into his nest and allowed himself to curl up, his muscles hurt, his body ached and the cold was making him uncomfortable. He just wanted to sleep off his fatigue and see the snow in the morning. I hope that now everything is done, we can relax this winter, I'd love to be able to do nothing more than lay around and watch the snow. I've seen it only once, and never in large amounts. I was too busy rebuilding the labs to notice it. Mewtwo was thinking as Asha came in and flopped down on her nest, her little squeak of fatigue made Mewtwo smile. *Cute. Really cute.* He told her as he closed his eyes.

*Yes, well, enjoy this warm weather, tonight may be our last comfortably warm night.* Asha told him as she shut her eyes and drifted off into sleep. I hope he's capable of adapting to bad conditions, because this winter's going to be a hard one. I wish I'd kept my mind on my problems instead of wondering what Mew was up to. She was thinking as she listened to Mewtwo's breathing and wrestling around. She sighed, there would really be no sleeping tonight, not with Mewtwo sleeping just beside her and the first snow fall only hours to minutes away.

She opened her eyes, when she heard Mewtwo's breathing even out and grow deep, and looked over at him. She nearly jumped in surprise to see him looking over at her, his luminous lavender eyes were locked onto her, his eyes had been following the curve of her thinking form and watching her tail twitch. *I'm sorry, did I wake you?* Mewtwo asked softly, the sound of his voice on her ears was soothing, it made her flush.

Stop thinking like that girl! It's just instincts trying to get what they want! She told herself as she shook her head. *No, I can never sleep this time of the year, not with the snows so close.* She told him, he sat up and smiled at her, again, she flushed.

*Well, neither can I. I've never really seen snow, I've lived out in the ocean, near the tropics, the most snow I've seen is a mere dusting and that only lasted a couple of minutes.* He told her, she struggled to control her flushing and answered back, trying to keep her voice slow and even.

*Yeah, I can remember my first winter, I'd never known of snow until I'd seen it like this, and I nearly didn't survive it.* She answered.

A long uneasy silence fell between them, Asha looked away, hoping that she could find something else to look at, but she found that Mewtwo didn't have the same idea. He just kept staring at her. She tried her hardest to ignore it, but eventually, she couldn't stand it any longer.*I can't stay still much longer, and I definitely can't sleep anymore.* Asha spoke suddenly breaking the silence, she sat up higher in the nest, making it appear she was about to get up.

Mewtwo nodded. *I know what you mean, I can't sleep anymore either. So. . .* He smiled, a strangely coy smile. *how about we make the best of it and. . .* Asha's mind reeled sudden fear and excitement, her skin flushed with the thoughts of what he was implying. Mewtwo noticed her flushing and tried to stay calm, and not laugh. *let's go out and wait for the snow to fall.* He finished as he held out a paw for her. She felt herself flush even more and helped herself out of the nest. He let his paw drop, trying not to let her know that he had heard every thought she was thinking before and after he'd finished his sentence. Well, at least I know she doesn't hate me. Mewtwo thought with a smile as she stalked out first, her pale fur still tinged with red.

Asha scowled and let a low growl escape her throat as she headed for the entrance. That asshole knew what he was doing! He purposefully put those thoughts in my head! She grumbled to herself, than looked over at Mewtwo, who was staring out at the sleet like a little kitten who'd never seen outside before. She felt herself smile in spite of herself. Oh all right. So he's cute. And maybe those thoughts were mine, but they were NOT my fault! He started it! She thought and gave a snort.

Mewtwo caught the thought and hid his sudden laughter with a cough. *Not used to all the fresh air, or this weather.* He lied as she glared at him unmercifully, he turned back and smiled out at the rain.

*Yeah. Right.* Asha mumbled darkly as she flopped down on the other side of the entrance. Bastard. She thought as she watched him out of the corner of her eye, not really wanting him to know he was being watched.

Mewtwo, however, had no reservation, he stared at her rather openly. Asha tried her best to ignore it, but soon, she couldn't stand it anymore, she huffed and glared over at Mewtwo. *What? Am I bothering you?* He asked, trying to keep all of the sarcasm out of his voice. He knew he was agitating her something fierce, and reveled in it. If she can play this game of avoidance, at least I can force her to come out. He thought as he smiled at her patiently.

She huffed and shook her head. *No, of course not. Nothing bothers me, I'd just prefer that you looked out at the scenery than at me.* Her voice was a little shaky, but she didn't back down.

Mewtwo nodded and got up, the wind was rather chilly, and he wasn't entirely used to its icy touch yet. He walked over to her quietly and laid down beside her, his back against her side, and looked out at the sleet. Its icy drops sounded like little hailstones as they smacked into the rocks by the cave. As he lay against her, he could feel her stiffening, struggling to avoid contact, through their touch, he could feel her beginning to warm up. He lowered his head down and allowed himself to drift to a light sleep, keeping a mental eye on Asha and her emotions.

Asha looked down at him in dismay. Her body was on fire! Her mind was reeling, she was struggling to keep her breathing even as her heartbeat pounded out of control! She was very afraid that Mewtwo would be able to hear it from where he laid. But if he could, he made no show of triumph. She shut her eyes tightly and tried to get her mind on something else. He's so warm, and. . .She let her paw stray down and lightly touch his side, she flushed a little more and held her breath. Soft, he's almost exactly like me. She opened her eyes wider than mere slits and looked at him openly.

His eyes were closed and his breathing deep and even, his body laid relaxed against hers, even his muscles were at ease, proving that he was in a sleep. She let her eyes trail down from his mussel down the length of his body. He was nearly twice as big as she was, that fact somehow unsettled her and interested her. Giving her a hope she didn't know she had capable inside of her. Mewtwo let her touch and look, he didn't see any harm in it, and besides that, it felt good to be stroked. Mew had called it 'petting' but he refused to allow anyone to 'pet' him so he would think of it otherwise. He could tell now, that she was not as angry at him as she pretended to be. A smile played on his face as he enjoyed this moment while it lasted.

Asha looked down at him with adoration. I wish I could just tell him that I like him. But if I did that, it might lead to something else, and I just can't live with that. She thought as she let her eyes linger over him. He was in excellent shape, despite the troubles he'd had catching prey. His muscles were finely toned, and his shape was well built. She admired him, he was definitely a pleasure to her eye. She felt herself flush again and shook her head. No stupid! Don't think like that. Right now, you don't know him. He could turn out to be a complete asshole for all you know. She told herself sternly. She couldn't let her childish wishes get in the way of her solid hard will. Even if he was the only one out there like her.

As she tried to focus on something else, she realized that there was a lack of the pounding sleet and hail. She looked up in time to catch the first glimpse of the new falling snow. She placed her paw firmly in Mewtwo's side and gave a gentle squeeze. *Hey! It's snowing! Come on, I want you to see this!* She told him, feeling a little giddy, as she always did when the first snows came, like a little kitten again.

Mewtwo was awake in an instant, looking up at her first, than out at the snow. He was on his feet in one smooth fluid motion, no sign of fatigue or sleepiness in his excitement. He said nothing, just looked with wide curious, consuming eyes. As if this was a memory he would need to remember for the rest of his life, like it would never happen again.

Asha watched him with an unbidden smile, Mewtwo turned just in time to see it before she realize it was there to wipe it away. *So, what do you think?* She asked, giving up hating him for the moment.

Mewtwo, noticing this giving of ground, took advantage of it. *It's nothing like I've seen! I love it!* His tone was genuine, Asha smiled again, and watched it closely, there was no sign of a sudden white out, and the snow was falling heavy enough to already be blanketing the ground in soft, white layers.

*Wanna go out and play?* She asked him, he looked at her blankly, she could tell he wanted to, so she pressed the question. *Well? The Mews might be coming soon, and I figured you'd like to have some fun yourself before they ruin it all with their friendliness towards you.* Asha was explaining, but Mewtwo was already on his feet and looking at her with childish eagerness, she had to take a deep breath to avoid getting caught up in it also.

*Yeah, sure!* He struggled to keep his tone even, he was a little confused about his sudden playfulness, but was sure that it had something to do with her. She nodded and got up to her feet, not quite as quickly as Mewtwo had. He noted it for future reference.

Asha hid her wince as she got to her feet, her pain had been growing in the past few months. She knew well what it was, but she didn't want to admit to her failure. She hoped that Mewtwo hadn't noticed, but knew that he had. She smiled as he stepped timidly out into the already deepening drifts by the cave and felt the snow. Asha, had no such reservations. She raced out the cave entrance and threw herself into a drift. *Come on! Have some fun!* She cried out to him as she scuttled through the snow, kicking some of it over at Mewtwo.

*Hey!* He yelled over at her as it landed against his shoulder, he bent down and picked up a handful, but before he could launch it at her, she'd already smacked him straight in the face with another snowball, knocking him back on his backside.

Asha fell back laughing, using her tail to keep her from falling completely to the ground. *HA! I thought you were tough?* She mocked as she stared over at him, his face was covered in snow from where he'd fallen back and most of him was now white.

*I am tough!* He answered back softly, she stopped laughing so hard and looked at him innocently, her hands behind her back. He threw a snowball at her, missed and was slammed by two more, hitting him on the shoulder and chest, trapping him back against the snowy wall of a drift. *Hey! That's not fair!* He called back, trying not to laugh, he was having fun, whether she was winning this war or not.

*Well, than you'd better prove it!* She hollered to him as she bent down and prepared more snowballs, he watched her do so with wide eyes, than quickly began his own arsenal of weaponry. She laughed and giggled like a small child, he felt her childishness contagious as he fought to contain his own urge to laugh ridiculously. She grabbed on to throw, but he hit her square in the stomach with a large ball, she fell backwards and laughed loudly. *Weee! Good aim!* She told him as she threw another one at him. He tried to avoid it, but there was no escape, she used her abilities to make it hit him as she scampered to her feet.

*Hey! That's not fair!* He called for the third time.

She shrugged, and launched another one at him. *Nothing's fair in snowball war. You do what you must to win!*

Mewtwo smiled wickedly and cocked his head to the side a little. *Is that so? Well, I suppose I'll just have to play by those rules.* With that, he pulled up a barrier as she threw the next few snowballs, than launched a few of his own, directing them psychically so that they all hit her.

*Hey! That's not fair!* She whined as she tried to dodge and avoid the flying balls of snow, Mewtwo smiled devilishly and nodded.

*You said that all was fair in snowball war, so I'm just playing by your rules!* He told her as he threw a really big ball at her, hitting her in the chest and face. She flopped down on the ground with a giggle of laughter, Mewtwo used the opportunity to pounce her, he'd always felt urge to play, and now he was getting to do that. When he pounced her, the fun began, it became a ferocious fight of teeth and fur, biting and throwing the other around, but Mewtwo seemed to be always landing on top, no matter how hard she threw him, he always grabbed her and forced her to submit. *Well, are you going to give up?!* He asked after the last thrashing through the snow and landing again on top.

She laughed and shook her head. *NEVER!* She cried as she began to prepare for another go-around. But instead, she was still. An uneasy feeling passed through her, his eyes were locked onto her, she could feel it in her blood, he was looking at her, studying her every breath, her every move, and it was making her terribly uncomfortable. I hope he's not going to do what I think he's going to do. . .but a part of me really wants him too. . .She was thinking as he leaned forward, pressing her deeper into the snow, she could feel the still damp ground against her back, her breathing was becoming ragged.

Mewtwo couldn't think past the rage of blood through his ears. The scent from her was so intoxicating, he thought he' die from it. He liked the look of her, the feel of her warm breath, he could feel her heartbeat pulse through her, making her tremble. What's wrong with me? I'm always in control. . .but she's so. . .forbidden. He was so close that he could breath in her breaths. She's not moving away. . .she's not saying no. . .He told himself as he bent down closer still.

Asha couldn't even breath as his face came millimeters from her own. Her heart pounded, blood surged through her veins, she was in shock that her instincts were telling her this was right. In the back of her mind there were warning signals flaring everywhere, warning her the consequences for such an action would be too high to pay right now, but she was deaf to them all. All of her years of solitude had made her completely vulnerable to this kind of situation. Her thoughts were so jarred and scrambled that nothing coherent could be formed.

Mewtwo watched her intently, waiting for any signal to tell him that he was too close and crossing some line before she pushed him away and stormed off. But no such signals came. He watched her eyes close as his mouth pressed lightly against hers, an involuntary reaction driven by instinct, and savored the soft kiss. He could feel her heart hammering in her chest, and was lost in the same wave of sensation that she was in. Her paw touched his upper arm lightly, but before they were lost too far in the moment, Mewtwo's guilty conscious kicked in. She's been alone and deprived from any sort of contact with species for nearly a century, Mew told me that she hasn't even seen the joining of a Mew, so she is completely innocent these intimate sensations. I've been near humans longer than she, I am well educated in such, this is wrong. With that, Mewtwo pulled away and looked deeply into her eyes, they were furrowed in confusion. He pursed this lips and prepared for the blow as realization fell over her face, but there was nothing but a deep shade of rose that fell over her pale colors.

When Asha came out of her sensory overload, she realized that Mewtwo was practically on top of her and that their faces were nearly touching. She suddenly felt a wave of embarrassment and shame. Embarrassment for having never been in this particular situation, and shame for having done something wrong to make Mewtwo's wonderful torture stop. But he shook his head and kissed her lightly on the forehead. *You've done nothing wrong. It is I who have stopped this.* Asha's blush deepened and she looked up at him shyly.

*Why?. . .don't you. . .want me?* Asha's question surprised him, and he struggled quickly for something to say.

How could I not want you? You're beautiful, your strong, you've got a will of steel that makes me have the courage to want to live on. Was what he wanted to tell her, but could not, so he only said it in his mind. But, thankfully, he was saved from that hazardous question by the sound of Mew.

*ASHA! I'M BACK!* She cried, than stopped as she saw Mewtwo scurry away from Asha, she smiled to herself. Yes! Their falling in love! Than floated quickly to Asha. *The rains have become steady! So we came come and play in the snow for a while! Isn't that great?!* Mew asked as more Mews in the background popped up and began throwing snow at one another, a few of the older ones stopped long enough to look at Mewtwo and search out Asha.

*Go and play, little Mewling, I wish to speak with the Wise One.* An Elder Mew stated as he pushed Mew towards the other young ones having a fierce snowball fight. Than he turned to look at Mewtwo. *So, finally, there is another one. I am called Calhoun (pronounced Cal-on) I am one of the Elders that watches over the Mewlings and their parents. We are the descendants of the Mewlings which Asha protected and raised.* He gave a small bow before Mewtwo.

Suddenly Mewtwo could understand why Asha had not lived her life among the Mews. They revered her as a Goddess or as a higher deity. He suddenly saw her in a new light. *Thank you, Calhoun, I am honored to meet you.* Mewtwo replied, playing along but Calhoun only bowed again.

*The honor is surely mine, great one.* Calhoun spoke with a tone of great respect. Mewtwo tried hard not to let it make him stand taller. He was deeply touched at how well everyone was treating him. He figured that he would be considered a freak and be an outcast, but instead, it was the exact opposite. *Asha, I have news of the human trainers that were scouting the outskirts of our lands. They have begun to drive deeper, two of our youngest have been badly wounded in fights against them, and one of the parents of Rocio was captured. Now she's in the care of her eldest brother.* Mewtwo listened with growing curiosity.

Asha's face grew stern and fierce. *How long ago did this happen?* She asked, Mewtwo watched the relay back and forth. He was almost intimidated by her growing anger.

*Nearly a moon cycle.* Was his answer, almost immediately, Asha stood to her full height, towering over the landed Mew.

*It has been that long?! Why was I not told of this earlier?!* She demanded, her voice getting the attention of every Mew both near and far.

The other was obviously extremely nervous about speaking farther, and now, Mewtwo could see why. Her eyes had a deep lavender glow, her body echoed that glow in her aura. Mewtwo was impressed by her show of psychic powers. *Well, the weather has been very rough and with everything going on and our messenger just back from her adventure. . .we didn't want to. . .disturb you in your hunts and gatherings for winter.* Mewtwo was sure that she would be angry at that, but instead, she calmed down, lowering herself back down into the snow. Her thick fur had not settled down however, and was still fluffed out, her tail nearly puffed twice its original size.

*I see, your wisdom is justly thought through. I do respect your wish to allow me the total concentration of my hunting and gathering. Have any other Trainers been seen or reported fighting with Mews any longer?* She asked, Mewtwo could tell her anger had not subsided, but the Mew was content that he'd reached safe grounds with her. He shook his head 'no' in a response for her. She nodded her head and began to listen to Calhoun speak about other happenings and other Mew-based things.

Mewtwo watched her listen with growing sympathy. Now he understood why it had pained her so much when she was alone. He could feel her emotions through the Empathy they now shared, his mind still deep within hers from their kiss. Mewtwo now fully understand her sorrow and her pain. All those years alone, and the Mews had inadvertently 'rubbed salt' into her open bleeding heart by telling her everything that had been happening in her absence. But still, she listened with a peaceful smile, like she was happy they were doing well. She's so calm with them, almost like she is in the presence of a young child. Mew, I can understand, I had the impression from the start that she was young, but this one, he's one of the eldest and still, he has the mental feeling and thoughtfulness of a child. No wonder she was not mad at him for long, she understands his mental short comings and accepts them. I wish I had her tolerance and patience, but than again, perhaps with time I will. He was thinking as he watched Calhoun bow once more and leave to watch the younger Mews at play.

Asha turned to him and looked in his eyes deeply. He thought he could see tears threatening to whelm up in them, but wasn't sure. *Come on, let's play while there's still time, the Mews are only going to be here for a short while longer.* She told him, but just after she finished, a small group of Mewling boys asked Mewtwo to join their team in their snowball fight. He noted how carefully they avoided Asha, and wondered why. She watched them play and than walked over to a young Mew couple that was holding a small, newly born Mewling.

Mewtwo watched her talk with a few of the Mews, but was surprised to see how little they really talked to her, they seemed nearly skittish about her. Like if they said something wrong, she'd steal their children away or kill them on the spot. After a couple of times being hit, Mewtwo called it a game and went to speak with Asha. But couldn't find her. In a short search, he picked out Calhoun. *Do you know where Asha went?* He asked, after the older Mew bowed and gave his offer of honor for being spoken too.

*Yes, she's old after all and has gone back into her caves to retire. Her bones aren't used to all this exercise, she requires much rest since the past winter. The colder seasons always take much more out of her.* He answered, giving another bow and offer of honor.

Mewtwo thanked him and stalked off towards the cave. Mew met him halfway. *Mew.* He acknowledged her, she looked back into the cave and floated closer to him, placing a small paw against his armored chest.

*Comfort her, there is nothing I can do. She's too sad this year. Her Time has once more came and went, still, she is no mother.* Mew told him as if to explain Asha's sorrow and departed to be cheerful with the other Mews.

Mewtwo nearly smiled. She's smarter than any of those Mews, and yet, to them, she pretends to be just like the rest. Than walked deeper into the cave. He could find her without her scent, her sobs were muffled, but still loud. He cringed on the inside, remembering how he'd wondered how she could handle such a slap in the face that the Mews had been dealing her unwittingly for all those years. He was about to call for her, but thought better of it, sometimes it was good to just pop up with out warning. He figured this was as good a time as ever.

As he reached the heart of the cave's back hidden cave, he looked cautiously around the edge. Sure enough, Asha was lying there, on her stomach, crying her heart out. Her shoulders were shaking with the force of her sobs and her head tucked in the crook of her elbows. His heart went out to her, she was in so much mental and emotional pain that he could feel it from where he stood. He took a big breath, and reached out psychically to touch her mind, he wanted to see what the turmoil was about before he tried to comfort her.

As he suspected, she was leaving herself wide open, her pain had blinded her to all else. Why? What have I ever done that was so bad to deserve this?! All I've wanted since the first litter of the little Mew was to have my own family, I wanted that when I seen Miss Kimmings' pictures of her family. But, I'll never have one! I can't! Mewtwo is the only male of my species, and he doesn't want me. He keeps himself at a distance, he tries to avoid looking in my eyes and he avoids touching as if I carried some vile plague. All I want is someone to love me and to have a family. Asha was thinking as she sobbed piteously. Mewtwo's heart sank, he hadn't realized that he'd been avoiding her so obviously. She'd surely been just as offish, but he didn't think she was feeling this depressed. As he continued to listen to her cry and her shattered bits of thoughts, his decision to comfort her was made.



* * * * * *

Asha wept uncontrollably, inside she prayed that Mewtwo was still playing with the young Mews while she spent her heart out here in this cave. She didn't wish him to see her so vulnerable. But as she heard a sound to her left and felt a reassuring touch on her back, she knew she'd been found out. She started to cry harder, all of her attempts to keep this inside and away from him had finally failed. Before she realized what was happening, Mewtwo had scooped her up and was cradling her suddenly frail and small body against his own. He could feel her tears of pain soaking slowly into his fur, but held her tighter. He wasn't about to let this chance pass him by.

Mentally, he wondered what Ash would have done in this position, and decided he'd try to comfort her too, especially if it were his fault she was so sad. Asha looked up a him after a few moments and asked a shaky question, her eyes were a perfect match to the storm he'd created at New Island. *Why are you here? Don't you want to explore the world?* The question confused him, he wasn't sure what to think of it. But in the silence he let sit, she answered it for him. *Have you come to from that world of Humans with hatred in your heart, did you want revenge? Did you try to make them suffer? Are you going to fulfil your dreams of finding the home that is in your heart?*

Suddenly the realization of what she was saying hit him hard, she was speaking of his vow to destroy humanity and anyone that was in his way to victory. She was speaking of his dreams before he awakened to discover he was nothing more than a creation, a clone. Her words were focused on the dreams he'd had even when Mew had brought him to this very valley of fleeing and finding a home of his own, to find the home he'd seen in his heart and dreams before he'd awakened the final time. How could she have known? I've not spoken of that to anyone. Not even to myself. Only in the depths of my heart. . .Mewtwo was thinking as he blinked in surprise at Asha, who was looking up at him with eyes filling once more with fresh tears.

Cold dread filled her heart and dropped her stomach down to the floor as the silence deepened. She had brought back those forgotten ambitions, now, he'd leave her. Now he'd go in search of his destiny, the one he felt in his heart before he'd taken up to getting revenge against his brutal reason for being created. This is it. The only other of my kind, and he'd going to leave me be again. When he goes, I will personally make sure that he will be the last of our kind. . .I can't bare the thought of living alone for one more minute. . .She was thinking when suddenly Mewtwo broke the silence.

*No, I've discovered that I am home. My heart has found the truth that it has searched so hard for. I find that my vengeance has been fulfilled by my absence in their lives.* My destiny is to be with the other of my kind. He thought to himself, unsure if he should have said it out loud.

He should have.

Asha looked at him in distant disbelief. He's not going to leave me. . .She thought, but just smiled weakly up at him, he bent down and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. She looked at him in utter surprise. He couldn't help but smile down at her carefully. *You mean. . .you don't want to leave? You're going to stay here? But. . .why?* She asked, her eyes still had not fully shed the tears that had built up in them, Mewtwo could see that some of them were drying away. A sign he hoped was a good one.

*I'm going to stay because there is no place I'd rather be. I wish to stay here, with you. There is much I have to learn about my hatred, and you. . .you've lived so long with yours and it has not consumed you as it has me, I can't help but to say that I hope you can teach my heart to love and to be kind. The way you are with the Mews, I'd never be able to handle them like you do.* Asha's face brightened, than fell a little.

*You seemed to be handling them fine earlier.* She muttered as she looked away and started to push him away.

She's slipping away from me! Mewtwo realized with a sudden pang of dread. He knew that if he didn't act fast, the canyon between them would be not only permanent but final to the death. He tightened his hold on her slightly, but when she jerked out of his grip, he grabbed her forearm and pulled her close to him once more. *Listen to me. You have a strength that is more than admirable. I'd never have survived all those years alone, I'd have given up long ago. My hate would have consumed me and I'd have done things I would have regretted for the rest of my life, but you. . .you found a more reasonable way out. You cared for others, spent your life taking care of them. You protect them still. In just a few short years, look what my hatred did to me. It has done more than just consume me, it caused me to take the life of a small boy. That boy, Ash, knew what was right, and stopped me from winning the battle and taking over the world. It was his courage and sacrifice that woke me from my raging blindness. It opened my eyes.

*Now that I have met you, you are my proof that I am not alone. Just as I am your proof that you are no longer alone. Finally, there is another of your species, just as my prayers have been answered, so have yours. I'm not staying just to learn from you. I'm staying because that's what I want to do. I'm staying here because I like you. I'm still here because I need a friend and that's what you are to me!* His words rang tightly in her ears, her eyes focused on him, than widened as he suddenly kissed her again. A savage, sharp kiss that took not only her breath away, but all thought.

After realizing that he was kissing her, Mewtwo's first thought was to pull away abruptly and mutter every curse he'd ever heard, but his second was to realize that Asha was not fighting him anymore, she was falling against him, holding him right back and. . .kissing him back. After what felt to be nearly an eternity, Mewtwo pulled away and looked deeply into her eyes. Wow. Was her first coherent thought. Than, after a moment to gather enough thought to form a lucid sentence, she spoke unevenly. *I've. . .never felt anything like that. . .* She told him, her eyes told him her words were true.

Mewtwo smiled, and took a deep breath, noting that the intoxicating scent of the past few weeks had completely faded away now. *Quite technically, neither have I. But I liked it. . .* She cut him off by leaving up and kissing him again, his eyes widened in surprise than closed in bliss. Well, now I know how she truly feels. He thought as he let his arms slide down to her waist, feeling the strong muscles move there as she swayed on her feet.

Asha pulled away slowly, but there was an agonizing silence that had developed between them. She pawed at the ground with one foot and cupped her hands behind her back, looking away nervously, Mewtwo scratched the back of his head and took in a shaky deep breath, calming his body down. *Well, I'm hungry, how about you!* She asked, jumping up to retrieve some food from their storage cells.

Mewtwo watched her go with a secret smile. A strange feelings spread through out his body, warming his heart and lightening his mind. At least she doesn't hate me. Was the only thought that came into his mind as he watched her go and got up to follow her.