Bulbasaur, step forward, Mew ordered.
Celebi narrowed her eyes at Mew, but the feline ignored her. Reluctantly, the Psychic- and Grass-Type moved forward next to Bulbasaur.
The bond of Grass will bind the lives of both you and Celebi together, Mew continued. You are not required to go forth, but should you choose to do so, you must do whatever the Chosen One says and strive to help your partner and defeat the Evil One no matter what the cost. Do you accept?
"Bulba," the Grass- and Poison-Type said without hesitation. The green light enveloping him flared up, surrounding both him and Celebi. Then, it dimmed, leaving both Pokémon staring wide-eyed at Mew.
I know so many more moves now, the bulbed Pokémon said in astonishment. Then he blinked.
"Bulbasaur! You spoke! Uh, sorta..." Ash sweat-dropped. "And you look kinda different."
Indeed, Bulbasaur had sprouted what almost looked like antennae on the top of his head, antennae which matched those Celebi had.
Celebi, on the other hand, had gained small sharp claws on her appendages, which were similar to Bulbasaur's toes.
Abilities are shared between bonded Pokémon, and each gains a single small physical characteristic. Now, Pidgeot, Mew commanded.
Pidgeot came forward.
The Bond of Flying-Types will hold you together with Moltres. Do you agree to the terms?
"Geot!"
Moltres, Mew said, dragging out the name warningly.
The Fire- and Flying-Type moved forward, surveying Pidgeot with a critical eye. The Normal- and Flying-Type was nearly two feet smaller than she was.
Red light enveloped both and then dimmed.
Whoa, Pidgeot stated Psychically. His new characteristic was a flaming tail. He opened his mouth and breathed forth Embers. Ooohh...
Moltres continued watching him. Her beak was no longer long and pointed; it was curved like Pidgeot's.
Ampharos, called Mew.
The Electric-Type bounded forth. "Amph!" she agreed immediately.
Mew looked a little surprised at her swiftness, but she nodded at Zapdos, who sourly came forth.
Their light was yellow, and afterwards Ampharos cooed, You're so handsome, Zapdos, puffing the large bird's vanity and making him less reluctant to be partnered with her. The giant bird possessed a round red knob upon his forehead, and the smaller Electric-Type gained spikes on her tail like those of Zapdos.
Delibird.
The Flying- and Ice-Type came forth. "Deli?"
Yours is the bond of Ice and Bird. You shall be partnered with Articuno to destroy the master you once served. Do you accept? Mew asked, looking at the bird with intense blue eyes.
Delibird thought for a few moments before he nodded.
His light was white, and afterwards Articuno seemed to be satisfied at being partnered with him, for they shared many things in common, even if Delibird's moves were few. I'm honored to serve with you, Delibird said politely. He had gained a flowing blue tail, and Articuno now had a crest that matched the shape of his.
Squirtle, step forth, Mew instructed. She fit well into the position of leadership.
"Squirtle squirtle squirt!" announced the tiny turtle.
All right. Suicune.
The Water-Type stepped forth on delicate paws. Ready.
A blue light bathed them both. They looked at each other afterwards, then immediately went into a corner to discuss Water-Type...things. Squirtle possessed a white diamond on his back, and Suicune now had a curled tail.
Flamekist.
The Dark- and Fire-Type stepped forward after throwing a look at Ash. She took in a deep breath. I accept.
Mew looked to the largest Wanderer.
Entei moved toward Flamekist, and they were covered in red light.
Despite their major size difference, the two dogs hit it off well, moving aside to talk. Entei had gained a long back tail like Flamekist's, and Flamekist had gained wide white paws.
Pikachu, Mew said, looking toward the Electric mouse.
"Chu chu pika, pi chu pika-pi!" asserted Pikachu.
Very well then. Raikou is to be your partner.
Yellow light flared up, and Pikachu exclaimed, I can talk now! The Electric-Type was so excited he hopped up onto Raikou's back, leaving her looking confused. Look at me, Pika-pi!
Ash smiled. "Way to go, Pikachu!"
The mouse jumped off, leaping up to his trainer's shoulders and nuzzling his cheek.
Raikou now possessed red cheeks, and Pikachu had black marks like Raikou's on his back.
Now came one of the bonds Mew was most worried about. Charizard, come forth.
The large flying lizard stared at the small floating cat. He had been surprisingly well behaved throughout the whole proceedings, and Mew had the feeling he might be ready to cause some trouble. Charizard, should you choose to accept it, you and Ho-oh will be held together by the bond of Flames. Once bonded, there is no going back. You must aid the Chosen One or die trying. This is a mission of utmost importance. If the Evil One is not vanquished, everyone, human and Pokémon alike, shall suffer.
Ho-oh stepped forward, her magnificent feathers gleaming.
Charizard turned his head to look at her. His potential partner was the second biggest of the group, and one of the most powerful. They shared the characteristics of both Fire and Bird. If Charizard had absolutely had to pick a partner, it would have been her.
The dragon turned his head, looking down at Ash. The boy seemed to be holding his breath, and his eyes were a little shaky, as if he were wishing with all of his might that Charizard do this one thing.
The Fire lizard closed his eyes and stretched his head toward the ceiling quietly and thoughtfully.