Chapter 2: A New Friend
Mewtwo suddenly found himself on a stone floor with small wisps of energy from the Master Ball leaving his fur. The last thing in his conscious memory was hopping up a long light pink hallway being chased by Nurse Joy and that cursed Master Ball. He didn't know how she had finally gotten the drop on him, but at least he left some good-sized holes in the walls for her trouble. Wanting to explore his surroundings he slowly turned and saw a half-opened Master Ball on the floor. There you are… Now that the object of his ire had been located, he stood and whacked it with his tail. The ball went flying and smashed to crystalline shards on a stone pillar beside him, never to contain another Pokémon again.
"My, my. I knew some Pokémon hated being inside those things, but you take it to a whole new level," Bill said around the lip of a coffee mug. "Welcome to my home. My name is Bill." He put the mug down on a coffee table and came forward. "Pokémon Expert and inventor of the PC storage system." Mewtwo looked around and found himself in a large room with a cathedral ceiling and what looked like a throne at one end. "Oh, the décor." Bill noticed his expression of confusion and gestured to the rest of the room. "It used to be a church, then a Pokémon Gym, now it's just home."
Where am I? Mewtwo held his head again and almost doubled over. Oh yeah, almost forgot about that.
"I wish I knew some other way to help you." Bill picked up his coffee mug. "Are you hungry?"
Let's see if I can at least remember how to nod, Mewtwo thought sarcastically, then nodded an affirmative.
"So you do understand people speak." Bill spun on his heel and led the Pokémon through a small doorway that seemed to lack the flair of the rest of the room. "This is the kitchen. I don't have a very wide variety of Pokémon food but I'll see what I can find." He started rummaging around through his cupboards.
Mewtwo gained his feet and wobbled a little. Before he had used his powers to help him walk, or even fly from place to place. It was as natural as breathing to him. Now he found that his body was horribly bad at balancing itself out, and his tail was much too long and bulky to allow him to walk upright. Now not only did he need to learn to speak all over again, but walk as well. His first steps were small, but soon he managed to gain the locomotion needed to move himself forward.
After a moment, Mewtwo stepped foot into Bill's rather large kitchen. An island in the middle contained a stove surface, and a few scattered cutting boards. The floor and the counter tops were red tile, perfectly matching the red brick the rest of the kitchen was made of. A huge chrome refrigerator dominated one corner. Mewtwo started walking toward it, but the huge floor-to-ceiling window gave a commanding view of the ocean and steeply sloping cliffs and quickly stole his attention. Outside the window he could see a deck and railing made accessible by a screen door near the refrigerator. For a moment he watched the ocean's glass-like surface breathe and roll before crashing against the cliffs, producing huge sprays of foaming mist on the rocks. I could stand here for hours.
"Wonderful view, eh?" Bill pulled a few jars down from the cupboard. Most of them appeared to have some kind of brown or green pellets inside that rattled around, indicating that they were both hard and tasteless. "Like I said, I don't have very many varieties of Pokémon food, but I'll do my best." Bill examined each jar, weighing his thoughts on each one before selecting the fullest of the three.
He turned to see Mewtwo's long purple tail coming from the open fridge door. The sound of plastic drawers screeching open could be heard before Mewtwo raised his head. A piece of lettuce dangled out of the Pokémon's mouth and he had the whole head clutched in his right hand. A little nibble and the lettuce disappeared behind white teeth. "I suppose you know what you're after then." Bill watched silently as he ripped another piece off the head of lettuce greedily, and then tested the screen door behind him. It opened with the patented screen door rattle and creak, then slammed shut when he went outside. Bill refilled his coffee mug and went to join him. "Mewtwo?" Bill asked as the Pokémon plopped down in a chair on the balcony. It seemed he landed a little heavier than he intended to. A few Pidgey flew overhead. "I already know that you are a rare and special Pokémon, and that you can speak – or once could. You must be very intelligent. I can tell by the frustration in your eyes. If there's anything I can do, then please let me know somehow."
Mewtwo nodded. He was getting quite good at that.
Bill went on. "My home is your home until you recover, maybe even longer. But for now, enjoy the lettuce. There is plenty more where that came from. If there are any other foods you like, I will be happy to go shopping for you. You will need your strength."
More than you know human... Mewtwo thought bitterly to himself. He ripped off another piece of lettuce, and ate that hungrily too. He supposed that later he would take Bill up on his offer to gather more food. The man had to be single, there was barely any food in the fridge to begin with. Sensing that he would get no more answers from the Pokémon, Bill picked up his drink and went back inside the kitchen, where he could keep on eye on him and give the creature his privacy as well.
All of this suddenly. Mewtwo tried to gather his thoughts. Where is Sabrina? How long was I unconscious? I would run from here, but I have nothing to protect myself, or any knowledge of where I am. Why can't I use my powers? Can't speak, can't do anything. Just sit around and waste space.
"Mew!"
Mew? Mewtwo sat up and began searching the skies for the familiar shape of his friend. A little pink cat-like Pokémon hovered up over the railing of the deck, then paused. Its expression as always was curious and inquisitive, made even more so by big blue eyes. What – He held his head again. Funny how he had to keep reminding himself not to use his powers. The pain slowly subsided, it wasn't as severe now that he had something to eat.
"Mew mew?"
Mewtwo knew that this translated to "What's wrong?" Good, at least that part of his brain still worked. How can I speak to him?
"I can hear you just fine." Mew Poké-spoke back.
How? He didn't project the thought; it just came as part of his curiosity.
"Easy ya grouch. I can read minds too!" Mew floated in closer. "And where in the name of Dialga's chode have you been?"
With a friend, Sabrina, a human. Your information was correct. Giovanni has been spearheading a campaign to collect endangered and rare Pokémon, to what ends I don't know. Sabrina and I tried to confront him. We were not successful. She is injured, as am I. I lost my powers during the battle. What good can I possibly do now?
"Sounds like you've been busy." Mew made a few bubbles, then popped them in the order he made them. "As for your powers, they'll return. It'll take some time. Giovanni and Team Rocket aren't going anywhere! Besides, they're having some issues in their ranks. In the meantime, lighten up! Learn some humility! Enjoy the vacation!"
What vacation? That's not funny, Mew.
"Not to you, but I gotta tell ya, it's kinda funny to see Mr. High and Mighty himself knocked off his Rapidash!" He flipped around a few times.
And I'm supposed to find that humorous?
"You're alive ain't ya? That says more than anything else right now. I have to say that I'm happy you made it out alive." Mew watched Mewtwo's expression grow suddenly distant. "Life is a learning experience. Now that you have time, learn all you can."
And what are you going to do?
"First, I'm gonna get some ass, and then I'm gonna get some sleep!" Mew giggled; his otherwise adorable pink-furred exterior often betrayed his true motives. "You should probably get some sleep too."
I've slept so much already. A few more hours couldn't hurt.
"Great! See ya later!"
You're leaving already?
"Yep!"
Mewtwo watched Mew's form disappear from sight into the horizon. I want to go home too. I want my hammock. I want to spend half the night sitting up with Sabrina again. I want my books. I want life back to how it was before…I want to fly. Mewtwo looked at the green mass of leaves in his hands before ripping off another piece. Ai told me to live…but why does it have to hurt so much?
"Hold on! Just a minute!" Bill ran into the main room and picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi Bill! It's Nurse Joy! I called to see how Mewtwo was doing."
"Oh Joy! It's been a few weeks since I've heard from you. Is Sabrina out of it yet?"
"Sadly, no."
"That's sad to hear. Mewtwo has been doing fine. He hasn't regained his powers yet, but I think he has managed to fit into life here."
"Oh? Do tell."
"Well, for instance, he has a set pattern in his day. Morning, it's black coffee with lots of sugar-"
"You let him have coffee?!"
Bill winced then quickly explained. "He refuses the pellets. I've tried even sneaking them into his food. The result was one very large bruise from that tail of his."
"He hit you?!" Joy shouted again, causing Bill to hold the phone away from his ear this time.
"It was my fault anyway, back to what I was saying. Coffee in the morning, followed by toast – no butter on it, he despises dairy products – usually jam or jelly accompanies breakfast. Cereals without milk, and usually follows it up with a gallon of orange juice. Lunch consists of fruits and dinner is always one huge salad."
"No meats?"
"I could understand why." Bill played with the phone cord. "He is great company, sometimes a bit cold, but then, I suppose it's his nature. After breakfast he goes for long walks outside, and I can usually find him by the cliffs. After dinner he reads, or watches the news with me."
"And he reads?" Joy began to sound skeptical.
"Oh yes! Anything he can get his hands on!" Bill was now too caught up in describing daily life with Mewtwo to notice the change in her voice. "And he can write! Very nice handwriting I might add."
"That's quite amazing, Bill. It's a good thing I have him scheduled for a check-up soon."
"Oh, you want me to bring him there then?"
"Yes, and then you may be able to take him to the hospital to see Sabrina."
"Well, that is good news."
"Figured you would like it. Where is Mewtwo now?"
"Um…" Bill peeked out the nearest window. "He's outside, by the cliffs, he spends a lot of time there. I think he just looks at the ocean,"
"I have him scheduled for the twenty-second."
"I'll tell him. He'll be happy." Bill sighed, and then mumbled under his breath, "Or whatever passes for happy in his mind."
"Good! We'll see you then!" Joy's end clicked lightly.
Bill hung up the phone, and looked out the window again. Mewtwo was sitting down with his back toward the lighthouse. Staring at the ocean. Bill didn't know what it was he did out there, but he knew that this was not a good time to bother him. "I'll just tell him when he comes back in then, over dinner perhaps."
I've been round and round this so many times. I've come to accept somewhat that I can't use my powers, and the ones I can use are no use to me anyway. Even those cause much pain. Mewtwo sighed and looked up at the clouds. A small pink form lightly skittered on the silver surface, then vanished. Mew is never far. Why does he care so much about me? It's because of me the majority of the Pokémon have been captured. Vague memories of capturing herds of Tauros and Gyarados rose in his mind. And now I can't even fix what I've done. How long can this continue? What will become of me? He looked up at the sky. Dark clouds were building on the horizon. A storm is coming. He stood and went back inside the lighthouse.
"Nurse Joy called today,"
Wonderful. Mewtwo started fishing around through the cupboards for his bag of croutons.
"In about a week, I need to take you back to the Pokémon Center for a check-up."
I can barely contain my joy, Mewtwo thought sarcastically then found the croutons and dumped them in his salad.
Bill watched the Pokémon come to the table and sit down. "She managed to track down Sabrina, and which hospital she's in. After your appointment, we'll go see her." He continued, trying to bait Mewtwo into something that could resemble a conversation.
Mewtwo looked at his hands. Bill had been very understanding of him, even went out of his way to buy a fork that Mewtwo could use with his huge fingers. I strive so much to be human, to be accepted, yet I'm not human, and I am accepted – unconditionally so by both Sabrina and Bill. The human has tried so hard to make me feel comfortable. Even Mew has not given up on me. I suppose that I have been a little ungrateful at the time I need help the most. It is so hard to beat down my pride and ask for it, though.
Bill felt confusion settle in as a sly smile spread across the Pokémon's face. Mewtwo didn't usually smile at all, let alone at dinner.
"Th…th…thank…you…Bill."
Bill backed away from the table and stood up. Mewtwo liked seeing humans in this state of confusion, and this was a rare treat. Bill looked around the room trying to find the source of the voice and finally let his worried gaze settle on Mewtwo. "You said that, didn't you?"
"Y...y...yes." Mewtwo was forced to broaden his smile at Bill's display of confusion. Great, soon I'll start giggling uncontrollably like Mew.
Bill sat back down, his face alive with curiosity. "How did you learn how to talk?" He scooted a little closer to the table, once again all caution thrown to the wind in light of this new discovery.
"I…taught…my...self." Mewtwo struggled with the words. "It…is…very…hard for…Po...Po..." He rested his head in his hand. Think! "For...Po...Pok – Mew."
Bill tried to suppress his smile as Mewtwo's eyes rolled sarcastically upward. It wasn't working.
"For Po-kay-mon," he spat out every syllable, "to speak."
"I can tell." Bill's eyes seemed to grow bigger by the minute. "But you have managed to accomplish it in a few short days! How amazing!"
"Be...fore...I would...speak...with... my...mind." Mewtwo struggled with the words. Before ideas and concepts would fly from him directly to the minds of his listeners with quite literally the speed of thought. Making these guttural noises with his throat and lips was downright primitive and frustrating. "I cannot...speak that...way...now."
"Why?" Bill asked, oblivious to Mewtwo's struggles.
"This…pain...comes." He tapped his head.
"Does your head hurt now?"
"Yes."
"I'll bet you feel a bit relieved now that you have some of the skill back." Bill finally took a bite of his dinner.
"Mewtwo." He hit his head with the palm of his hand in frustration, then hissed, "Yesssss."
"How extraordinary! Even though you have managed to speak human tongue, you still revert back to Poké-speak – I don't mean it in a bad way, I'm just theorizing aloud. Each Pokémon has its own unique language, as complex as humans. Amazing that you know them all fluently, and English! Oh the thesis I could write!"
"I am…not…a…research project…" Mewtwo picked up his fork, pointing it at Bill in a threatening manner.
"I never said you were," Bill said around the lip of his coffee mug. He decided the best thing to do right now was humor the bad-tempered Pokémon who happened to have a very sharp object in his hand. "So, what happened?"
It took the better part of an hour and plenty of goof-ups before the whole story was out. When Mewtwo finished, his command of human-speak had definitely improved.
"So let me get this right," Bill finished off his third cup of coffee. "You and Sabina tried to stop Giovanni, but you got shot in the head instead, right?"
"Essentially."
Bill was suddenly silent. He sat back in his chair and folded his arms. Many emotions warred for dominance on his features, but disgust seemed to win out every time. Finally the worry lines smoothed and he said softly, "Your speech has gotten much better." Mewtwo was starting to become familiar with Bill's avoidance techniques.
"Is it hard to face that a human could be so cruel?" Mewtwo finished off his third bowl of salad. "Why does it hurt you so much? Do you feel the same?"
"I feel this way because you are special. As a scientist and researcher, it angers me that someone could be so heartless to a clearly gifted Pokémon like you." Bill put his empty mug down. His face seemed to be searching for questions, for clues into what should be done. "How do we stop him? Do you hate him for what he did to you?"
"I hate him with an intensity I cannot describe."
"But-"
"And I can do nothing at present." Mewtwo seemed suddenly even more cold than usual.
"I didn't mean to anger you." Bill found himself sitting at the table with a tightly wound ball of purple frustration. Mewtwo was capable of such intense emotions. He looked out the window as if distracted. "I'm sorry."
"You have been more than generous on your part. I just want to find Sabrina and get my life back." Mewtwo pushed his salad bowl aside.
"You really care about her, don't you?" Bill asked with a soft smile.
"She is my best friend. As psychics we have an understanding of each other that is hard to explain to non-psychics."
"She must be a remarkable person to earn your friendship." Bill looked back at Mewtwo.
"She would say the same of you."
"I am not getting inside that thing." Mewtwo folded his arms and put his weight on one leg.
"It's the only way I can ensure your safety. Now just get inside the ball," Bill insisted.
"No." Mewtwo added a growl for emphasis.
"This Master Ball cost me a lot, now come on!" Bill fought to keep the whine from his voice.
"I am not getting in the ball." Mewtwo stepped back, keeping his gaze fixed on the blue and white orb. He pondered the amount of work and research involved in making a Poké Ball capable of capturing humans so they could feel what it was like.
"You want to walk the whole way to the train station? Then I have to pay for your ticket as well!" Bill shouldered his backpack and locked his front door behind him. The wind picked up and carried a small lock of green hair with it.
"You won't have to pay for me. Pokémon ride free," Mewtwo shot back.
"If you say so." Bill put the ball away in his backpack. "Let's get going." He started walking. Mewtwo followed awkwardly behind him. "Your speech has been getting much better, I've barely heard a 'mew' out of you. Except for last night when you slammed your toes against that chair. That one sounded like a curse."
"It was." Mewtwo looked around anxiously. Already he could tell they were going to miss the train. "You don't know much about traveling, do you?"
"What do you mean?"
"The train station is a few miles away. We left the lighthouse late. We are not going to make it."
"Nothing I can do about it now."
Mewtwo stood with his arms folded for a moment. He really wanted to see Sabrina as soon as possible, but at best they would catch the next train which would set all of their plans back once they reached their destination. There was still one ace he could play, as humiliating as it was. Biting back his pride in a manner that would make Mew piss himself from laughing, Mewtwo pulled even with Bill, bent over a little and grumbled, "Get on."
"What?" Bill looked at the inviting back.
"Hurry before I change my mind."
"If you insist." Bill climbed on gingerly and swung his legs over either side of Mewtwo's hips.
Mewtwo felt his weight settle, then stood up fully. "Mention anything about this to anyone and I will slay you in your sleep."
"Your secret is safe with – whoa!" Bill held on for dear life as the Pokémon suddenly launched up the trail. Instead of alternating strides, Mewtwo hopped, his powerful thighs and feet propelling forward. It was like flying, sometimes on level with the ground, other times it seemed as if he could touch the very tree-tops. "Two...this is so fun! When did you learn this?"
"I'm a Pokemon, you don't think that I know my own skills?" He settled into a steady hopping sprint. "You didn't think I spent all day out there staring at the ocean did you? I was bored, so I ran."
"I wonder how fast we're going." Bill wrapped his arms around Two's huge shoulders. The miles seemed to melt away, and even though Bill was feeling a bit fatigued, Mewtwo was still keeping a steady pace. "This is even better than a motorcycle!"
"Just keep still, alright?" Mewtwo looked over his shoulder and saw the train coming up behind them. "We're not going to make it." He poured on the speed. Bill held tighter and laid his head down on Mewtwo's back.
"I can't believe this. He's outdistancing the train…" Bill mumbled and watched the train slowly drop off. "Even with me on his back…"
"Oww!"
"What? Pulled a muscle?"
"No, almost tripped over a pine cone." Mewtwo could feel the human's sudden fear. He supposed it would be frightening to think about falling off at this pace. Mewtwo's feet found a trail as the train rounded a bend in the tracks. "We're not going to make it, I need to…"
"Twooooooooo!" Bill screamed as the Pokemon proceeded to jump off a cliff and go sliding down a steep rocky incline. "What are you doing?"
"Getting us to the station on time!" Mewtwo answered, his breaths even and smooth.
Bill felt himself slide off the huge back. "Two! I'm slipping!"
Mewtwo hit the sandy beach and skidded to a halt, Bill slid off at the last moment and went rolling a few feet. He knelt again. "Now get back on,"
Bill very reluctantly climbed on the gray/purple back again. The train was beginning to slow for its final leg into the station. Mewtwo didn't even wait for Bill to have a grip before he launched over the sand.
They reached the train station in more or less one piece, and not a moment later the train pulled in behind them, hissing steam and blowing its whistle. Bill was frozen to Mewtwo's back and didn't get off until the Pokémon told him to. "Next time, don't hold on so tightly. Makes it hard to breathe."
"He frightens me Joy," Bill spoke into his cell phone. "This is definitely no normal Pokémon. He's extremely intelligent and powerful. Very, very powerful. And fast. Did I mention fast?"
"Calm down Bill, where is he now?" she said at the other end. Bill had called her up in a panic a few moments before on the train. He sounded really scared, yet excited at the same time. Despite having pockets full of sand, the ride had been exhilarating.
"He's sleeping beside me. That run I told you about a moment ago must have tired him out a little."
"If worst comes to worst, you can always use the Master Ball." Joy sang.
"But I don't want to lose his trust. I've worked so hard to gain it." Bill looked up at Mewtwo's sleeping face. "I wonder what kind of powers he has – or had. If he's this powerful and intelligent…Arceus, I hate to think about what would happen if he did have all his powers back. I've been trying to access any information on him, but I can't find any or I'm locked out."
"I think I can help with that. Lately I've been getting some weird injuries here, so I hired a hacker to get into Team Rocket's computer systems."
"How did you suspect Team Rocket?"
"Trainers never shut up."
"Oh." Bill smiled.
"Anyway, I found this information on Mewtwo. I hope it helps."
"Are you sending it to me, then?"
"Yes, it should be in your e-mail box…now."
"Thank you, Joy." Bill hung up then pulled out his laptop and used the line the train provided. He downloaded the files then sat back. "Oh…my..."
"Your performance wasn't up to par today." Giovanni's shape appeared on the balcony overlooking a darkened laboratory.
You said we were partners.
"And you believed me? No, Mewtwo." He looked down at the Pokémon who was tugging at the restraints as usual. "You are a toy like all the rest." Giovanni pushed a button and the balcony gently glided down to Mewtwo's level.
I am not a toy.
Giovanni walked forward, grinned slyly, then suddenly reached out and grabbed the bottom of Mewtwos restraining helmet. He yanked it closer, his breath fogging up the view window. "Look! I made you!" He shook the helmet harshly. "I can unmake you! You belong to me!"
I was never your toy. Mewtwo looked at Giovanni with cold eyes. I will not obey you any longer.
Giovanni suddenly wrapped his hand around Mewtwo's neck. The Pokémon couldn't fight back; the armor was draining any power he had left after the day's battles. "Feel this, Mewtwo? This is what it's like to be helpless. Get used to it. Because that's what you are without me. Helpless and weak."
Consciousness was slipping away. It was almost bliss, no pain, no hate. It was like…
"You are nothing, become accustomed to it," Giovanni chanted. His eyes red and his breath reeking of expensive spirits. He was in fine form tonight.
Never.
Giovanni pushed Mewtwo away. "You still defy me?" He went back to the elevator and pushed a button on the back wall. "Very well then, I still have ways to break you. You are not immune to everything."
A buzzing started in his feet and worked its way up his body. Mewtwo braced himself against the electric shock he knew was coming. That was the way these fights always ended.
"AAAHHHHHHH!" Mewtwo stood up and almost fell over the seat in front of him. Bill yanked his laptop up before it could plummet to certain doom.
"What happened? Are you alright?" Bill cradled his laptop, unsure if Mewtwo had gotten a look at the file he was reading.
Oh my head…
"What's wrong? Bad dream?" Bill closed the laptop and set it aside.
Mewtwo sat down, and took his hand away from his head. The little white Pikachu had calmed down, and his head had now settled into the familiar red/purple throb. He turned toward Bill. The human's eyes were wide with shock and fear. He fears me even though… Mewtwo saw that the back pack was open and the Master Ball peeked through. Even though I've been living with him for the past month he would think nothing of putting me inside that thing? I have done nothing to-
"I'm sorry." Bill looked away and took the Master Ball out of the backpack. "I shouldn't have even brought the thing. Here." He gave the blue and white ball to Mewtwo.
What?
"You've trusted me with your life, I can at least trust you not to take mine." Bill almost snickered at the expression of confusion on the usually stern face. The heavy eyebrows had all but disappeared leaving wide purple eyes. "I'm sorry."
Mewtwo looked down as the huge heavy ball landed in his hand. The "M" stenciled on the ball didn't seem as scary anymore. He blinked and gave the ball back to Bill. "I can trust you a little longer."
Bill put the ball away, the expression on his face matching Mewtwo's
Great, now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Mewtwo turned his head to look out of the window.
Bill searched for something to say, not wanting to ruin the moment. Finally he asked, "What was the dream about?"
"Bad memories." Mewtwo answered curtly.
"Want to share?"
"No."
Bill once again found himself at a loss for words. He wanted to learn more about Mewtwo, but also knew that the Pokémon's mind was a minefield of hidden dangers and memories. "If only I..."
"What are you babbling about now human?"
"Just wondering what I'm going to do with you."
"This won't hurt him right?" Bill leaned asked Nurse Joy.
"Oh no, these particular scans are just about painless." She escorted Bill to a tiny room. Through a huge piece of plate glass they could see Mewtwo laying awkwardly on a small white table.
"He doesn't look too comfortable."
"I'm not." Mewtwo's voice drifted over the intercom. "You try laying on your back when you have a tail as big as mine."
"Well you know what they say about tails, Mr. Two," Joy answered casually. Mewtwo half sat up and almost fell off the table. She would pick this time to get a sense of humor. That was a good one though. "This will only take a minute," Joy said over the intercom. She was smiling.
"You must be one of the oddballs in your family," Bill spoke up.
"Naw, I just like to make people laugh. It makes their experiences here much better." She smiled again until Mewtwo laid back down. She could understand how Bill would be a little frightened of him. She would never have a six-foot-seven creature living in her home that refused to get into a Poké Ball and was perfectly capable of doing harm. There had to be a lot of trust between them.
Mewtwo felt his head touch the small pillow on the table. His eyes followed a small revolving camera the seemed to map out the path it was going to take around his head.
"If you don't stay still, I can't get a good picture."
So easy for her to say. Mewtwo grabbed the sides of the table and held his breath. I'm going to slide off this thing.
"Stay still Two," Bill added on the intercom. "All we're getting is fuzzy images."
Mewtwo somehow managed to stay still for the few minutes required, then gratefully slid off the table. He looked up through the glass at the booth that Nurse Joy and Bill were inside of, to find shocked expressions on each face. Nurse Joy covered her mouth with one little hand. Is it that bad?
"What does that mean?" Bill asked softly.
"He is really incredible. Even though much is still missing his brain is actually regenerating. But very slowly. It might be years before he regains his powers, not including retraining."
Mewtwo walked into the booth and looked at the monitor. He remembered reading about this particular system and felt sure he knew how to read the data. That much of my brain is missing? That's almost a third! He suddenly felt weak. I'll never recover from that in time…
"Mewtwo." Nurse Joy turned around. "When you try to use your powers, what happens?"
"Nothing."
"I mean is there any pain." She ignored his comment.
"It feels like some one got a Pikachu to declare war on my head, and after that goes away, an intense dull throb sets in."
"Hmmmmm…" She started walking out of the room. Bill and Mewtwo followed. "It's known that Psychic Pokémon have higher brain activity than normal types. And that causes a lot of electric current inside the brain. Every time you use your powers, it might be creating energy that has nowhere to channel to, and may destroy more of what still exists or has healed." She stopped behind a counter.
"I never would have thought of that. You've been a wonderful help, Joy," Bill said, looking at the rows and rows of different bottles displayed on a shelf. Mewtwo looked around a comfortable sitting room. On a table was a mug of coffee.
"I'm going to write a prescription to help with the pain, but all I can suggest right now until I analyze the data is plenty of R &R. And no using your powers under any circumstances. No battling, nothing." She started pulling down various jars and smaller bags.
Mewtwo peeked around a corner and smirked. One of the holes he had kicked in the wall last time he was here had been crudely plastered over. He walked a little up the hall and peeked into the waiting room, then froze. Arceus!...It's that kid…oh what's his name? His question was answered for him by a red-haired girl.
"Ash! I told you not to wait so long to take your Pokémon in!" She hit him on the shoulder.
"Sorry Misty, I.." He turned and looked directly at Mewtwo.
I don't have the power right now to re-erase those memories. Mewtwo just couldn't stop staring at him. That brat had been present through some of the most trying times in Mewtwo's life. Memories of the kid getting in the crossfire of the battle between himself and Mew still haunted his dreams. So far he had wiped the kid's mind a couple of times, and hoped he would never have to try for a third.
"That Pokémon…"
"What Pokémon, Ash?" Misty followed his gaze. "What is that thing?" She stepped forward. "He seems familiar somehow."
"I…" Ash suddenly held his head.
"Ash? What's wrong?" She shook his shoulder. "Did you have an idea or something?"
"No…New Island…" He looked up his eyes alive with sudden remembrance. "Mewtwo!" Ash said, pointing an almost accusatory finger at the hall.
"Mewtwo?" Misty looked up, then brought a hand to her own head. "Mewtwo…Yes, I remember now."
"Two." It was Bill's voice. "Two, where did you go?"
"Misty, stay back, I'll protect you." Ash raised a hand. His mind was still filtering through the bad encounters he had had with Mewtwo and hadn't quite gotten to the good ones yet.
"Ash, don't be stupid!" Misty made him put his arm down. "Now put that Poké Ball away and treat our Pokémon! He wouldn't be here without a reason!"
"Probably to kidnap Nurse Joy again!" Ash dug a ball out of his pocket. "Bulbasaur! I choose you!"
Now would be a good time to run. Mewtwo ducked back from the corner. And as much as he hated to do it, he called out to the one person he knew could help him. "Bill!"
"Mewtwo, where did you go?" He turned around and saw Mewtwo bouncing up the hall toward him at a full run.
Joy peeked around the corner along with Bill. "Ah! Stop him! That's how he tore the place up last time!" Joy put down the few bags she had in her arms, and searched for a medi-ball to use.
"Bulbasaur!" The little blue Pokémon rounded the corner closely followed by Ash who was dragging Misty. Misty unleashed a stream of expletives aimed at Ash and his lack of functioning brain power.
"Bulbasaur! Vine Whip!" Ash shouted.
"Two!" Bill watched the vines wrap around Mewtwo's ankles and trip him. Mewtwo hit the floor with a heavy smack, stunned and embarrassed that he was taken down by such a juvenile attack. With his face reddening through his fur, Mewtwo pulled himself to his feet and turned to face his attacker.
"ASH KETCHUM!" Nurse Joy roared, scrambling to cover the distance.
"He's trying to kidnap you, Joy!" Ash stood ready with another Poké Ball.
Bill noted the Bulbasaur was gearing up for another attack. "Mewtwo! In this case you have every right to defend yourself!"
Mewtwo glared at the little Pokémon, his mind drawing a blank as to what he should do. In the past he could access a myriad of techniques and tactics, but all of them would be useless now. What would Sabrina have asked him to do? In a moment he had it.
"Bulba!"
"Bulba this." Mewtwo spun on the ball of his foot and landed a Tail Whip. Although with the amount of weight and force, it was more like a Tail Slam. Bulbasaur lifted off the ground and went flying down the hall, slamming into Ash and Misty and knocking them over.
"Oh, Bulbasaur." Ash gently picked Bulbasaur up. "You…you bully!" He jumped up and rushed at Mewtwo.
"BOY!" Bill reached a hand out and caught Ash before Mewtwo could. "Either you have a death wish or you are just plain stupid!" Joy quickly placed herself between the two Pokémon. Her Chansey ran to her side, and Mewtwo had to give credit where credit was due. The pink Pokémon looked like it was about to tear someone up.
"He's a little of both." Misty came forward and slapped him. "You moron! I told you that he wouldn't be here unless there was a reason!" She picked up Bulbasaur. "Now apologize to Mewtwo!"
Mewtwo glared at the young trainer.
"Mewtwo, are you alright?" Nurse Joy relaxed a little as a few more Chanseys arrived and began to calm both the fighters and the spectators of the little scuffle.
"Fine." He continued to glare.
"Two, calm down." Bill pushed Ash away. "Little bugger doesn't know what he did."
"But I do," Mewtwo hissed.
"Are you hurt?"
"No."
"Then let it go."
Ash put Bulbasaur back in the ball. "What is going on?"
"Ash, go sit down, I'll talk to you in a minute," Joy said, regaining her composure. "Bill, see if Mewtwo is really okay, he fell pretty hard." Mewtwo felt that was the biggest blow to his pride ever since this whole mess started. It was one thing to be on the losing end of a gun fight, quite another to get tripped up by an overgrown cabbage.
"I believe he's fine." Bill watched Nurse Joy escort Ash to her office by the ear. Misty was still in the hall, looking anxious and apologetic.
"Um...Mewtwo…" She slowly came forward. "I would like to apologize for Ash. I guess when he got fried by you last time it messed a few things up in his head that were bad enough as is."
"Fried? Last time?" Bill asked, this was news to him. Joy's report had said nothing about previous history between the Pokémon and trainers.
"Long story." Mewtwo folded his arms defensively. "I tried to take over the world once."
"Yeah, in a nutshell, but you had your reasons then! And you're not the same now." Misty thankfully was a lot faster on the uptake than her traveling companion. Mewtwo turned around and faced Bill, unsure of how his new friend would take this news. Misty looked up at Mewtwo again and gasped when she saw a long jagged white scar going down the back of his head. "What happened?" She reached up and touched it. Mewtwo snapped around and grabbed her wrist without thinking. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend."
"Two." Bill put a hand on Mewtwo's shoulder. "Let her go. She doesn't know."
"Know what?" Misty held her wrist after Mewtwo let go.
Mewtwo struggled with his thoughts, pondering if he should tell Misty what had happened, or to just leave her to her own conclusions. If Mew had been here, the pink brat would have been a corner with a bucket of popcorn and indulging in the schadenfreude of the whole event. "Some other time," he answered finally. He could see Misty making the connection that he was speaking with a normal voice now.
Turning away, Mewtwo watched Bill gather the things Nurse Joy had set out for them. Why did I listen to him? Why did I let go? Why did I call to him when the other brat attacked me with that Bulbasaur? Why? For a moment the constant headache he had endured since the injury faded and a moment of clarity washed over him. Because I trust him. Just as she trusted me enough to know that I wouldn't take her life just now. Is that what trust is? What are all these things? Why?
Nurse Joy came back into the room and clapped her hands together. "Misty, you go and comfort Ash, I did a good reaming on him, mainly about no battling inside Poké-Centers. I trust you'll enforce it."
"Yes ma'am." Misty saluted and took one last look up at Mewtwo, then ran up the hallway. "Ash! Ash!" She found him sitting on one of the benches in the waiting room. "Hey!"
"Man, why doesn't she know I was only trying to save her life?"
"I'd think you'd know not to battle in Poké-Centers."
"But when Team Rocket…"
"Mewtwo is not Team Rocket." Misty sat down next to him. "Besides, I don't think that was his intention. I think he's a patient."
"What makes you say that?" Ash asked, clueless as always.
"I saw this scar on his head, and when Bulbasaur attacked him, didn't you find it a little strange that he ran up the hall? Then didn't use a psychic attack?"
"Yeah it was kinda odd…" Ash said thoughtfully. Then the pieces began to fall into place. "Awww! Now I feel horrible! I attacked a sick Pokémon!"
"Took you long enough," Misty mumbled.
"I'm going back there to apologize!" Ash stood up with a determined gleam in his eye.
"No, Ash!" Misty grabbed his shirt and pulled him down. "If you go back there, it will only make things worse." She forced him to sit down. "Just wait until he's done."
"Alright."
Safely back in the examination room, Joy went over the findings of the test. "You may not realize it Mewtwo, but you are very important. I know you hate being a guinea pig but we need to study you, both to help you and other Pokémon. I have you scheduled for an appointment in a month, but as a check-up and the first in a series of tests." She took the bottles and bags from Bill.
Mewtwo lowered his head. "I understand."
"That's good, you can be cooperative," she smiled.
"I'll do my best to make sure he doesn't do any more damage." Bill watched Joy fill the bags, then reached up and gave him a jar of small brown pellets. "What's that?"
"I had Pokémon Breeder Brock from Pewter City make these specially for Mewtwo. He can continue his normal diet – easy on the coffee – but he should have some of these with every meal as well. Let me know how they work out."
"I will."
Mewtwo watched them pass jars and bags back and forth and discuss his dietary habits as if he wasn't even in the room.
"Right then, let's go!" Bill took the jar and a bag. "These are for the pain right?" He held up the baggie.
"Yep."
Mewtwo was hoping Bill would get a move on before Joy could prescribe anything else. They traveled the short hall and into the waiting room, and Mewtwo hesitated when he saw that Ash and Misty were still seated there.
"Um, Mewtwo." Ash stood up and took off his hat. "I'm sorry I attacked you. I didn't know you were hurt. I hope you'll be okay."
Mewtwo's jaw dropped. Of all the possible outcomes he had already gone through in his head, this had been the most unlikely one. Kid just hit the top of my weirdo meter. Mewtwo settled for reaching out and roughing up Ash's hair. Actually fixed it a bit in the process. "Just look before you leap."
Ash smiled and tugged his hat back on. "Hope to see you again soon!"
Bill snagged Mewtwo's arm when they were outside. "You are really a card! Didn't you say you hated that kid?"
"Still do."
"Then why didn't you just backhand him?"
Once again Mewtwo found himself struggling for an answer. "Because he is one of the few people that know where I have been, and has shared in some of those trials. I couldn't do it with a clear heart. Just the same as you could never hit me or put me in a ball without a little guilt."
"Observant, aren't you." Bill took out the jar with the pellets. "Joy said Sabrina was at Mercy Hospital, room 423. Do you want to try any of these?"
"How about you eat them?"
"I'll do it if you will. We both eat one together." Bill opened the jar and took two out. "Here." He gave one to Mewtwo. "One, two, three." They both popped them in their mouth like it was some new variety of pill, crunched once, then stopped. "Oh...my...these are terrible." They both swallowed with effort. Bill put the jar away and smiled weakly. "What do you say we get something to eat before we go and see Sabrina?"
Vindicated, Mewtwo smirked. "I'm for it."
"Thank heavens that taste is finally out of my mouth!" Bill said around a mouthful of cheeseburger. "I can't believe you ate seven garden salads."
"I'm still hungry."
"You can put away some food," Bill observed. "It's good we found a place that's Pokémon friendly." He went to take a sip of soda only to find it empty. "Do you like your slushie?"
"It has a very interesting flavor, it's funny."
"Next time we won't get blue raspberry then."
"Oh no, I like it." Mewtwo looked up at the jar of pellets that Bill had set on the table. "If they help, only if they help." He picked a few from the jar, popped them in his mouth like before, then gulped them down with his slushie. "Those things are horrible." Bill giggled when Mewtwo suddenly held his head. "Great, now the pain is right behind my eyeballs…"
"I don't think that's one of your normal aches," Bill chuckled. "Humans call that an ice cream headache. It'll subside."
"No more slushies."
"You don't have to take slushies off the menu, just drink them slower." He watched as Mewtwo managed a half smile, and took another sip. "Excited to see Sabrina?" The Pokémon grew suddenly cold and withdrawn. "I have only met her once, but I share your concern for her." Bill tried to read deeper into Mewtwo's expression. There was a horrible sadness in his eyes. It hurt to look for long.
"The sooner I can see her, the sooner I can help her," Mewtwo said after a long silence.
"Sorry sir. No Pokémon allowed."
"But-"
"The rules stand. No Pokémon," the hospital security guard restated.
"Come on Two." Bill led Mewtwo outside. "We'll find some other way in." He started examining the fire escape. Mewtwo grabbed a strap on his backpack and pulled him closer. "What?"
Mewtwo unzipped it and took out the Master Ball. "If they ask about me, give them one of the extra Poké Balls you have in there."
"They'll know if there's a Pokémon in it or not."
"A Pokémon, not which."
"But I don't have any."
"No problem." Mewtwo picked a ball out and walked over to the nearest alley. Bill watched silently as Mewtwo searched the trash cans and found a Rattata. He used his new found tail-slam attack and smacked the smaller Pokémon.
Bill winced, wondering if Two would really kill the smaller Pokémon outright. But to his credit, the Rattata was only stunned. Mewtwo threw the ball and captured the little rodent.
"Nicely done."
"Thanks." He tossed the ball to Bill.
"What's wrong, your tail is bleeding."
"Little brat bit me when I hit him." He took the Master Ball back from Bill, then closed his eyes and breathed deeply before pushing the button. Bill watched as Mewtwo was drawn inside then caught the ball before it hit the ground. He held both balls in his hand and shrugged. "Well, that's one way to do it."
"Where's your Pokémon?" the security guard asked when Bill entered the hospital again.
"I put him away." Bill took out the red and white ball.
"I need to hold onto it. You may pick him up when you leave."
Bill gave the man the Poké Ball, signed a drop-off form and headed for an elevator. "Room 423…We're almost there, Two." The elevator stopped on the forth floor and Bill stepped out. He searched the long white halls for her room and finally came to a closed door. "Here we are." He slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside, the room was dark, a vague shape could be made out on the bed. Bill fumbled around on the wall for a light switch and then gasped.
A woman with beautiful soft features lay on the bed. Her green hair was spread around her in a fan and her face wore the soft expression of sleep. Bill almost forgot why he had come. This gorgeous woman had been kept in this kind of suspended animation for a month? He gently and slowly closed the door behind him and approached her bedside. He wanted to reach out and touch her, assure himself that she was real. Bill finally shook off the spell and took out the Master Ball. He freed Mewtwo as quietly as he could. "Two, she's gorgeous,"
"I hope I'm not too late." Mewtwo leaned over the bed. "Sabrina?" He laid a hand on her forehead.
"What are you doing?" Bill asked as Mewtwo's eyes began to take on an inner luminescence.
"Helping." Mewtwo placed a finger over her temples, and the other in the middle of her head. "We promised."
"What are you doing?" Bill tried to pull Mewtwo's hand away. "Don't you remember what Nurse Joy said?"
"Yes, but I made this promise to Sabrina first."
"I won't let you injure yourself any more!" Bill picked up the Master Ball, even though he was unsure if he would really use it.
"NO!" Mewtwo kicked out and landed the hit on Bill's chest. Bill stumbled backward and hit the wall, sliding down to the floor. The Master Ball rolled under the bed. "You dare to threaten me?"
"I'm only trying to..."
"And so am I." Mewtwo looked back at Sabrina. My best friend. We promised that we would help each other any way we could. You almost gave your life for me, now I do the same for you. He breathed a single heartfelt word. "Recover."
Bill watched Mewtwo's face twist in concentration. The kick had knocked all the air out of him, and took away his will to fight. Mewtwo's Pikachu headache had now graduated to a Gyarados Hyper Beaming every available part of his brain. Bill could see blue sparks of electricity jumping between Mewtwo's ears and crackling between his gritted teeth.
"Mewtwo, stop!" Bill forced himself to stand when Sabrina's body jumped, then started glowing the calm blue aura all Psychic Pokémon gave off. The light was traveling from her body and engulfing the room. "Two?" He saw a small trickle of blood start from the Pokemon's nose and drip onto the white sheets.
Sabrina's eyes opened as the light faded. For a moment she lay still, breathing deeply, getting to know her body again and remembering how she ended up there. Dreamlike, she turned her head to the side and saw Mewtwo, leaning on the side of the bed. "Two, you...where?" Her voice was weak from disuse.
"Sabrina," he gasped, then lost his grip and fell to the floor.
"Two!" She sat up suddenly and leaned over the side of the bed. "Mewtwo?"
"Two." Bill rubbed his still-aching chest. "You idiot. I tried to.."
"Watch who you call an idiot," Sabrina snarled as she sat up and swung her legs off the bed.
"Well, for a person who just came out of a coma, you seem to be doing fine." Bill stumbled over to Mewtwo, but not missing the chance to eye up what the hospital gown failed to cover before offering his jacket to warm her.
"For someone who just took a kick in the chest equivalent to getting hit by a car, I say you're doing fine as well." Sabrina knelt next to Mewtwo, pulling the coat around her shoulders. "Come on, wake up, don't leave me now after all we've come through."
"I'm not going to die." Mewtwo moaned. "If you two could get me to a Center, it'd be very much appreciated."
"Here you go Ash." Nurse Joy handed over Ash's Pokémon. "I hope you learned your lesson."
"I'm really sorry about earlier." Ash accepted his Poké Balls. "And any trouble I've caused."
"Sixteen years old, and you still act like you're ten, Ash."
Ash blushed sheepishly. "Let's go, Misty."
Misty picked up her backpack. "Alright, but I get to chose the restaurant this time."
"Alright!" Ash helped Pikachu up onto his shoulder.
Their good spirits faltered as a huge ambulance pulled up outside. "What's that?"
Joy peeked over the counter, then growled as Bill hopped out of the back of the truck. "Don't tell me…" She sounded more angry than concerned.
"What? What's going on?" Misty peeked out the door and saw Sabrina jump out of the back of the truck followed by a long stretcher. "Huh?"
"Is that…" Ash stood next to her.
The Center was suddenly alive as various emergency personnel and Pokemon rushed to handle this new development. Mewtwo was wheeled in on the stretcher and taken to the back room. Ash and Misty stood silent while watching all the comings and goings. Sabrina was still dressed in her hospital gown and Bill's coat when she ran into the back room, while Officer Jenny talked to Bill who had been put in handcuffs.
"Ash, I think we should stay," Misty said, slipping her backpack off again.
"Yeah, Joy might need some help."
Misty carefully walked into the room Mewtwo was being kept in. Nurse Joy had gratefully accepted their help with the other Pokemon while she handled Mewtwo. That had been mid-afternoon, it was now late in the night. Mewtwo was back in the tank, his vital signs constantly monitored. "Wow.."
"Astounding isn't he?"
Misty spun at the voice to find Sabrina sitting in a corner or the room. "I'm sorry, I didn't notice you."
"You weren't supposed to." Sabrina stood up. She was wearing a dress Joy had let her borrow. "They arrested Bill. Despite his injuries. It's a national crime to bring Pokémon into a hospital. I'm going there tomorrow to see if I can spring him. It's the least I can do after he's taken care of Two all these months." She walked over to the tank, and regarded its contents with a worried expression. "He's in so much pain."
"I've never really seen such a Pokémon before. I don't understand him like you do, but he-"
"He kinda tugs at your heart?"
"Yeah…" Misty laid a hand on the tank. "It's hard to describe, but..."
"When I first saw him, I was amazed that such a source of power could be contained in such a frail body. He was made by humans, and that in itself is frightening. This kind of science will either lead to a more prosperous era for humanity, or mark its decline." She rested her hand on the glass and frowned, concern causing her brow to furrow. "Two has a long road ahead of him."
"You must really care about him."
"Yes, for now and forever." Sabrina half-smiled. "We promised."
Authors note: A very big THANK YOU to StarWriterWG, who bravely beta read and edited this chapter. Words cannot express how grateful I am!
