Chapter 6: Found

Sounds. Each a cutting shard of glass, some containing meaning, some not. Mewtwo now knew the basics. Yes and no, thank you and please. These sounds he understood, he tried to mimic them, but nothing came. Frustration, like sparks coming from a cut power cable, every emotion came with a new mental visual. Sounds, symbols and time.

Winter had come and soon after, spring. The slow progression of days spent in frustration paid off little by little. Bill and Sabrina had made a promise to each other. They would not be married until Mewtwo had fully recovered. They took turns looking after him or attempting to jog his memories. Mewtwo did his best to respond and interact. It hurt to think, but he was aware. Every moment etched into his mind. His body was slow to react, but his mind and attention span held true.

One activity that Bill and Sabrina kept to faithfully, was training. Physical activity seemed to help his recovery, and Mewtwos eyes became just a little brighter when he was at the end of a successful day. They moved into Bills lighthouse to take advantage of the more open spaces, and mornings were reserved for group runs along the cliffs. Bill had hung up a hammock for Mewtwo in the nearby apple orchard, and it quickly became one of the Pokemons favorite places.

After a morning run in late spring, they received a letter by carrier Pidgey from Professor Oak stating that he had been working with a lab nearby on the effects of traumatic injuries in psychic Pokemon. They had a breakthrough in both Pokemon and human trials, and would like the chance to test out the new technology on Mewtwo. Sabrina wrote a response that they would meet him later that week.

As Mewtwo watched the Pidgey take to the air, he felt hope, and also a little guilt. I remember almost everything now. My powers still aren't working, I can expect that. All I can say is Mewtwo. That will change. I will write again, I will speak again, I will read again. Sabrina and Bill have been so patient with me, how can I ever repay them?

He retreated to the orchard and settled in his hammock. It feels good to be somewhat normal again.


"His recovery has been remarkable. Even though all of his brain still hasn't regenerated, he is showing his normal intelligence." Professor Oak looked over a few scans using the equipment in his personal lab. "Has he been talking?"

"No, but his training has been coming along great!" Sabrina said proudly.

"Almost back to normal." Bill piped in.

Mewtwo walked around the lab, impressed by the array of equipment, and delighted that he could remember what each piece of machinery was for and how it worked.

"He certainly is a far cry from when I saw him in the tank." Professor Oak dropped the scans back into a file. "Put on a little weight has he?"

"Its all muscle." Sabrina patted Mewtwo's shoulder confidently. "Two's going to the League finals."

"The finals? Setting the bar a little high aren't we?" Oak asked. "He's only just started to recover his abilities."

"In that case, we have something to show you." Bill smiled.


"Come on! Faster!"

"Two! Rocket punch!" Sabrina shouted.

Mewtwo increased his stride, the Gym floor slipped underneath him, almost giving the illusion that he was floating. He balled up a fist, making mass of nearly solid bone. Using the inertia from his run he delivered a powerful punch to his opponent.

"Blas!" the Pokemon stumbled backward.

"Blastoise! Water Cannon!" Professor Oak commanded.

"Agilty!" Sabrina countered.

I won't mess up this time! Mewtwo jumped and came down, dodging the water blast that would have sent him into the bushes.

"Mewtwo! Double time!" Bill shouted beside Sabrina.

I swear they are making some of these up. The cannons fired, and Mewtwo jumped before the blast could hit him. He came down between the two jets of water on the Pokemon's shoulders. He then brought his balled up fist down on the blue nose. He jumped again, putting full force into his legs knocking the Blastoise backward.

"Mewtwo! Return!"

Mewtwo flipped once in the air, and landed in front of Sabrina and Bill.

"And I declare Mewtwo the winner!" Professor Oak shouted from the sidelines of his outdoor Gym. He was sitting at a table with a cup of hot tea. "I have to say that I am impressed. Is he up for another match?"

"How do you feel Two?" Sabrina asked.

Mewtwo turned and gave a thumbs up.

Sabrina smiled. "He's good to go."

"Well then," Professor Oak set down his cup. "Gary can take my place. If my Pokemon weren't enough of a challenge, maybe Gary will have a better chance." He held out a towel to his Blastoise as it returned.

"Thanks Grandpa. I've been waiting for a rematch with you Mewtwo," Gary stepped up to the opposing trainers box marked on the gym floor.

Mewtwo stood ready, resting lightly on the balls of his feet.

"I'm glad you're ready," he chose a Pokeball. "Arcanine! Go!"

"Get him Two!" Sabrina winked.

"Arcanine! Fire blast!"

"Two! Agility!"

She has no idea how hard this move is... Mewtwo jumped and landed on all fours. He could feel the intense heat of the blast graze his back.

"Two! Take down!" Bill shouted.

Mewtwo started hopping, using each thrust of his legs to build more power into his strike. His hand, elbow and shoulder connected with Arcanine's side in successive order. One more push with his legs sent Arcanine tumbling off the Gym floor.

"Arcanine, great job, better luck next time," Gary called his Pokemon back. "Wow, did Mewtwo get stronger?"

"In this case, I believe it's the trainers." Professor Oak finished his tea."Good Job Mewtwo!"

"Two?" Bill looked to the sidelines, then smiled. "Are you alright?"
Mewtwo was bent over with his hands resting on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

"I want to give it another try Grandpa." Gary said pulling a ball out and putting Arcanine back inside.

"If Two is up to it." Sabrina turned. "Two?"

Mewtwo held up a finger in the iconic "one-minute" gesture. He couldn't speak yet, but at least Sabrina got the gist of what he was trying to say.

Sabrina waited until he caught his breath. This would be the last battle of the day, she knew he was having fun, but could recognise the signs from years of working with Pokemon. "Ready?" she asked finally.

Mewtwo took a place by the center circle.

"Lets go then!"

"You won't defeat this one!" Gary held up a ball. "Charizard! Go!"

"The bigger they are the harder they fall!" Bill yelled.

"Charizard! Tackle!"

Wait, I know this Charizard ... Mewtwo suddenly remembered back to New Island. That kid, Ash, and a rather powerful Charizard, this Charizard.

"Grrrrr..." The beast was smiling. It remembered too.

Oh crap.

"Charizard! I said tackle!" Gary shouted.

Sabrina could see Mewtwo tense up. Something wasn't right.

Charizard let loose with a flame thrower attack instead. Mewtwo jumped out of the way, but not in time enough. The flame rushed over his leg, blackening his fur and creating a light burn.

"Ouch," Sabrina watched as Mewtwo try to recover his footing.

Then the Charizard tackled. Mewtwo was knocked the hard dirt floor and went rolling from the impact.

"Are you alright Two?" Bill called.

I am getting my ass kicked... Mewtwo stood up.

"Let the match go on! Unless you think you can't handle it...Two." Gary smirked. "You can't win all the time."

Mewtwo pulled himself to his feet. Yes I can. He studied the Charizard, determined to at least go down fighting.

"grrrrrrr..."

Mewtwo took a stance. Come on ill-bred brat...

Charizard bugled a challenge. Mewtwo charged, then quickly dove to the side to dodge a fire ball.

Bill joined Sabrina. "Get him Two! You can do it!"

Mewtwo rushed at the Charizard again, they locked hands. Mewtwo felt his hands become swallowed in Charizards like a tiny bunch of grapes. Charizard smiled fiendishly. He's strong, but I won't be defeated, I can't afford defeat!

"Grrrrr..." Charizard started pushing, suddenly turning the match from one of skill into one of brute strength. Mewtwo pushed back. The Charizard was strong in his arms, but not so much in his legs. Mewtwo braced his shoulder against Charizard's chest, then started pushing with his legs. Charizard tried to push back, but was thrown off-balance and over powered.

"Rrroooaaarrrr!" He shouted and snorted in frustration.

Not this time. Mewtwo stopped pushing and jumped, reversing his grip with the intention of kicking the Charizard in the chest.

"Charizard! Flame Thrower!" Gary shouted.

Oh crap... Mewtwo kicked weakly, leaving his body wide open. Sudden hot searing pain ran up his torso. He turned his head at the last moment, avoiding a point-blank blast to his face.

"Two?" Sabrina was about to run on the field. Bill stopped her. Mewtwo let go and was repelled backward by the fiery blast. He skidded across the floor, stopping himself just shy of the foul-line. "Are you alright?" She ran over to him after shaking Bills hands from her.

That's it. Mewtwo struggled to his feet. I am getting very tired of this. It's not that the thing isn't powerful, he just hasn't had any decent training. Gary was at least being mature in trying to chose attacks that took his injuries into consideration. The Charizard had no such concerns.

"And thats a match." Professor Oak said as he stepped up beside Gary.

"I agree." Sabrina nodded. "Come on Two."

Indeed. Mewtwo felt his adrenaline rush fade away to be replaced by the burning sensation all over his body.

"Sorry Gramps." Gary crossed the field to shake Sabrina's hand. "Its been a while since Charizard had a worthy opponent."

"I'll agree that he's strong." Sabrina pulled a few jars of Burn Heal from her purse. "Come on Two."

Professor Oak nodded in agreement. "Both of these knuckleheads would gladly fight each other to the death. That's not very sportsmanlike. Battles are as much about the welfare of the Pokemon as their strength," he directed this last comment to Charizard. "Discipline and restraint are not weaknesses. You would do well to meditate on that."

The Charizard puffed out a blast of smoke, then sheepishly returned to the sidelines.

"Are you okay Two?" Bill asked.

"He seems all right." Sabrina looked him over. "A few burns. Nothing too bad. He'll be fine."

Mewtwo sat down on a bench letting Sabrina rub the creme all over his shoulders. That feels good. Professor Oak made a good point. Sometimes its not about strength. Even so, I have a long way to go before I'm ready for the finals.

"If Mewtwo is up to it, I just received a call from my associate at his lab. We can leave in the hour." Professor Oak said.

Mewtwo glanced between the three of them, then nodded. He had to admit that he was curious to see what this mysterious lab had come up with.


And Mewtwo didn't like it. Sabrina tried to calm him, but there were too many humans in too many white coats with too little light, much too far away from civilization to comfort him. Too many scans taken, too many neutral faces and instruments sizing up his body and proportions.

Gary had driven them here; a lab deep in the woods outside Viridian City. There were many humans and Pokemon of all types. As soon as Mewtwo stepped in the door, the entire facility came alive with activity. It seemed that everyone here had a theory and wanted to take this opportunity to gather as much data as possible. Mewtwo tried to relax, tried to calm himself by flipping through magazines or chatting with the other Pokemon present. It wasn't working.

"It'll be over soon." Sabrina tried to comfort him. Mewtwo felt it wouldn't be soon enough. He turned in his chair as a door to the small examination room opened. Professor Oak entered, followed by whom he took to be Oaks contact.

"Hello Mewtwo," Oak smiled. Despite everything, Oak had a warm smile. "This is my associate, Professor Sumac. He will be the one leading the observation today."

Professor Sumac extended his hand in greeting. Of any of the staff here, he seemed the most excited. "Its a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Oak has told me many things about you and I've read all the files. I hope today will produce results that everyone can benefit from."

"Professor Sumac is a leader in the neural sciences. You are in good hands Mewtwo." Oak lead Mewtwo, Sabrina and Bill in to the main observation lab, a large round room with computer terminals and all manner of scanning equipment pushed to the walls. Many scientists sat at various stations, either going over data or preparing the equipment for the experiments to come. In the center of the room was a slightly raised dais. Resting on the dais was a stand with a helmet. The helmet had numerous cables plugged into sockets all over its surface with no easily discernible patten or purpose. The cables extended toward the many stations and terminals, like tree roots in search of water.

Professor Sumac led Mewtwo to the dais, then lifted the helmet. They had even cut out two holes for his ears. With one last glance back at Sabrina, Mewtwo accepted the helmet and slipped it on. Sumac then circled him, checking the smaller nodes and cables to ensure everything was in place. He then picked up a small sock-like cuff, and slipped it over Mewtwos second neck, and began affixing smaller cables and plugs to it. Mewtwo felt a shiver go down his spine and Sabrina suppressed a giggle.

"And we are ready to begin," Professor Sumac stepped back. " If you would please remain on the platform Mewtwo. I will give you instructions as needed."

Mewtwo stood passively in the center of the room. The cables that hung off his head scraped and hit the floor with small metallic clicks. They vaguely reminded him of the power cables on the restraining armor he had been imprisoned in so long ago. A few scientists picked up the few cables that remained unplugged until now. A few assistants brought in bales of cinder blocks wrapped in steel bands. Others set a boxes of wood in a corner. Props for the testing to come.

Sabrina sat down next to Bill in a small viewing booth. She kept a watchful eye on Mewtwo, knowing how tense he became around strangers, especially in an environment like this one.

Mewtwo side-glanced Sabrina and Bill in the booth. Professor Oak stood next to Professor Sumac. Almost imperceptibly, a low pitched hum started in the Pokemon's ears. I hate this...

Sabrina gasped and held her head. Two?...I heard you! She smiled, then grabbed Bills arm excitedly.

Its on already? I need to be careful.

Why? It's so good to talk to you again!

"We can all hear you Mewtwo. The helmet is designed to channel your psychic energy past the damaged and still healing areas of your brain," Professor Sumac explained. "Our readings are showing that your vitals are stable. Are you in any pain?"

None. Mewtwo stated. He looked around the room to see if anyone reacted to his mental voice, but they were occupied with their data gathering.

"If you would like to try something else, please go on. Can you levitate?"

It's been a while. He looked around.

You can do it Two. Sabrina smiled.

He looked at the ground. Levitate. He could remember what that was like. His whole body became light, and he would be free. Even gravity had no control over him then. Nothing was happening. I can't Sabrina.

Like you said, its been a while. Just try.

Mewtwo looked around at the huge room, then down at his hands. His heart was hammering. I don't like this, I want out, I want... I want... He closed his eyes, picturing a brilliant blue sky dotted with white clouds. I want to fly.

Whatever you're doing, keep it up. Sabrina commented.

Mewtwo opened his eyes. He was levitating, even though the cables kept him from going very far. Something hit his hand. What... He examined the back of his hand. Something rolled down his cheek. I'm crying? I haven't cried since...

"Professors, look at these readings."

Sumac and Oak walked over to the terminal. "These numbers are off the scale!" Sumac exclaimed.

"Any area in particular?" Oak asked.

"This is amazing, it seems his psychic abilities are directly tied to his emotional state. Makes sense in a way."

"Interesting. The stronger the emotion, the greater his power."

Sabrina studied the scientists at their terminals. Down the line was a man in glasses furiously typing. "Who is he?"

Mewtwo was silent.

"Mewtwo," Professor Sumac called. "Do you wish to continue?"

Again silence. He hung in the air like a puppet.

"Mewtwo?" Sumac asked again.

AAARRRGGGHHHHH! Mewtwo suddenly let go. Black hollow energy balls shot from his palms and into the stands of cinder block and brick. The blocks exploded sending pieces of brick and steel shrapnel flying.

"Two?" Sabrina dodged a piece of rock. "What are you doing? Stop it!" She glared at Sumac. "Are you causing this?"

"No, the system wasn't designed to aggravate the user," Professor Sumac ducked behind a bank of computers as the wooden crate exploded into shrapnel.

"And shoot another!" shouted a new voice.

Sabrina looked up at the assistant who had been typing. He was standing now, the keyboard at rest and some kind of device in his palm. Mewtwo lifted his arm mechanically, another black energy ball formed in his palm.

"Don't come any closer or he will shoot," the assistant stood up and put the device in his pocket.

"Who are you?" Bill shouted.

SABRINA! Mewtwo called.

Two! Stop this!

I can't! I'm not controlling me!

What?

It's like...it feels like...it feels like my brain was hacked!

Bill looked at Sabrina. "Did I hear that right?"

"I don't know..." She fixed her cold gaze on the assistant. Her eyes began to flicker with her own psychic power as she left the viewing booth "You better put that device down kid, you're messing with forces that you can't begin to comprehend."

"Oh this is going to be fun! Mewtwo fighting his trainer, I do wonder who will win?" the assistant cackled. "This Pokemon is under my complete control. I've been waiting a long time for this!"

Sabrina took one step forward and the debris around her began to lift from the ground. She knew more about Mewtwos abilities than anyone and didn't relish the idea of fighting him. Bill, she said calmly.

"Love?" he held his head, looking in her direction.

Get the ball.

Bill reluctantly pulled the master ball out of his pack. "I'm sorry Two.."

It's all right. Mewtwo responded weakly.

I'm going to immobilize that guy, and when I do, throw the ball. Sabrina instructed.

"Throw anything at me, and I'll make Mewtwo use psychic."

"It's too soon for that!" Professor Oak shouted. "You'll kill him!"

"Cool it gramps," he pulled a gun out of his lab coat. "You missy. Put the rocks down, you," he pointed the gun at Bill. "Get back. The Boss gave me orders to get him back, and that's what I'm doing."

Professor Oak sighed heavily, seemingly more annoyed than afraid. "So this is what its all about? Greed?"

"I get paid to do what I love gramps. Better than you do."

Professor Oak pulled a pokeball from his pocket.

"What did I tell you? Use anything on me and everyone dies. Mewtwo is at my complete disposal."

Oak dropped the pokeball on the computer. "Porygon! Disable that system." The ball landed, then opened to reveal nothing.

Mewtwo felt the helmet buzz as the Pokemon entered the computer system. Are you here to help me?

Yeah, a little Mew told me to keep an eye on you.

Sabrina stood firm. Not putting the debris down, and not attacking. Bill felt his heart hammer in his chest. It was a standoff, everyone waited for someone else to make the first move.

Mewtwo felt the system fail, and he began to fall to the ground. Both Sabrina and the undercover agent reacted at the same time. The gun fired, Sabrina threw the debris at the agent, and Bill hurled the Masterball. Professor Oak was already moving to cover Sabrina before she could react. She hesitated for a moment as the Professors arm jerked suddenly, sending a light spray of blood into the air. Bill was able to capture Mewtwo and ran to catch the ball before it could hit the floor. At that time a chunk of cinder block that Sabrina had thrown reached the undercover Team Rocket agent, striking him soundly against the side of his head.

Bill dove for the Master Ball as it fell, his outstretched fingers only succeeded in knocking the ball away and toward the agent. The Master Ball bounced once, twice, and on the third impact, opened, spilling Mewtwo on the floor. The agent dropped to his knees, holding his head where the cinder block had hit. Mewtwo reacted quickly, knocking the gun from the agents hand and closing the other around the mans throat. He drew his opposite arm back, readying for a punch, but hesitated.

It would be satisfying to beat this man into a pulp. It would make some small part of him feel justified, vindicated. Yet the weight of those actions stayed his hand. It was just a game to Giovanni. Just a game. He was willing to not only sacrifice Pokemon lives, but now human as well. All to satisfy his desire for a game. The thought sickened Mewtwo. He was trying to piece his life back together from a horrible injury for the sake of a damn game.

Without that game, he never would have been created.

Mewtwo instead grabbed the agent by his collar, restraining him until the other humans in the room could collect themselves. He backed away and let them handle it. Professor Oak was bleeding from a bullet wound and they were far away from any hospital.

"Do you have a first aid kit?" Bill called out to Professor Sumac.

"In the back office, I'll go get it," Sumac paused when he turned to find Mewtwo blocking his path. "Mewtwo, are you injured?"

Mewtwo shook his head, then pointed to the helmet laying on the floor. Sabrina understood what he meant. "Thats right! Professor Sumac, start up the machine again! Mewtwo has a recover ability. It accelerates the healing process, he might be able to use it for Professor Oak."

Mewtwo put the helmet back on. This time not feeling as anxious knowing that Porygon was still in the system watching for any more malicious attacks. Sumac started the system again and true to his profession, also kept the data scanners going. Mewtwo reached for Professor Oak, his hand held steady an inch over the wound.

Blue light enveloped Mewtwo's hand and leapt to Oaks arm like ethereal flame. Oak watched in stunned silence as the wound closed, leaving only a small scar and bloodstains on his shirt and lab coat. Mewtwo lowered his hand and pulled the helmet off.

Despite the unforeseen delay, the testing was a success.


"Are you okay Professor Oak?" Sabrina asked softly.

"Just fine and dandy." Porfessor Oak fixed the sling on his arm. They had arrived at Oaks home in Pallet several hours ago. Oak visited a hospital for a check-up, only to discover that aside from some soreness, he was completely healed.

"You really shouldn't have taken that bullet for me."

"You're the one that knocked that crazy nut out. How's Mewtwo?"

"Doing well, sleeping like a rock." Sabrina sighed.

"The three of you are welcome to stay in the guest house until you must leave for home." Oak said with a smile.

"Oh we couldn't,"

"I insist. We made great progress today, and while Professor Sumac is deeply ashamed about what happened, he has informed our colleagues that Team Rocket is sending out undercover agents. This will hopefully help prevent anything like this from happening again to someone less prepared," he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You and Bill have done a remarkable job in caring for Mewtwo. With just a little information, and a lot of determination, we have managed to redefine the psychic abilities of Pokemon. And we, the Pokemon community, have you and Bill to thank."

Sabrina hadn't been expecting such glowing praise from Professor Oak. "Thank you."

"Now go rest. Your family has a long trip tomorrow." Oak bid her goodnight and headed for his own home.

Sabrina told Bill about the guest house, and he went ahead of them to drop off their luggage and prepare the rooms. Sabrina then gently woke Mewtwo and walked with him through the different pastures and paddocks that contained Oaks Pokemon. She missed the quiet moments like this. When she wasn't pulling her hair out from worry or so stressed she couldn't sleep. The days events had been scary to deal with, but they had survived and alerted the other Pokemon researchers in the process.

Mewtwo walked alongside her, his tail swaying gently, acting as a counter-balance to his stride. He could sense that Sabrina had something on her mind, but just couldn't figure out how to say it. He didn't want to make her feel any more upset, so for the moment he kept quiet and just enjoyed the fresh air.

"Two?" Sabrina finally whispered, almost as if afraid the nearby trees would hear. "I need your help."

Mewtwo glanced at her, his ears tilting her way to give her a sign that he was listening.

"I don't know how to say it, and I really don't know how to tell Bill. Lately my powers have been getting weaker and I haven't been able to keep anything down," She sighed again. "I think...I'm pretty sure I'm pregnant."

Mewtwo was hit with two conflicting emotions at once. He was happy, delighted, but also now worried. Their little family was about to get bigger. It would no longer be just the three of them, it would now be the three of them plus one human-in-training. That also meant that it would be best if Sabrina took it easy, at least until he and Bill had a chance to figure out what all of this would mean in the long run. Instead of letting these concerns show, he reached out and hugged Sabrina tightly, letting her know in his own way that he was there to support her.

Sabrina hugged him back, then felt him take her hand in his paw. He gestured to the engagement ring that Bill had given her. "Now." He whispered. It took all the concentration he had to form words, but the machine earlier had helped to jog his muscle memory.

"Now? You mean get married now? But we promised not until you went to the finals."

Mewtwo shook his head. "No. More...important." he squeezed her hand, then let go. He smiled and said slowly. "Bill asked me...to be...Best Man."