Chapter 17: Ebb Tide
Help me!
"Professor, Delta and Theta waves are decreasing."
Fight it!
"Oh?" Professor Ivy leaned over the computer terminal and checked the readings. "Alpha is weakening, Beta and Gamma are increasing rapidly. This girl wants to wake up."
We all thank you.
"Should we administer sedatives?" her assistant asked.
Ivy looked up at the glass tank dominating most of her lab space. "No. She's been kept under for long enough. Her wounds have healed."
Professor Ivy's assistant began to process of draining the tank, always keeping an eye on the vitals of the nearly white mewtwo contained within. The pale body settled to the bottom of the tank and the glass slid upward, allowing Ivy access to the interior. She knelt and began removing the various sensors they had placed along the occupants head and torso, along with the few IVs that had been used to administer medication or draw samples. The Pokémon began to stir, curling her tail in almost protectively at first before flexing her fingers and toes. Large magenta colored eyes opened and she lifted her head from the base of the tank. Ivy reached out and gently smoothed her short wet fur. "Its okay, you're safe now, and among friends." Ivy wasn't sure if the mewtwo fem could understand what she was saying, but hoped that by using gentle tones she could get her point across. "How are her vitals Brock?"
"Lookin' good," her assistant fired back. "Should I tell Bill and Sabrina the good news?
"No, she's not out of the woods yet, and I don't want to get them or Mewtwo himself excited," at the mention of that name, the mewtwo laying at the base of the tank rose up even more, using her arms to push herself almost to a sitting position. Ivy grinned and placed her hand upon the nearly white cheek. "You will get a chance to meet them soon enough...if you wish to. For now, rest up and heal. You've been through a lot." Ivy stood up as the mewtwo yawned, taking her first real deep breaths in years. She cast a glance at the computer terminal next to her, and read the file name that had been opened. Project Esper.
It had been seven years since Professor Oak had given Professor Ivy this mewtwo. She had been severely injured at the League Games in Indigo, and needed extensive medical care. Now that the knowledge of mewtwos had been let loose, it was only a matter of time before someone broke into Oaks labs to steal information or attempt to steal her. So he had given the fem to Professor Ivy to hide her and ensure that she as cared for. Over the years they had lost contact with Mewtwo, and didn't tell Bill or Sabrina about the fems location lest that make them targets as well. But now the mewtwo was awake, and soon others would need to know. The file that Oak had given them was called "Project Esper" so she and Brock had taken to calling her Esper. It suited her.
"Well Brock, help me pick her up…let's get Esper into a real bed."
Copycat leaned on the railing of the ferry bound for New Island. The ocean waves lapped gently against the sides of the boat while Wingull flew alongside, calling their namesake or searching for bits of food left behind by previous passengers. He stood in his human form, blending in and trying not to draw too much attention. He wondered if one day he would be able to make this trip in his true form, and enjoy the sun on his fur. This route was new, and the ferry itself only traveled to the island twice a day; Once in the morning, and once in the evening, before it continued to the other islands and stops on its route. With the sun high and fresh breeze over the water, the trip itself was quite pleasant. In the distance he could see the dark shape of the Palace rising high above the water. It was an intimidating structure, that much was certain, and it would certainly raise the fighting spirit of any trainer that made the journey there. The ferry made its approach to the island, and pulled up alongside a waiting dock at its craggy base. Copycat gathered his belongings, his usual travel backpack, and a sealed cooler marked with a not-so discrete bio-hazard symbol. He stepped off the ferry and onto the warped boards of the dock. This area needed repair as well, but it had potential.
After a few moments the ferry then shoved off and puttered away, churning up the water as it went. Copycat walked along the dock and then to the stairs that would take him up to the palace itself. It was so quiet here, with nothing but the waves lapping at the boulders and almost mournful sound of the wind blowing along the exposed edges of rock. The stairs ended at a large balcony and a pair of massive double doors stood open. Copycat stepped inside and gasped in wonder. The main hall was an atrium, topped with a curved almost Gothic ceiling. Three tiers of balconies were stacked on either side, and adorned with marble statues of Pokémon. The polished marble floors under his feet was a jigsaw of various colors and textures, with deep channels cut into the floor that carried water to various features in the hall. A fountain here, a deep pool over there, so that trainers could let their Water-types out of their Pokéballs in safety and comfort. At the opposite end of the hall was another set of double doors that were wide open. The doors themselves were impractically large, spanning the entire height and width of the main hall itself. It would take a feat of strength to open those doors...or immense psychic power.
Beyond the doors was a small stadium, with several rows of seats, light fixtures, and a League-grade clay gym floor. Copycat crossed the main hall and stood on the gym floor. Most gyms preferred grass or some other material for their floors. There was only one place he knew of that insisted on a clay floor, and that was Viridian Gym. All of Team Rockets gym floors were clay. The term "clay" was even a bit inaccurate, as the floor was made of very finely crushed and packed brick or stone, which over time and frequent use would cause it to crumble and powder, enabling many interesting ground attacks. Clay was also easier to repair after intense battles. It soaked up water and blood equally well, and Copycat remembered times that powdered glass has been added to the mix to make training just that much more interesting. The floor itself brought up dark memories, and he stepped away from it.
Waiting just behind him was Mewtwo, Copycat hadn't heard him approach, or sensed him in any way, then again, he was getting used to that.
"I'm glad you could make it." Mewtwo extended his hand in greeting.
"Yeah, this place...wow." Copycat accepted his hand and shook it gently.
Mewtwo gestured to Copycats attire. "You can relax here. There is no need to hide."
Copycat hadn't realized that he had been subconsciously waiting for permission to lose his human disguise, and he gratefully shifted back to his mewtwo form, then stepped out of the human clothes, folded them and put them away in his travel bag. "Oh, here. As promised," he gave the cooler to Mewtwo. "Blood samples, from the ones that agreed to donate. They don't want any more Mewtants either."
Mewtwo nodded, taking the cooler. He noted that Copycat had turned his attention back to the gym floor. The mewtwo's tail hung low and his ears were set back in an almost submissive gesture. I don't need to read your mind to know that you are wondering why I chose this material out of everything else.
"I...and others, don't have happy memories of this kind of floor."
Neither do I. But, I won't let myself become intimidated by it either. When you step out onto the floor, you face not only your opponent, but yourself. You can't fight your opponent and yourself at the same time. More than anything, I use it as a reminder that while my past has affected me, it does not control me. This is my floor now, just as it is your floor. Own it, let it empower you, don't let all those years of torment and suffering be for nothing.
Copycats tail lifted a little, his ears not set back as far. Mewtwo lifted from the floor and floated into the main hall. Copycat followed, walking and stretching. "I also brought the list, and you said that you had something else to show me?"
Mewtwo nodded and led him into the lower halls and into either a workshop or laboratory, it was hard to tell which. I'm currently in the process of trying to recover the data from this drive. It was retrieved from the rubble of Woodland labs. He stepped aside and let Copycat see his project. Most of the computer systems in the Palace had been destroyed by age or the saltwater, but this is one of the few that survived. I can't plug the drive in to another computer, but I can take intense scans of the storage medium and then use those scans to piece together the data itself. Its painstaking work, but worth it if I could pull it off.
"How do you know whats on the drive will help?"
It was given to me by a friend. I don't think she would lead me astray. You said you had a list?
"Yeah, here." Copycat handed over a small notebook. "I wrote down all the numbers and names of the mewtwos that I've encountered in my travels. There were originally one hundred of us in Woodland labs. They marked all of us with bar codes that, once scanned, would give them access to all of our information. Nicknames, abilities and the like." He flipped to a page in his notebook. "So I've tried to make my own version of it in here. The ones that are alive, the ones that are confirmed dead, and the ones that are unknown."
Mewtwo flipped through the notebook, there were far to many unknown and deceased for his liking. The information was as detailed as Copycat could make it, but there were no pictures, only text. Do you mind if I peek into your mind for a moment? I want to put faces to these names.
Copycat drew in a sharp breath over his teeth, his ears and tail betraying hesitance to the request. It was very nice of Mewtwo to ask instead of just jumping in, but there were things rattling around in there that he didn't want to share. "Well...I..."
I will read a name, and your memory should bring up an image of them, I won't need to go any deeper than a surface glance.
With Mewtwo's assurances to his privacy Copycat reluctantly agreed to a light reading. Mewtwo reached out and rested his hand on Copycats head. It was a gesture that Sabrina had taught him. He didn't need to make a physical connection, but he found that the gesture set his target at ease and allowed them to prepare themselves. For the next half hour, he recited the numbers to Copycat, and took in the Transform-mewtwo's first impression of them. Some were faces he knew well, some a little too well. Others were represented by closed doors marked with a number, or glimpsed from a distance. Some were associated with joy, some with remorse. When Mewtwo had gone through the list, he lifted his hand and allowed Copycat a moment to regain his bearings.
You have many children.
"You said you weren't going to go that deep."
I don't have to go but so far to see your love for them.
Copycat grew silent for a moment, ears drooping slightly as his expression tightened. "I'm not ready to talk about that yet."
Mewtwo nodded, and flipped through the notebook again. At the back there was a small section of others that had no assigned numbers. Who are these?
"Oh," Copy leaned in, relieved by the change in subject. "There are some mewtwos out there that weren't created at Woodland Labs. I came across them in my travels. Either scientists that picked up where Dr. Fuji had left off, or had stolen information from Woodland for their own research."
Mewtwo read through their names and other notes with a growing sense of foreboding. He really should have been paying more attention to the world around him. Even though he did his best to erase the memories of those that encountered him, knowledge of his existence was still there. And humans being humans, once one of them came up with something new, there would be an endless stream of others wanting to do the same. He closed the notebook and set it down. I will update my database with this information, then give the book back to you.
Copycat nodded. "Thanks. Oh, before I forget, in the cooler there are also small samples of some of the treatments that I have delivered. I'm sorry I don't have more information. Its a project that several researchers work on in their spare time, so it's hard to even get a consistent batch or source."
I understand, you've been a great help so far. Mewtwo put the cooler away with plans to go through the samples later. Do you have contact information for the researchers?
"Only a couple. One is Professor Oak and I'm sure you know him already. And Professor Ivy, she's been the most helpful with a steady supply. I've been needing to make a trip down to the Orange Islands to pick up a new batch."
Mewtwo stepped out of his lab and made his way back to the main hall with Copycat in tow. Would you mind if I went in your place? If I get the formula from her, I could start to manufacture treatments here, and you wouldn't have to travel so far to get them.
"That would be a great help." Copycat again stopped in the main hall, looking upward at the ceiling and then out to the ocean. Mewtwo patted him on the shoulder, interrupting his thoughts.
I could use your help with a few finishing details.
"Of course." Copycat set his bags down near a fountain and followed Mewtwo deeper into the Palace.
Butch leaned back in his chair and took in the view of the surrounding mountains through the floor to ceiling windows in his office. His loyal followers had settled in nicely in this facility, and while they still bore the Team Rocket name, there was a definite divide between the two factions. He hadn't heard anything from Viridian Gym, and any scouts he sent to investigate reported that the Gym was on lockdown with a sign in the window that said "Temporarily closed for repairs." Butch kept the Gym under tight surveillance to see what if any retaliatory moves would be. Cassidy was dead. He had made sure of that, and now he was giving the leftovers that had been at her side an opportunity to either swear fealty to him, or leave in shame. He was tempted to go in and simply slaughter the lot, but they would be expecting that. The Gym could be very efficiently fortified and could hold out under siege for months. It was Team Rocket Headquarters after all.
No, as tempting as it was, he had other matters to tend to. The first of which was scheduled for this morning. He sipped his coffee and heard a light knock on his office door, followed by Storm opening it slowly. "Your guest has arrived sir."
Butch stood and straightened his coat as his second-in-command ushered in a rather built man wearing what could only be described as "tactical casual." Khaki pants with cargo pockets, black polo shirt, heavy hiking boots, black baseball cap, and a belt upon which a holster was hung, containing what Butch was sure was one of the more conservative guns in the mans arsenal. "Thank you Storm."
Storm stepped out of the room and closed the door. Butch held out his hand in greeting. "Good morning Commander, I'm pleased you could make it on such short notice. Please have a seat. Coffee?"
"No thanks." The Commander took a seat on a plush couch, "That crap drops your testosterone." Butch ignored the outburst and sat opposite him on an equally plush chair. The Commander took a look around the room then said "When I heard that Butch of Team Rocket wanted my services, I must admit that I was skeptical. So you can guess the look on my face when I was given this address and not Viridian Gym."
Butch smiled graciously. "Well, we're undergoing a bit of...restructuring at the moment. And I have need of your expertise."
"Old tight-ass finally bought it eh?"
"Well...no. Giovanni remains in a vegetative state."
"Picking through the mans pockets before he's dead eh? Didn't think you had in you. So you need my help during this restructuring process?" The Commander snickered.
"Yes, just a bit of added security, maybe assistance in a mission or two until the dust has settled and the bodies are buried." Butch studied his coffee a moment, then set it aside. "And in turn, I might be able to help you out with a problem of yours."
"I've got a laundry list of those. Which were you thinkin' about?"
"I know of a certain…asset of your mercenary group, that has been giving you difficulties."
The Commanders good humor faded. "I was told that thing was a powerful weapon, and sometimes it is. But I suppose I would have better luck if I had your help, after all Team Rocket invented the damn things."
"Might I see it?" Butch asked.
The Commander pulled up the collar of his shirt and spoke softly into a neatly hidden microphone. A moment later the office door opened and another of the mercenary group stepped in, and following him was a mewtwo. It walked in with its head down, feet landing heavily on the ground, and tail almost dragging in a submissive posture. The man stood behind the Commander with his arms folded and the mewtwo obediently dropped to its knees and brought its tail around to minimize its profile. Its fur color was similar to the original, with the exception of three thin stripes of brown at the crown of its head. "This is the Captain, my second in command, and this thing, we call Victor, is his responsibility."
Butch leaned forward to get a better look. "Astounding. I had heard there were other private scientists that had experimented on their own, but never expected to see the fruits of their labor. What are its skills?"
"Couldn't tell you. The thing only works about half the time, and it seems its abilities are random at best. The Captain would be able to tell you more."
The Captain unfolded his arms. "Most attacks I've witnessed are generally Psychic in nature."
Butch nodded. "I have had experience with more than my fair share of uncooperative mewtwos. I can make it a better and much more predictable weapon.. That is, if we have a deal?"
The Commander looked Victor over. "If you can bring out its potential, yeah. Deal."
Nurse Joy looked up from her work as the door to the Valencia Island Pokémon Center opened. Her visitor was one of Professor Ivy's assistants, accompanied by a strange Pokémon. It was such a light pink it was nearly white, with short fine fur that darkened to pale violet at its feet, forearms, tips of its ears, and the bulk of its rather impressive tail. Joy suppressed her surprise and straightened out behind her counter then greeted her pair of visitors. "Good Morning Brock, how can I help you? And who is this?"
"Morning Joy. We came by to pick up the samples Professor Ivy had ordered, Oak said he had them shipped here?" Brock said equally as cheerful as he walked up toward the counter. "And this is Esper, she's a mewtwo that me and Ivy have been caring for. She's only recently recovered enough to leave the lab, so I decided to take her with me on a few errands. Esper, come on over and meet Nurse Joy. She's a good friend."
Joy watched as the Pokémon took a few short steps, then reached out and placed a hand on Brocks shoulder and joined him at the counter. Her magenta colored eyes were directed downward, but her ears constantly shifted, tuning into sounds around the Center. She placed her other hand on the counter-top, and ran it over the surface subtly. "Hello, Nurse Joy." she spoke softly.
"Oh wow, you can talk!" Joy said excitedly. "Pleased to meet you Esper! Wow, you are so pretty. I never thought I would ever meet a mewtwo!"
Brock put his hand over Espers. "She's been helping out in the lab with our research. I'm showing her how to get to the Center in case she ever needs help, or has to come get the mail."
Esper nodded. "Yes, I can't do much at the moment, but I can at least run a few errands."
Joy opened a door behind the counter. The Pokemon Center on Valencia Island also served as the local post office. There wasn't much on Valencia, so what few structures that were present had to pull double duty. "I'll try not to hold either of you up any more than I need to. Uh, Brock, could you help me with these boxes real quick?"
"Sure thing." Brock opened the gate at the counter, then set Espers other hand down on the counter-top. "Wait here, I'll be right back." He joined Joy in the back room where various shipments of goods had been stored. "Thanks for your help."
"No, thank you...um I have a question though, you know Esper's blind right?"
Brock picked up a box and moved it aside. "Yeah, me and Ivy learned that the hard way, we've been trying to figure out a way to treat it or help her, but so far no luck. For the most part she does well once she knows an area, which is why I wanted her to learn how to get to the Center."
Joy opened a freezer than contained a box of various samples from different Pokémon. "Well in case she comes in here injured or sick, it would be really helpful to have a medical file on hand so I know what to do. I've never treated a mewtwo before, I doubt many of my sisters have."
Brock closed up the cooler and set the few boxes aside before holding the door open for Joy again. "I can send that information along next time," he signed a paper that Joy set out on the counter top. Esper had stepped away from the counter and was now exploring the rest of the waiting area. Joy watched as she turned her head, picking up on sounds, before confidently walking back to the counter again. "Thanks Brock, I look forward to seeing both of you again."
Esper collected the box without being asked to, then gave Joy a friendly wave with her tail and followed Brock out of the Center.
Mewtwo said goodbye to Copycat as he left on the morning ferry, then flew up to the Palace and began to gather his things for his own trip south. He filled his backpack with small necessities; things like water canteens, food, data storage units, and his new cell phone. He still didn't like the thing very much, as telepathy was the most effective way to get in touch with those he needed to, but he had to concede that many others were not strong enough telepaths to find him. So the cell phone it was. So far there were only a few numbers stored in the device, and there was no need for more to be added. He slipped the backpack over his shoulders and then flew through the main doors of the hall and headed south.
It was a lovely warm day, perfect for flying. Normally he would make this trip at night, but he wanted to get back to Saffron and Little Two. The Palace was ready to move in, even though there were still a few comforts he needed to acquire, and Little Two was going to love his new room. He rose higher in the sky, just on level with larger clouds while underneath him sunlight played on sapphire waves. He picked up speed, testing himself against the winds. He passed a few passenger planes on the way, taking delight in leaving the silver winged cylinders behind him. The Orange Islands slid underneath him, small lumps of emerald ringed in yellow sands on an undulating field of blue. Finally as he reached the southern arc of the Islands, he began to descend.
Almost immediately Mewtwo could smell the salt of the sea mingled with the many blooming flowers of Valencia Island. He hadn't been down this way in decades, not since his own nomadic wanderings. Most of the Island was a Pokémon reserve, overseen by Professor Ivy as part of her studies into color variations in Pokémon species. It had been a wonderful place to rest in the past, and he had spent many days here enjoying the sunlight through the canopy of trees, or the rising moon over the night-darkened seas. He hadn't announced his arrival to Professor Ivy yet, but he had time.
He approached the island from the west, where the forest was thickest, then landed on the hot sands of the beach. Instantly a flock of flying pokemon took to the skies and Mewtwo stopped to watch. This place was alive with so many Pokémon, every trip he saw a new color variation. He waited until the flock had settled then lifted from the sands himself and hovered into the cover of the trees, taking care not to disturb any of the plants or Pokémon around him. He knew these forests well enough and continued flying slowly until he came to one of his old hiding spots. It was a slight depression in the ground with several overhanging trees laden with vines that had brightly colored blossoms. He settled down on the grass, and let his weight redistribute as he laid back under the flowers. For a long moment he lay there, resting after the trip, and allowing his mind to settle and cycle down to diminish his psychic profile, a technique he had perfected in his recent visit to Purity Canyon.
Mewtwo was just on the edge of sleep when he heard and felt light footsteps on the ground around him. He lay still, trying to figure out what kind of Pokémon or human would have a heavy yet fast tread of this nature. It certainly wasn't human, this was a fast hop, two feet striking the ground nearly simultaneously. Mewtwo sank into the grass as the footfalls drew closer, he would have his answer soon enough, and he would rather not fight if he could avoid it. The footfalls approached the depression, and then a white form jumped over him. Feet forward, arms out to either side for balance, and a long violet tail. It landed on the opposite side and continued through the undergrowth. For a moment Mewtwo lay stunned. That form was unmistakable, and Copycat had said nothing about another mewtwo on Valencia Island.
Mewtwo sat up and watched the white form bounce though the trees and nearly out of sight. Before he could lose track of it, he rose from the grass and flew after it through the trees. He hadn't gone far when it suddenly cast a half glance over its shoulder and turned one ear toward him. Did it know he was here? The other began hopping faster, not taking as much care to avoid stepping on twigs or clusters of ferns that would make sound. Mewtwo ventured calling out. "Please, wait!"
If nothing all he did was confirm the others suspicions, and now it barreled right through the forest toward the beach and ocean beyond. Mewtwo found himself dodging flying branches and loose vines until they both broke out into the sunlight. He now got his first good look at the other and his heart nearly jumped into his throat. It was a fem, the softer curves of her chest plate and slightly lighter frame were clearly defined physical characteristics. He breath caught as memories of the League Games all those years ago flitted up from their graves. She was alive. The female that Sarah Giovanni had shot was alive, and seemingly very well.
The fem stepped back, her tail swaying back and forth in a manner meant to intimidate. One of her feet touched the wet sand and the dregs of a wave washed over her toes. "I'm giving you one warning," she said harshly, nearly hissing. "Stay back."
"Please, I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to talk. Don't you recognize me?" Mewtwo took a step closer toward her, then saw her expression change. There was no build-up, there was no time to react. The ocean, its sapphire-blue placid surface he had been admiring all day long, suddenly turned against him. The fem clenched her three fingers together and the ocean rose from the beach as a solid glass wave, for a moment, before the wave crested, he could make out the horizon line through its mass. He tried to raise a barrier as the wave struck him, lifting him from his feet and sending him back into the trees. The water kept coming, turning his body in the current and pushing the air from his lungs. He slammed into a tree and felt pain shoot through his hip. He dug his claws in to the bark and rode it out as the water rushed past him, bringing up more debris from the beach. He kept a barrier up as small stones and shells struck him. Then as suddenly as the ocean had come, it receded. Mewtwo held onto the tree for a long moment while he caught his breath and began using recover on his hip. It wasn't broken thankfully, but it was going to be sore for a while.
The fem was gone.
Mewtwo laughed to himself. That was his fault. She had warned him to not take another step further and he foolishly did. But she was alive. For years his dreams had been haunted by that image of her head tilting sharply, the spray of blood on his cheek, but now it felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart. She was okay and she was scared. And that was enough for him to forgive such a strong attack. He had been hit by Surf before, but never one that felt like half of the ocean had come up to personally slam him out of existence. She had recovered from her injuries, and she was fighting fit so to speak. He shook the water off, then pulled out his cell out of his backpack to notify Ivy that he was coming. The attack had soaked through his phone completely, leaving his options as either showing up unannounced, or scaring the daylights out of Ivy and her assistants with telepathy. In this case, showing up unannounced seemed to be the lesser of two evils. Maybe Ivy knew about the fem, but if she did, why didn't she say anything? Why didn't Copycat know that she was here?
He hopped along the sands, then when his hip started complaining, he took flight toward Professor Ivy's ranch. Before he touched down, he saw the familiar form of the white and violet fem erupt out of the treeline and enter the side door of the home. So she was living here. Still stunned and excited, Mewtwo gently landed, then approached the door and knocked lightly.
Inside, Brock looked up as Esper came charging through the door, then slammed both the screen door and the heavier door shut behind her, locking it. "Someone is following me," she panted. "I hit them with Surf, but they are still following me."
A light knock sounded and Esper spun on her heel, raising a hand in preparation for an attack. "Easy, I'll find what trainers are dumb enough to poach Pokémon on a reserve and give them a good talking to. You're safe." Brock peeked through the peephole, fully expecting to see either a group of excited trainers or maybe someone from the myriad of criminal groups that had popped up over the years. Anyone one but Mewtwo himself waiting in the sunlight. "Well, the good news is, I doubt our visitor is going to hurt you. Bad news is, he's probably not going to leave until he has a chance to meet you."
Esper lowered her hand, but remained on guard. Brock opened the door, then stepped outside and shut it behind him. Mewtwo stepped back as Brock shut the door. "Long time no see." Brock said cheerfully.
Mewtwo raised an eyeridge and folded his arms. Explain.
"Uh...sure." Brock said with a hint of defeat in his voice. "Come around to the porch, its really bright out today. Ivy should be back soon," he stepped away from the door and heard it lock behind him. Mewtwo hesitated a moment, then reluctantly followed Brock around to the front of the house where there was a large porch and seating for many people. Brock took a seat and gestured to another across from him. For a moment Mewtwo stood with his arms folded and watching the screen door at Brocks side. The fem was half-hiding behind the door frame but still within the safety of the home. "And could you tone it down a bit, no one is getting hurt here." At that comment, Mewtwo noted that his energy level had creeped up and that was only making both the fem and Brock nervous. He cleared his thoughts and let the energy fade then removed his backpack and sat down on the offered chair. When Mewtwo had settle, Brock began explaining. "This is Esper. She has been in our care for several years now, but only recently has she been well enough to venture around the Island. We weren't expecting any guests today, what brings you here?"
Mewtwo sighed heavily, the fem was still hiding. "I had come here with the intent to examine Professor Ivy's work on the treatment serum that Copycat distributes, as I now have a lab of my own that I can use to continue research. I'm also picking up a new batch for distribution." Mewtwo's gaze suddenly darkened. "Is she why your work has been so successful? You use her as a test subject?"
"Yes, and no." Ivy said as she climbed the porch steps. She carried a basket laden with fruits and vegetable that she had collected from their garden. "This topic has the potential to go poorly quickly. And it's best to clear the air. Esper, come on out and meet Mewtwo."
Esper's stance went from defensive to curious. "Mewtwo? The Mewtwo? The First?" she opened the screen door and stepped onto the porch. Mewtwo let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. She reached out and touched Brocks shoulder, then navigated her way to a seat.
"Mewtwo, this is Esper, Esper, Mewtwo." Ivy set down the basket. "Esper has been a great help in developing new serums. But she does this of her own free will. Nothing is tested directly on her, but she has generously donated samples of blood and tissue to use for testing."
Esper nodded. "Yes. If I can be of help to others of my...our kind, then I will do all I can….is it really you?" She was sitting right in front of him, the answer to her question should have been obvious, but somehow she just wasn't seeing….him.
Mewtwo reached out and slowly placed his hand over hers. She gasped at the touch of his three-fingered hand, then lightly traced the knobby tips of her own paws up his arm and finally to his face. Mewtwo closed his eyes as she traced his features with the lightest of touches. Unable to keep his curiosity in check, he gently grazed her surface thoughts and felt her respond to him with both curiosity and caution. I cannot tell you how relived I am that the injury only took your sight and not your life. He placed his hand over hers, letting her palm settle flat against his cheek. He then turned a hard gaze on Ivy and Brock. "Why didn't you tell me she was here, and well?"
Ivy was the first to speak as Esper slowly pulled her hand away. "Because for the longest time we didn't know if she was going to make it. After the games, you weren't exactly stable either, and when Team Rocket realized they couldn't recover her body, they became more violent. Professor Oak had his facilities broken into several times before he asked us to take care of her. A week later there was an explosion in what turned out to be a hidden laboratory, and then a rash of mewtwo sightings, as well as an uptick in criminal activities. Kanto had become too dangerous to keep Esper there. Things appeared to have calmed down a bit after Bill told me you had found the kitten, but then you were off again as the activity picked up."
Esper suddenly latched onto that last sentence. "Kitten? You went to Woodland Labs and found a kitten?"
Mewtwo set his gaze on Esper, then touched her mind again. She was more welcoming this time, not resisting as much as she had the first time. He traced her surface memories, her love for Ivy and Brock, that was strangely similar to his own love for Sabrina and Bill. He didn't want to cause her harm or pain, but he had to know, he had to confirm his suspicions. A kitten, a small white kitten was taken from her. He could feel her sadness rise up, threatening to overwhelm her, but he stopped it with a few images from his own memories. Little Two sleeping safe and sound as a small white kitten, growing up, his tail and eyes taking on color, to his more recent memories of his son playing with Jamie or flying through the jungles around Purity Canyon.
Brock and Ivy saw Esper suddenly double over and begin crying, then rise from her seat and embrace Mewtwo tightly. Mewtwo gingerly hugged her back. He expected a similar reaction, but still wasn't prepared for the outflow of emotion. Brock stood up, ready to fight if needed. "What did you say to her?"
Mewtwo helped Esper back to her seat as she used the heel of her hand to wipe away tears. "It was good news Brock, very good news." Esper took deep breaths to calm herself. "My kitten is alive, and he's happy and-" this time Ivy reached out and held her as Esper began wailing again.
Mewtwo sat back down, and felt a rush of conflicting emotions, then said. "This is Little Two's mother. I just let her know that her kitten is safe and well. And I would of course like to make arrangements to reunite them."
Ivy grinned and almost began crying herself. "Oh that is happy news!"
Anything else she said was lost as Mewtwo's thoughts darkened. He had found Little Two's mother, and of course the two of them would need to meet each other, but Little Two had been his son since he was an infant. Would Esper, Ivy and Brock attempt to take his son from him? Granted Little Two was not of his flesh, and the risk that he would lose someone very important to him was suddenly very real. He had just met this fem, would she be a fit mother? Or did she feel the same about Big White that the others had? Would they have to negotiate a shared custody arrangement? And more importantly, how would Little Two feel? He had never known her. Would he want to spend time with someone that amounted to being a stranger? These questions and many others pressed upon him suddenly.
He was glad that the fem he had encountered at the League Games was alive, and delighted that she was Little Two's mother, but the fear that his son could be taken from him was too great to ignore.
Over the next hour, Mewtwo and Esper talked about their experiences, and shared stories. He caught her up on all the others that had escaped Woodland Labs, about Copycat and Cherry. Professor Ivy generously made copies of her research and gave it to Mewtwo along with the next batch of treatments. Before he left Mewtwo stood and placed a hand on Esper's shoulder. I will return, but please be patient. Little Two knows nothing of you and this will be hard to tell him. But I promise, the two of your will have a chance to meet.
Esper nodded, this time keeping her tears in check as Mewtwo said his goodbyes. He took to the air, climbing higher until he was at a decent altitude, then sped toward Saffron city. The dread of Little Two's fate continued to tug at his heart as the curved horizon eluded him and the clouds below held their secrets. He needed to talk to Bill and Sabrina first. This was something he knew he needed Human help for.
Sabrina smiled as Bill approached her with a cup of Sitrus berry flavored slushie. She gladly took the drink from his hand and leaned into his shoulder when he took a seat next to her on the bench. The festival was in full swing, and it seemed that almost the entire city had come out to celebrate. There were rows of food vendors, all putting their own spin on the berries, carnival rides, games, contests where farmers showed off their prize crops, and of course many people and Pokémon. An informal gym floor had been marked out in a grassy area, and Sabrina had taken a seat on a bench to watch the battles. Some of them were quite good and she invited them to try their luck at a Marsh badge when the festival was over.
A battle of the bands had been ongoing for most of the day. It opened with the champions from the last year, and was more of an excuse for those just starting out to get a feel for the stage. Jamie and Little Two's band would be playing in the next hour, it was made up of mostly kids and teens from their music class, and they had agreed on calling themselves the Gumdrops. If their teacher was in it to win, he had a good chance with a band made of kids playing sugary sweet pop music. Bill had just taken his first sip when they heard a sonic boom to the south. A few trainers turned to see what had caused the noise and started speculating among themselves. Bill leaned back and put an arm around his wife. "Only one Pokémon we know of aside from a Dragonite that can cause a sonic boom like that."
Sabrina took a sip herself then closed her eyes and opened her mind. Over here Two. We're at the festival.
Bill looked toward the southern sky. "Not like him to come in full speed like that. I hope everything is alright."
The trainers began pointing and brought out their Pokédexes as Mewtwo flew in and landed in front of Sabrina and Bill. Where's Little Two?
"With Jamie." Sabrina offered up some of her slushie. "You came in like a Zubat from beyond, everything okay?"
Yes, I want to see my son. Mewtwo folded his arms, after the flight a slushie was tempting.
Bill tapped Sabrina's shoulder. "Looks like the next band canceled, the Gumdrops are up next."
"Lets get moving then," Sabrina stood up from the bench and began walking toward the stage. "This way Two, Little Two and Jamie are over here."
Mewtwo let his weight settle on his feet and began walking after them. There was still the odd trainer trying to scan him, but most of them left him alone. He could hear the sharp scratches and ticks as the band performed a quick sound check along with the off-beat pound of a drum kit. Little Two always did love music, it would make sense that he and Jamie would want to see the bands play. As they neared the stage, he scanned the crowd looking for his sons white fur and blue tail. He was here somewhere, he could sense him plainly enough, but where? Bill and Sabrina stopped several rows away to get a good view. A banner with the word Gumdrops rendered in glitter hung at the back of the stage. The crowd, made up of mostly parents and other small children, began clapping and cheering as a young human, barely in his teens took the stage and sat at the drum kit. Next was another youth at the keyboard, more cheering, a young bass player with an instrument almost his size and weight, then Jamie came skipping out from the side, jumping up and down before plugging in her electric guitar.
Sabrina, no!
Last out, running and hopping from the back was Little Two. Like Jamie he was energetic, and even though the crowd at first was confused a Pokémon taking center stage, they warmed to the novelty of it all quickly enough.
My son is not a spectacle for others to laugh and gawk at! How could you allow this? Mewtwo made a step toward the stage, but Sabrina grabbed his arm and clamped down hard.
He wanted this. She sent sternly. He and Jamie worked hard for this moment, and you are going to let him have it. Now be happy for him and cheer him on. At that she let go of his arm and her smile returned to her features, she began clapping along with Bill. For a moment Mewtwo and Little Two locked eyes and he could see the cheerful energy drain from the kitten. That was quite the opposite effect of what he wanted to achieve. Mewtwo then forced his own smile and began clapping along with Bill and Sabrina. Little Two's expression changed from dread to joy and the bounce returned to his step.
Before much more time could pass, the drummer started the opening beat, the keyboardist jumped in, then Jamie ripped a riff from her guitar. Little Two kept time with a swaying of his tail, like some kind of metronome that the rest of the band used. Just as Mewtwo was taken aback by the sudden aggression of Jamie's guitar, he was in for another shock when Little two began to sing. He stopped clapping for a moment and stood awestruck as full-throated well-articulated words and notes were sang, weaving a playful path through the music. Even more so, there were several layers to the voice, but no one else in the band was singing. Perhaps an effect of the microphone? The song reached a climax, and here Little Two pulled the microphone away from his face and began belting out the lyrics unaided, but still clearly. The crowd wasn't made of just parents and support group anymore, other festival-goers stopped to witness and cheer on the Gumdrops. Jamie followed up Little Two's performance with a short guitar solo, and even though there were other kids in the band, it was quite obvious where all the talent lay. The song finished and the crowd cheered. Bill and Sabrina shouted their support and Mewtwo could only stand in stunned silence for a moment before bringing his paws together.
Little Two took a bow along with the rest of the band. The presence of his father had made him nervous, but as he came up from the bow, he could see a genuine smile on his fathers face. He looked awkward, but he was still clapping along with the rest of the small crowd. The announcer came out to present the next band, and Little Two helped his bandmates clean up, they would know later if they advanced to the next round or not. After stowing their instruments, he gave Jamie a hug then left backstage to find their parents. Little Two homed in on his fathers psychic signature and hopped up to him excitedly. Mewtwo knelt and scooped Little Two up and hugged him tightly. They shared a nudge, and just when Little Two thought that he would be put down, his father only hugged him tighter. I had no idea you could sing so well.
"Thanks for coming Dad. You kinda scared me at first though. Aunt Sabrina said she would talk to you?" Little Two wriggled until Mewtwo set him down. "I think we made it to the next round, will you stay and watch us then too?"
"Of course." Mewtwo watched Little Two bounce off as he joined Jamie and the rest of the band. Already people were coming up to talk to and congratulate them on their performance. Sabrina had been right, he had to let Little Two have this moment. But there was other business he needed to address. Sabrina, a word.
Sabrina sighed and gave Bills arm a gentle squeeze. "I'll be back, me and Two are going for a little walk." Bill nodded and followed after the kids. Sabrina guided Mewtwo away from the crowds and toward some of the more quiet areas. "Alright, spit it out."
"How could you put him in danger like that? I left him in your care because I trust you. Up in front of all those people? I'm trying to keep him safe, there are still criminal elements out there that would stop at nothing to get their hands on my son!"
Sabrina folded her arms. "First off, he's not in danger. I know there are unsavory people out there, you think I don't worry about that with Jamie? But I also know that I have to trust my kid. I've been teaching and training her to take care of herself, because she's not going to be a kid forever. Just as you have been teaching and training Little Two. And at some point you have to let go and let them make their own choices. In this case, he wanted to sing in a rock band. So I let him-"
"I'm not ready to let him go!" Mewtwo roared, then suddenly regretted it when Sabrina took a step back. "I...don't want to let him go."
Sabrina unfolded her arms and stepped in closer as Mewtwo look away suddenly. "What happened? I get the feeling this isn't just about Little Two singing."
Mewtwo's tail flicked back and forth, one of his more obvious tells about his mental state. "I..." he took a deep breath, his tail settling down. "I found his mother. She's alive. She was the fem at the League Games, and Professor Ivy and Brock and Oak, kept her a secret from me, from us."
The fire returned to Sabrina gaze. "...it looks like I need to have a long heart-to-heart with a few of my colleagues. Which may or may not include broken bones…so you're worried that you will lose Little Two to this fem."
"Yes." Mewtwo began walking, and Sabrina fell into step beside him. "Her name is Esper, and she is a good soul. She's smart, a bit naive, but open and willing to learn new things, and so strong, I've got the bruises to prove it. She's been through a lot. Little Two and Esper both deserve to meet each other, I have no complaints about that."
"In the human world, if someone raises a kid, and then a parent is found, its usually judged that whomever the kid is better off with gets custody. But that's not to say they never have a chance to get to know each other. This is kinda scary, and its one of those things that you just have to play by ear. You have to tell Little Two, and give him the opportunity to make a choice."
"What if he chooses her?"
"What if he chooses you? He's still a kitten, and you've raised him." Sabrina's pace slowed. "But there's also a third option you haven't considered."
"That being?"
Sabrina shrugged. "Maybe you and Esper will hit it off. Become mates."
Mewtwo stopped cold. "No."
"Why not? You already said that she is smart and strong. You obviously have a passing liking for her. Why not see if it blossoms into something more?"
"Because I..." He took another breath. He and Sabrina had always been close and confided in each other, but this topic cut deep. I promised myself that I wouldn't curse another life with the suffering I have known. No mates. No reasons for power-hungry trainers to hunt my kind down, it would end with me.
"Woodland Labs kinda let that Meowth out of the bag." Sabrina said softly. "You've always been a glass half-empty kind of guy. With good reason. But don't cut yourself short on the opportunity for some happiness in your life. Maybe Esper ultimately isn't your type. Don't write yourself off though. This isn't your burden alone anymore, there are others of your kind now. And I'm sure a few of them wouldn't think twice about settling down and starting a family. So even if you take yourself out of the game, you aren't the only player anymore."
Mewtwo grew quiet, eventually beginning to float along beside Sabrina when his hip started to complain again. Sabrina noted his somber mood and took his hand. "You don't have to made a decision right now. It was only a suggestion. You know your heart better than anyone else out there. You've suffered greatly, and they have suffered greatly too, but your suffering doesn't define you. Your pain is not your identity. At some point you learn to leave it behind." She began walking once more, still holding his hand and now towing him along behind her. "Now come on, we've got a few more performances to watch, and I promised the kids I'd take them out for pizza afterward."
Mewtwo allowed Sabrina to tow him along. He had to admit to himself that deep down he was envious of his friends, and the comfort they found in each other, and hadn't even allowed himself a chance to dream of what a life with a mate could be like. He had prepared himself for a solitary life, and in some ways he was unconsciously preparing Little Two for the same. But now they didn't have to be alone. There were others.
After all of this heavy thinking, pizza with his son did sound good.
"Hey Boss, check this out," Storm said as he entered Butch's office.
Butch looked up from his work behind his desk and sighed. "If you show me another dancing Pikachu video..."
"Naw, you're going to like this one." Storm approached the desk, then held out his cell phone. Butch readied himself for the inevitable, then tapped the "play" button. It showed a fairground in some kind of country bumpkin location. The video swept around to show a stage, where a band made of kids were playing, but front and center, belting out notes into the microphone for all it was worth, was a mewtwo kitten. The kitten pulled the microphone away from its mouth, and continued belting out a long note that the audio on the original video was having difficulty picking it up. The vid feed began to waver in a familiar pattern before the performance ended.
Butch stood up from his desk. "Where was this taken?"
"Yesterday, at the Sitrus Berry festival in Saffron. Looks like Mewthree's kid made it out after all."
"And knows several sonic attacks it seems." Butch grabbed his coat, taking Storms cell phone with him. "Has Victor been prepped?"
"It's in the lab now. Should we notify its handler?" Storm followed Butch out of the office.
"Yes, notify the Captain then meet me down there." Butch stepped into the elevator as his second in command took another hall. In the elevator he used a key to open a secret panel that would grant him access to the labs. The elevator began to descend and Butch couldn't believe his luck. This was perfect timing. M68 was almost ready, and with the acquisition of Victor, and now the appearance of Mewthree's only offspring. It was only a matter of time before Team Rocket would rise victorious over the League and other organizations. The doors opened and he stepped into a long white hall. Doors and large observation windows opened off to the left or right at regular intervals. The few scientists and their assistants roaming the hall paused and greeted Butch as he strode past them. He passed a large viewing window showing his prize M68 inside a stasis tank undergoing more tinkering. For a moment he paused and grinned at the monster they had been carefully developing. Nothing would stand in their way once M68 was let loose on the world. There was only the final matter of the control mechanism, of which Victor was an unknowing test subject for.
Butch continued down the hall and stopped before another viewing window. Victor sat inside another stasis tank, knees and legs drawn in, arms crossed in an unassuming fetal position. But its scalp had been flayed open, revealing the curve and bare bone of its skull. An array of surgical machinery circled its head, driving small metal studs right into the bone. The door beside the viewing window opened and the head scientist of the project stepped out to join Butch in the hall.
"Good morning Boss. Come to see the final touches?"
"That, and to get confirmation that this is going to work."
The woman nodded. "We are not going to make the same mistake that my colleagues did in Ryme City. I wasn't joking when I said that we should just bolt the damn control device to the creature's skull. What we're using now are not quite bolts, but screw-down locking mechanisms to complete the circuit, but also grant easy removal for further calibration. I want to get this right for our other project, as its control circlet will be sub-dermal."
"Good. I have a mission for this Victor unit. It's going to need every dirty trick it can use to bring this target in alive." Butch pulled Storms cell phone from his pocket and showed the scientist the video.
"Is that…!?"
Butch grinned, clenching his teeth. "Yes." he hissed. "We finally found it. It should be a suitable test for your new project."
"This model is a vast improvement over the last one."
Butch stepped away from the viewing window. "I expect nothing less, and I look forward to the fruits of your labor, Dr. Laurent."
