Chapter Five
Beginning of War
Standing on a platform that elevated from the black fighter jet, Giovanni gazed at the Tree of Beginning. Holding the ancient book up on eye-level, he compared the image embossed on the cover with the behemoth tree-like structure beyond. Indeed, there is no doubt that they are in the Tree of Beginning—the place of a divine life force and power, and home of the legendary Mew. Giovanni did not hesitate to stifle his sneer. His moment has finally arrived.
"Sensing the destruction of its home should allow Mew to come out and defend it," he said. His dark eyes narrowed as his grip on the book tightened. "It will fight, but we will fight harder."
With a finger, he gestured for the blonde spy to stand beside him. Domino took a step forward and stood proud in silence, her youthful face hinging her frustrations as she awaited orders. Pressing a green button on a control pad beside him, another device emerged to the centre, taking up the space between the boss and the agent.
"Double 09…" The way Giovanni muttered her codename sent chills down her spine. With a slight hesitation, the blonde looked up at her boss. "Behold," he resumed. "Our new little device."
Giovanni held the device with steady hands and a wicked smile. "Once the Pokémon acknowledged as 'Mewtwo' is paralysed by the machines, immediately attach this to its neck. It shall then be under our control."
Domino rolled her eyes. "Giovanni...sir, do you really believe in such a thing? For all you know, those three may be frauds, spies, or threats against Team Rocket! They're doing this to distract us!"
Dismissing her concern, he handed the device to Domino who received it with both hands. "Do not question my decisions! I know so…it feels…like an old faded and repressed memory that has surfaced on my conscious once again." Giving her a thin gaze, Domino felt the familiar shivers travel up her spine once more. "Domino, you must understand. I can never allow anyone or anything to stop me. Now, more than ever, I have come this far."
Knitting her brows together, Domino simply sighed and gave a quick nod before safekeeping the device and flying off to her station.
Giovanni growled under his breath. "We have come this far, and I will not be defeated. I cannot be defeated." Pressing another button on the control pad, he submerged back inside the jet.
Vast numbers of different Pokémon ran in panic. Trees fell as large bombs exploded everywhere. Some Pokémon tried carrying the wounded ones, screaming their lungs out as they cried for help. Although a few were fortunate to be assisted, many have fallen for no one heard their pleas. A large area by the east of the Tree of Beginning was in flames. A group of Team Rocket grunts in fighter jets and helipads fired missiles to the land, injuring Pokémon so their teammates could easily capture them.
Bursting out from the flames was Regice. Using Ice Beam, it froze the areas where the fires have engulfed the trees and other flora, attempting to combat the spread of the wildfire. Just before a large uprooted tree could crush a wounded Bellossum, Regirock rushed to its rescue and knocked the tree off-course. "Bellossum!" The Pokémon thanked the mighty Rock Peak Pokémon just as some Oddish rushed to aid her. Carrying Bellossum by their leafy heads, the numerous Oddish gave their thanks to both Legendary Golems before scurrying off to safety.
Regice looked at Regirock. "More Pokémon could be in danger."
"Yes, but we have to stop those humans first."
"Agreed."
The two Golems then hurried to fend off the grunts on the ground. With a powerful Ice Beam, Regice froze the handheld weapons Team Rocket used as well as the smaller missiles the fighter jets and helipads sent. It then created a massive barrier of ice to build a fortress and defend what was left of the eastern area of the Tree of Beginning.
Regirock aimed to destroy the source of such destruction. Using Hyper Beam, it targeted the fighter helipads and jets. The power of the attack caused the entirety of the machinery to explode, making the Team Rocket members jump off in retreat. With Earthquake, Regirock stomped and shook the ground, outbalancing the fallen Team Rockets and sliding them off the cliffs.
Just as they believed they were making progress, one of Team Rocket's heavy-duty, bullet-proof marine tanks emerged from behind the two Golems. Moments before the enormous black tank could crush the two Golems, Registeel ran to tackle it by the side, sliding the tank off course. Not a moment to lose, Regice and Regirock hurried to Registeel, lending their strengths to push the tank down the slope. With their combined power, the tank gave up and rolled downwards, falling off to the edge. From within, the Team Rocket grunts operating it screamed their heads off as they fell to their demise.
"I have found the headmaster of the human team," beeped Registeel. "Up north, to where Mew resides."
"We cannot all go. One has to protect the Pokémon in the lower lands and inside the caverns," suggested Regirock.
The Legendary Golems were strong, albeit they had their limitations. They had to strategise and allocate assignments for their plans to work out in the best way it could. For the sake of the Pokémon and the Tree of Beginning.
"I will take the ones inside the caverns," beeped Regice. "I shall be able to cover the areas in between and quell the fires there."
"I will stay by the grounds to guard the entrance, and aid the other Pokémon there," beeped Regirock. "No one is reaching the entrance from the ground."
This leaves Registeel to confront Giovanni and protect the Tree of Beginning's Crystal Heart. "Then we make haste!" Registeel dashed forward to its destination. The other Legendary Golems did the same, overlooking the dangers that could befall them on their confrontation.
The Tree of Beginning emerged into the horizon, the once shining beacon of life now nothing more than a dull and bleak structure of stone. Mew felt her pulse hasten at its sight, accelerating towards their destination.
"How are you feeling Mew?" Ash's asked, a bit apprehensive.
Mew looked back over her shoulder towards the young Trainer. "I am fine…for now. Just as long as the heart of the tree is undiscovered and safe."
Closer and closer, the details of the destruction were more visible. Pokémon in great numbers whimpered in pain, begging for help; the trees were uprooted and scattered, the shrubs, flowers, grass, and fertile soil were all burnt. It was a tragic, catastrophic sight.
Fortunately, everything was not destroyed. The crystals continued to thrive.
"We have to help all those Pokémon!" urged Brock.
"Who could do such a thing? This is beyond cruel," muttered Misty, holding Togepi closer to her chest.
Ash gritted his teeth. "Whoever's doing this should be stopped!"
The two legendary Pokémon landed the three somewhere safely in the middle area of the Tree of Beginning, hidden away from the midst of the chaos and conflict. Just as they felt the ground touch their feet, what they saw with their own two eyes was an unforgettable image that elucidated feelings of pain, anger, and a longingness to help.
"What should we do now, Ash?" Misty turned to face her friend. "We couldn't just stand here and not help, right?"
Ash held on to his cap. "We help them fight—that's what!" Tossing his pokéballs into the air, he called for two of his own Pokémon. "Totodile! Chikorita! I choose you!"
"Toto! Totodile!"
"Chiko!"
"Totodile, use Watergun on those flames! Chikorita, help get those other Pokémon to safety," instructed Ash.
"Come help out too, Poliwhirl!" Misty called out, releasing her Pokémon. "Quick, help out with your Watergun too!"
"We've got to find the source of all this destruction," said Brock. Throwing a Pokéball in the air, out came his Zubat. "Zubat, fly high and find out who's causing all this trouble." With that, Zubat did as instructed and flew off.
From a fair distance, Mew and Mewtwo gave one last glance at the three Trainers before making their way to confront Team Rocket and defend what was left of the sacred land.
"Those humans…they came to my aid once, risking their lives to save me and the clones as if it was not even an option. Surely, with their help, you will be victorious in this battle," Mewtwo said calmly, glimpsing at the levitating Pokémon by his side.
"I am grateful that you have spared them their memory. Thank you for letting them remember you, Mewtwo," Mew replied with a weak smile.
After just a short while, the crisp sound of footsteps crunching on dead, dried leaves was heard. Pikachu's ears twitched. He instinctively jumped off Ash's shoulders, and with a vigilant pose, his cheeks sparked electricity, ready to face the uninvited guest.
"If trouble's what you're looking for, then you need not look far," sneered a low voice.
Misty and Ash turned around, eyes pierced towards the source of the voice. He was tall, perhaps about six and a quarter feet, and wore a red sturdy vest armour over what seemed like a black Team Rocket uniform. However, what stood out from him the most was the bronze helmet-like mask he wore over his face.
"Hah! Little children, I am the Iron Masked Marauder," he introduced himself. "But perhaps you would know me better as an elite officer in Team Rocket." He grinned smugly, showing off the garnet 'R' on his black uniform.
"Team Rocket?!" Ash blurted out.
"Pika!" yelled out Pikachu.
"What did you do to this place!?" Misty furiously questioned.
Brock huddled closer towards his friends. "Ash, Misty!"
"This place is sacred to all the people and Pokémon who live here!" Ash said. "You can't destroy it! I won't allow you!"
"Pikaaa! Pika-pi!" agreed Pikachu, posing a vigilant low battle stance.
"Tell me you are joking!" laughed Marauder. "Three children dare to oppose Team Rocket? I'll have you all know that you are far too late." Throwing two Dark Balls into the air, he released a Scizor and a Weavile. "Finish them."
Weavile and Scizor jumped high in the air, ready to attack.
"Staryu! Hurry, use Bubble Beam!" Misty said, releasing her Staryu.
The star-shaped Pokémon speedily blew out powerful bubbles which the two Pokémon easily dodged.
"They're quick on their feet!" Misty gritted her teeth.
"Yeah, but we're quicker. Right, Pikachu?" Ash said, giving his partner a knowing look.
"Piiikaaa…" growled Pikachu with his cheeks sparking.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack then Iron Tail!"
Like a flash of yellow light, the yellow electric-type Pokémon zipped off. Noticing Weavile was closer, Pikachu flipped high in the air and used Iron Tail. To his and Ash's shock, the Weavile caught his tail despite it being powered up for the attack. With a smirk and its grip still tight on Pikachu's tail, the Weavile spun rapidly, building up speed before releasing Pikachu against a tree. The force of the impact was brutal, and Pikachu immediately was knocked unconscious.
"No, Pikachu! Are you all right, buddy? No, please, hang in there!"
"It seems that my Dark Balls have still overpowered my Pokémon. I suggest you all surrender and return home, little children. Before things could get even messier," he said, releasing another Pokémon from its Dark Ball. A Tyranitar.
"There's something wrong with his Pokémon," Brock observed. "They look as if they were possessed." Looking over his comrades' direction, called over to warn them. "Ash! Misty! Be careful, it looks like his Pokémon have been brain-washed. They don't appear like they're in control of themselves, and those attacks are surely not normal!"
A few meters away, Misty's Staryu crumbled to the ground, severely wounded. "Staryu, please no…" teared up Misty. "Return." Holding Staryu's pokéball, she gave one lasting glance at the red and white shine before placing it back in her bag. Tears brimmed in the corner of her eyes. "Staryu, you were amazing back there. Thanks a lot."
"Amazing?! How was that amazing? Your Pokémon are pathetic!" mocked Marauder. Scizor and Weavile stood by his sides. Tyranitar stomped to the front. Their eyes dimmed as an evil aura surrounded them.
"Grr…what did you do to those Pokémon?!" yelled Ash.
"I simply made them evolve into their most powerful potential!" Marauder answered. "This is the power of the Dark Ball—the power of Team Rocket!"
The three felt their bodies tense. Hearts palpitated within their chests and hands curled into fists. They were worried. They were nervous.
But they never back out from a fight. They never give up.
Not especially that they knew they had to help save their new friend's home.
"And now, Tyranitar…use Hyper Beam!" commanded Marauder.
Holding one another, the three braced themselves for the painful attack. Ash hugged Pikachu tightly to protect him the best he can. Misty and Brock knelt down beside Ash, their eyes shut tight.
Suddenly, a Shadow Ball from a distance countered the Hyper Beam. Shocked that there was no impact, the Trainers immediately looked around for their rescuer. Even the Iron Masked Marauder and his brain-washed Pokémon were astonished, heads and eyes moving about in search of who interceded.
Descending towards the ground were Mew and Mewtwo.
"You cannot treat Pokémon like this," Mewtwo's low, telepathic voice spoke. "Release them from this state. Now!"
Mew hovered over to the trainers. "Is everyone all right?" she gently inquired, like a mother to her children.
"We're fine. Thanks a lot, Mew," a relieved smile formed on Misty's face. "But Pikachu's badly hurt…" she said as her smile faded.
Mew hovered over to Pikachu. Tenderly placing her paws on Pikachu's furry head, and using Heal Pulse, she concentrated her power on relieving the Pokémon of his wounds. In a short while, Pikachu roused, blinked his gleaming brown eyes.
"Pika?"
Ash, Misty, and Brock's smile widened. "Oh, Pikachu! You're all right!" Relieved, Ash gave his best friend a close and warm hug.
"I am glad you are all safe," Mewtwo said, looking over his shoulder at the recovered Pikachu and the young trio of Pokémon Trainers.
"Thanks, Mew. Thanks, Mewtwo."
Mewtwo nodded, and Mew beamed a smile just before levitating to Mewtwo's side to face the dastardly man and his possessed Pokémon.
"W-What?! What are you two supposed to be?" yelled Marauder. He has never encountered such Pokémon before. Tightening his fists, he pointed out a finger as he directed Tyranitar to attack. "Well, show me what you've got! Tyranitar use Hyper Beam!" The Tyranitar opened its mouth to unleash yet another powerful Hyper Beam, leaving the scene with a thick cloud of smoke. Speculating it was a direct hit, the Iron Masked Marauder sneered.
However, as the smoke cleared off and to his surprise, the two Legendary Pokémon stood firm, unaffected. Mewtwo had his paw raised, using Protect to block off even a most powerful offence.
"What the—?!" cursed Marauder. "How could you…? Grr!" he gritted his teeth. "Tyranitar use Dragon Pulse now!" he yelled out. The Tyranitar unleashed a blast of multicoloured energy towards Mewtwo. Mewtwo with his paw still raised, used Mirror Coat and sent the Dragon Pulse flying back towards Tyranitar at twice the damage. Stunned from the counter-attack, Mewtwo then teleported behind the Tyranitar and with his tail, used Low Sweep, causing Tyranitar to slip, fall, and ultimately lose consciousness.
Rapidly attempting to return Tyranitar, the Iron Masked Marauder took out his Dark Ball. Quickly, Mew used Psychic to grab the Dark Balls away from the Iron Masked Marauder. She then gave a giggle as the human foolishly attempted to catch and grab the levitating balls back.
Clenching his fist, he commanded the two remaining Pokémon to attack. "Weavile! Scizor! All-out attack! Do whatever you like—just show them no mercy!"
Mewtwo narrowed his eyes. Not wanting to hurt the brain-washed Pokémon, he dodged their attacks. The Weavile was extremely fast using several Slash attacks on the purple psychic Pokémon. Just then, Scizor jumped out from behind and used Cut as a surprise attack. Mewtwo at once used Protect to defend himself from their onslaught of blows from the two.
"Why isn't Mewtwo attacking?" Misty wondered loudly, watching their battle.
"I'm guessing he's just trying to wear Weavile and Scizor out," explained Brock.
"Then why did he attack Tyranitar?"
"He didn't attack him. But since Tyranitar is the most threatening, maybe making it faint would be for the best."
While Mewtwo was busy with the two overpowered Pokémon, the Iron Masked Marauder glanced over at Mew's direction, studying her like a hitman on a target. "That Pokémon…I…I've seen it before…" He then recalled the images from Giovanni's presentation in the meeting. "Mew!" he realised. Calling the Team Rocket team discreetly, he sent word to the leading agents in-charge of Mew's capture.
"It's no use, Mewtwo. They are running on an artificial kind of power that we have little knowledge of. We have to battle them," Mew softly told Mewtwo through her thoughts. She then sent an Aura Sphere attack towards Weavile just as it was going to slash Mewtwo's back. The super-effective attack was a direct and critical hit, knocking the Weavile without delay. "I'm sorry…" she apologised to it, remorseful for attacking a Pokémon who was not consciously aware of what it was doing.
Mewtwo closed his eyes in his reflection. Could Mew be right? Fighting is not always the answer… Opening his eyes as he sensed Scizor aim an attack directly towards him, he used Psychic to carry the Scizor mid-air and threw him against the ground. "Yet if we are to tend to those we care for, we should know when it is right to stand your ground and battle," he finished, looking towards Mew, grateful for the insights and new lesson she shared.
Seeing Mewtwo face her with intense eyes, Mew blushed and quickly responded with a small smile. Looking at the Dark Balls she still held with Psychic, she considered that perhaps breaking the altered pokéballs could set the Pokémon free. However, it was still a risky game to play as she had seen how the Pokémon are deeply connected to their Pokéballs.
"You have to destroy the Pokéballs, Mew!" Ash told her.
Shaking her head, she spoke to him of her dilemma. However, Brock stepped in, telling her that the Dark Balls were not the similar pokéballs that allow Pokémon to rest and feel comfortable. "It's like a prison to them," he explained. "The Pokémon are out here now. It's going to be okay."
Agreeing with Brock's logic, Mew ultimately crushed the Dark Balls. Tiny sparks of electricity and black dust emitted from its remains. Weavile, Scizor, and Tyrannitar slowly opened their eyes, the dullness once found within now a thing of the past. The Pokémon nervously looked around their surroundings, all obviously terrified and confused about what was going on.
"Haha…Hahaha…HAHAHA!" The Iron Masked Marauder began to laugh maniacally. "You may have destroyed the Dark Balls...you may have set those Pokémon free...but you're too late! They're coming for you," he growled with an evil glare directed at Mew. "They're coming for you…Mew…"
"Argh, who?! Who is coming? What sneaky evil plans do you have?" Ash yelled out, standing up and rushing to the man with an urge to hit him. Misty grabbed on to his arm, shaking her head and telling him it was not worth it.
"That's a question you should take with our boss."
Suddenly, an unfamiliar, sly feminine voice resounded from above. On a floating platform stood the platinum-blonde Team Rocket spy, Annie.
"It looks like Mew has some friends too," added Oakley, Annie's silver-haired sister who stood on a similar yet separate platform.
"Now who are you two this time?" roared Misty.
"A shame, Oakley… They don't recognise elite Team Rocket spies when they see us," Annie told her sister with a palm by her cheek, faking a disappointed expression.
"Well, that's the point, Annie."
"Team Rocket again?!" Ash yelled out.
"Pikaaa!" even Pikachu seemed sick and tired of them.
"Just so you little wimps know, this is a state-of-the-art Team Rocket mission!" blared the Iron Masked Marauder as the two ladies descended. "Even if you did try to stop us, all your attempts would just be futile. We have weapons, machines, and an army. Surrender and your lives shall be spared."
"Argh, never!" shouted Ash with a clenched fist.
"Hmph. Stubborn little nut, isn't he?" remarked Oakley. Just beside Ash, she noticed the Mythical Pokémon levitating. "Hey, look! Beside the boy…it's Mew!" she whispered to Annie.
The blonde spy replied, "Yeah, I know, but what's that other bigger purple Pokémon beside it?"
Mewtwo spun his head towards the direction of the spies, amethyst eyes fuming with anger. "You humans have threatened and assaulted this land long enough. Your presence is no longer, nor will it ever be, welcomed."
"The audacity! What Pokémon are you anyway?"
"That is none of your concern," Mewtwo responded, levitating on par to their level mid-air. Summoning a shadow ball, he threw a warning shot towards their platforms. "I will not repeat myself. Leave at once!" he said, his tone sounding even more dangerous.
Oakley gave a contemptuous smile. "Anything that goes around here is very much our concern," she said as she skillfully jumped off the platform, landing in front of the three Trainers. "Annie! Phase two!"
At this, Annie acrobatically flipped to the ground as well, landing perfectly on her heels. With a synchronised press of a black button hidden in the wrist of their gloves, the spies sent their hovering platforms to fly straight towards Mewtwo. The impact gave a deafening blast and filled the air with smoke. Unable to react quickly enough, Mewtwo fell and crashed to the ground.
"Mewtwo!" Mew cried out.
Without a moment's delay, Annie and Oakley released the oval-shape devices and tossed it to the ground beneath the levitating Mew. In a matter of seconds, the devices enlarged and enveloped the Pokémon in a pink sphere. Instinctively, Mew tried to break free, yet as she touched the edge of the spherical barrier, electric jolts shocked her body.
Mew felt as if a thousand shards impaled her, like thousands of needles forcefully pressing through her fur and skin. Exhausted and weakened by the pain, Mew trembled and fell feebly, eyes drawing to a close.
"MEW!" Misty cried out. Her jade eyes now flooding with tears, she begged for Team Rocket to release the Pokémon—to free her friend. "Please…please…she has done nothing wrong to you…"
Just then, the Trainers were blocked by two red flashes of light. Espeon and Ariados, Annie and Oakley's respective Pokémon, had them in control. Using String Shot, Ariados then coiled them in its white, sturdy web.
"See to it that these brats don't get close to Mew," ordered Oakley.
"Annie and Oakley to Team Rocket Alpha team. We've got Mew," said Annie, speaking through an ear-piece. "Come in immediately. We have…a third party."
Recovering from the fall, Mewtwo immediately stood and brushed the remaining debris of dirt off his shoulder. "Who did you summon?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Our boss. I bet he'd be delighted to meet you all. Won't he, Oakley?"
"Thrilled—I must say!"
It may seem that only a mere second passed when a sleek, black fighter jet emerged from the horizon and into sight. From the top of the vehicle, rose a man in a suit. He stood proudly, an air of charisma, confidence, and malevolence surrounding him. Finally gaining consciousness, the first image Mew gasped was the sight of this man. Her nightmares flashed as landscapes of scenes through her mind, wildly presented in disarray. Her body was numb, yet her mind was rising.
"Mewtwo," she whispered to her clone, speaking to him through her thoughts. "Mewtwo…"
"Mew, please hold on. Do not submit. I promise I'll get you out of there."
"No…Mewtwo. It is…him. It is the man in my nightmares. Go! Please, hide away. If he sees you, he will kill you…or worse, he will use you."
Mewtwo shook his head. "No, Mew. I can not—and will not—run and hide away." His facade softened. "I know this man. I know his selfish desires to enslave Pokémon. He will do horrible things to you. I can never allow that. I will never have him enslave you!"
Emboldened by his will to save Mew, the powerful clone dashed through Espeon and Ariados and with Psychic, concentrated his energy on the machines. The machines easily exploded, parts of it scattering everywhere. The blast caught everyone's intention, astonished eyes and gaped mouths painted everyone's faces.
However, none is comparable to the surprise of the Team Rocket leader. "Such power…" the man on the pillar murmured to himself. "Could this be…Mewtwo…?"
Briefly, in the aftermath of the machine's destruction, Mewtwo held out both his paws to cradle the fragile Mew. He gazed at her, the typical fierce and fiery eyes that mirrored his savage heart softening. Mew smiled as she saw his face, blinking her bright and vivid blue eyes that gave life and hope to the world. Once again, amethyst met sapphire. Albeit at the surface of his emotions was relief and growing compassion, Mewtwo felt guilty and inadequate for having fallen short of protecting her. He was enraged with himself and with Team Rocket.
Finally free of Ariados' web, the Trainers then hurriedly made their way to Mew and Mewtwo.
"Sorry," began Brock. "We came as quickly as we could. How is Mew?"
"Mew is weak," said Mewtwo. "But very much alive."
Misty placed a tender hand over the little Pokémon's furry head. Warm tears fell freely on her cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Mew…" she sobbed.
Ash shook his head. "We're sorry. We should've helped more! Should've fought harder!" Pikachu empathised with his Trainer and placed a comforting paw on his cheek.
Just then, Ash felt some weight rest on his other shoulder. "You must not be too hard on yourself," Mewtwo said. "If there is to be any fault, it would be mine. I should have protected Mew. I should have been stronger."
The conversation was, however, cut short with Giovanni's interruption. "How touching," he mocked. "Isn't your heart just filled with wrath? Anger? Hate? Do you wish to murder me now?" With a sly smile, he called out his name: "Mewtwo."
Mewtwo's heart pounded rapidly. He remembers me? Despite this, he sustained his calm demeanour, careful of how the man may be reading him. "How do you know my name?"
Domino's eyes widened. Those idiots were actually telling the truth, she thought to herself. Now having confirmed Mewtwo's existence, she glided towards where the other elite Team Rocket members stood, then whispered, "Now for phase three."
"We have met before…haven't we?" bluffed Giovanni, holding on the rail of the platform.
Mewtwo handed Mew over to Misty, requesting that she care for him while he faced off with the Team Rocket leader. Now on par, Mewtwo narrowed his eyes and glared at the evil man. "I do not think so," he said.
Giovanni smugly smiled. "Oh? But I believe we have so. You see, wiping away one's memory does not alter the events that have been permanently marked through time and space."
"Explain yourself," demanded Mewtwo. "What have you done to this land, and what do you plan to do with Mew?"
"Is it not already obvious, my friend?" Giovanni said as he petted his Persian. "I vow to make use of Mew's incredible powers to my own purposes. As you may have already known, this Mythical Pokémon has the phenomenal ability to become any other Pokémon there is! Hence, every form of attack will be of my own to control!" he laughed. "And with this structure that generates power and energy throughout this entire landmass would be a perfect spot for my Team Rocket headquarters," continued Giovanni. "So, you see, this entire operation is very much important to me."
"Your operation is nothing but pure malice," bellowed Mewtwo. "You have no respect for this land nor for the lives of those who dwell in it." A blue aura of psychic energy then began to envelop Mewtwo's body as he rose higher. "This tree is Mew's home, and you have devastated it. You then wish to make use of her as if she was not a living creature with a sacred purpose at all!"
"You seem to have a soft side for Mew…" Giovanni acknowledged. "Very well, let's put those feelings to the test…"
Hearing this, Mew immediately leapt away from Misty's arms. Domino, on cue, jumped high and threw the collar-like device she was handed with earlier towards Mewtwo's neck. The clone's eyes widened at the unanticipated attack. He thought it was too late to dodge, until he felt a strong push to his shoulder, throwing him off course and evading him from the device's reach. Recovering himself from the blow, what he saw shocked him even further.
Mew used what remained of her strength to save him. Domino let out a gasp. The Trainers' eyes were left wide open. The other Team Rocket members gawked.
Giovanni's reaction remained unaltered. He expected for Mew to do such a thing. "Such fools…" he chuckled.
The collar locked on to Mew's neck and, in a split second, the Pokémon lost consciousness. Without a second's delay, Mewtwo flew down and made haste to catch her just in time. His arms around her body, he hovered towards where their three young friends stood.
"Mew!" they called out in unison, leaning in closer as their hearts pumped slowly.
"Mew, why…? Why would you do that?" was all Mewtwo could utter.
Suddenly, Mew's neck began to crane side-to-side in dynamic, aggressive motions. Ash and his friends took a step back, visibly worried and frightened. Mewtwo narrowed his brows, gravely concerned on what was happening. Even the elite Team Rocket officers anxiously backed away.
"Mew?" Ash called her name softly.
Nothing happened. Then, out of the blue, Mew's eyes abruptly opened. The three let out a scream, falling off their balance in their terror. The bright sapphire eyes everyone was familiar with, was now compensated with dull, greyish ones. An angry red aura surrounded Mew's body, bursting at incredible power, and sending all those who near her flying a few feet away.
"Once again…as I have stated, Mewtwo," challenged Giovanni. "Let us put those feelings to the test."