Chapter 12

Ash stood poised in an open area just outside of Fuchsia City, Neesha and Corey along with him. The three had decided to travel a short time again once the weekend was over and Ash had his gym badge, but first, Ash had a Pokémon to deal with. His friends had both of their starters out with moves ready to use should they need to assist but truthfully, Ash's starters should be enough. That night after the Safari Zone incident Ash had taken Golurk to Nurse Joy after hours and had the Pokémon checked on. The Nurse was very patient and understanding and when the actual exam came, she was very much the professional that she was trained to be. Golurk was still unconscious when he was brought out and the massive Pokémon was so large he almost took up half the exam room. Half way through his exam his yellow eyes flared to life and Ash almost brought out his starters but when he saw the eyes lacked the glowing red hatred from earlier he stilled his hand.

The entire time Nurse Joy was working, the ground and ghost type Pokémon kept his gaze fixed on Ash and the two of them shared the beginnings of a bond that would last a life time. A single thought hit Ash while they looked into each other's eyes and it was this, "Why?"

Ash smiled and focused his thoughts towards the large Pokémon, "You needed help…you were afraid and no one was listening to your cries…your rage would have consumed you." Golurk gently nodded his head in acceptance before closing his eyes for rest.

Now, Ash was ready to speak with the giant Pokémon on even terms. Lance was worried when he called Ash this morning but the younger trainer assured the Champion that everything would work out. "You guys ready?" Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard all nodded in agreement before Ash threw the pokeball and brought out his Pokémon.

Golurk appeared with a mighty cry and brought his arms down to emphasize his power before he looked around and let his eyes rest upon Ash. "Golurk?"

Ash nodded at the Pokémon, "How are you feeling?" A rumble of thanks was what was given in response, causing Ash to continue his conversation, "Golurk we are in a little bind here…I know that you are not from this region and that you are nervous as all can be."

The giant Pokémon nodded, "But I'm afraid that if I release you, more trainers will come after you. Your species are very powerful and capable of standing toe to toe with the best out there."

Golurk's yellow eyes flashed towards Ash's three starter Pokémon, "The only reason they defeated you was because of your weakened state of fear. Pokémon fall into rage and while their attacks become super powerful and they feel no pain, their stamina is just as it was before. The combined power of Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn, and Hydro Cannon would be more than enough to take down any Pokémon." The young trainer was silent for a moment to let his words sink in before he continued. "I know that staying with a human isn't the most glamorous sounding deal right now, but I will make you a deal. If you stay with me, I promise to make you stronger than ever and when I finally travel to the Unova Region I will release you if you want."

Golurk's eyes widened at this….here he was under the impression that he would be locked into servanthood for the rest of his life but this human….who not hours ago put himself in harm's way to save him from his anger, was again being selfless and offering to return him to his home. This pushed his hatred for humans until it was almost none existent. The massive Pokémon looked down at Ash and nodded, "Gol."

Ash smiled and chuckled, "Welcome to the team Golurk." At that declaration all of Ash's pokeballs burst open and his team came forth to meet their newest member. The teen trainer found himself on the ground however Munchlax simply waived and then fell asleep….right on top of Ash. Corey and Neesha started laughing at their younger friend as he interacted with his Pokémon.

*PSOR*

A week later found Ash standing in an open field with his newest members before him. Since deciding to train yet again before his gym battle, Ash brought all of his Pokémon with him and while the senior members were fighting it out, the newest members to the team was awaiting their instruction. Neesha and Corey were training just on the opposite side of the field to give Ash the room he needed.

"Ok, let's get started you guys…..already you each have amazing move sets and play to different strengths but together you can learn and grow. Let's start with the easiest, between the five you we have the ability to learn the elemental punches, which given that you each are close combat Pokémon, this will give a huge advantage. So, Elekid I want you to show the group Thunder Punch and Fire Punch while Munchlax shows you how to use Ice Punch. Focus on ease of using the attack first and then we will establish the power aspect."

Ash stood back as Elekid stepped up first and started speaking to the assembled Pokémon. Brining up his fist he concentrated on making the heat from his energy move to his fist and then ignite into flames. With it being demonstrated, it started out as a small stream of smoke before slowly bursting into a spark. Turning around, the small Electric type hissed out as he slammed his fist into a nearby rock and canceled the attack. He then held up his arm again and hissed out the instructions for Thunder Punch before demonstrating as well. When it was time for Ice Punch Ash was genuinely surprised that Munchlax was so energetic in regards to the concept of improving his battle skills but the normal type happily demonstrated the powerful move. The group then dispersed and began working on the moves and made a lot of progress with them before Ash finally called the quits. He smiled as his team ate later that evening, knowing full well that their future looked bright.

*PSOR*

Another week went by and we find Ash, Corey, and Neesha walking away from Fuchsia City with Ash looking at the newest badge in his collection. The small pink heart in his hand shimmered in the noon day sun as he walked with his friends. The battle against Janine went rather well with Ash coming out on top with a 1-3 victory. Kadabra, Cranidos, and Nidoking worked greatly against the poison type gym leader and proved to Ash that his team was continuing to grow by leaps and bounds. Cranidos was the first up against Janine's Venomoth and the small rock type put up one hell of a fight. With his versatile move set and amazing power he fought the poison type to a standstill before taking the win with a well-placed flamethrower. Cranidos' victory was short lived when Janine brought out a Crobat and defeated him with a powerful steel wing. Ash's response was Kadabra and despite the difficulties he had to begin with, the psychic type proved himself successful when he beat Crobat.

The final Pokémon that Janine brought out was a massive purple Pokémon with a deadly looking horn on its head. The creature's overall appearance was that of a centipede with the addition of two deadly looking horns upon its head. This Pokémon was a Scolipede, a rare and powerful poison and bug type from the far away region of Unova. The fact that she had this Pokémon excited Ash. Kadabra fought very well but ultimately the combination of Scolipede's power and secondary bug typing overwhelmed the psychic type. Finally came Nidoking who was easily in for the fight of his life. A brutal battle followed and it came down to a duel between Megahorn. At the last moment, Nidoking pulled the last of his strength and overpowered his opponent, securing Ash his fifth badge.

Now as they were walking the subject of what to do next came up. "So, where to next?"

Ash chewed on his bottom lip for a moment before he spoke, "I'm thinking of heading back towards Saffron City. Blaine was a former Elite Four member so I don't want to push my limits just yet."

Corey chuckled at this, "Ash, I'm pretty sure your team would be able to handle Blaine at this point, but fighting against a trainer with that kind of record might not be wise right now."

Neesha wrapped Ash a hug from behind causing the Pallet Town trainer to blush when he felt her breast push into his back, "Ash we know you can do it. Just keep trying your hardest."

Neesha kissed his cheek and giggled at the stunned teen's expression.

Corey rolled his eyes, "I think you broke him Neesha."

The older teen smiled coyly, "Jealous Corey? You know you are my favorite." The other male in their group waved his hand, "I know, but poor little Ash doesn't know how to handle that much woman."

The joke caused Ash to shake his head and smile, "That was mean." The group shared a good natured laugh before stopping at a fork in the road.

Corey shifted his backpack, "I guess this is where we split for now Ash. Neesha and I are heading towards Seafoam Islands; I guess there are pods of Lapras that come to the islands to rest on their migration."

Neesha went all starry eyed, "I would love to capture one of those Pokémon…they are just so adorable."

Ash shook his head, "You are more likely to see one of the legendary birds then to capture a Lapras legally…their numbers still are too low for legal capture….all thanks to the over poaching."

Neesha nodded, "A girl can dream though." A comfortable silence fell between the friends before Corey stood tall, "Well, we will be seeing you soon Ash….if not before then during the Pokémon League." The group agreed and walked down their separate paths and onto their continued future.

*PSOR*

Ash arrived in Saffron City after a good three weeks of traveling, instead of taking cycle path back towards Celadon; the teen had taken the water front that led up the coast back towards Lavender City. There were many trainers that were more than eager to battle the up and coming trainer. It proved perfect training for the youngest members of the group and Ash was very pleased with Eevee's and Deino's progress. Both Pokémon clearly fit well on the battle fields and scored several victories. When he finally arrived in Saffron City he took some time to rest with his team at the Pokémon center. While his friends were being looked over by Nurse Joy the young man happened to be watching the news and caught coverage of the Cerulean City Gym.

"We bring you this live report from local gym leader and rising star Misty Waterflower, the youngest of the Sensational Sisters."

The reporter looked over at Misty, whom to Ash looked more attractive than ever.
"Misty you have been the gym leader of Cerulean Gym now for several months and you have a very impressive record of only seven losses in that period…the people of Kanto have to know what changed recently to turn your gym around, were your sisters up until now running it?"

Misty thought over her answer before nodding, "While it's true that my sisters were running the gym, they really cared more for their water ballets than the art of Pokémon battling…that was left to me. The downside was that most of the gym's Pokémon haven't been really trained by me, and to be honest, I didn't want to be a gym leader with Pokémon that I didn't raise. So, I left to become a water Pokémon master."

The interviewer quirked his eyebrow at this, "You just up and left your home to improve your skills?" Misty nodded, "Probably not the best idea but for someone who has lived her whole life around water Pokémon it seemed like the best plan…granted it was to prove anyone who doubted me wrong…but I'm still glad that I did it."

The interviewer nodded in acceptance, "Many of us in Cerulean are all amazing at the talent you have shown in the past few months….any insight to the rise in skill?"

Misty thought for a moment before smiling, "In truth a lot of my skill has come from a very dear friend of mine who is on his Pokémon journey through Kanto….it was because of him that I learned different training styles and learned to bring out the best in each of my Pokémon. My Tentacruel is a testimate to this, just as the rest of my team is."

The interviewer nodded and smiled a little, "Very dear friend hmm? Is it possible that our resident gym leader has a crush? And is there any chance that we can know the name of this mysterious trainer?" Misty blushed lightly, "My personal life is just that, my own, and as for his name I'm afraid I won't give that out either." The water trainer then got a playful smile upon her face, "But rest assured…you will hear his name when this year's Pokémon league is over."

*PSOR*

Ash chuckled at this and made a mental note to call Misty after his gym battle but turned his attention towards his next battle….Sabrina of the Saffron City gym was renown as one of the most powerful, if not the most power, psychics in the world. Adding to this trait was her cold demeanor and breathtaking beauty…all in all….a very impressive package. The teen trainer had researcher her battles and knew that she often communicated with her Pokémon via their mental link and this was something that Ash was going to have to disrupt. Now, he could have Golurk simply power through the psychic team but he didn't want to simply use his powerful Pokémon…Deino was perfect for the initial battle and if Ash planned right…this would be all he needed….however, fate and a certain God Pokémon had other plans for the rising trainer…in the form of a legendary Pokémon.

*PSOR*

New Island

"Where…am I?"

A pair of powerful and confused eyes slowly opened up and took in the dark surroundings of the room the owner was in. The room was entirely black except for a single light that shown down upon the creature in the center of the room. The being's eyes focus again and looked around before remembering the location. "My purpose…of course….how could I forget."

Falling silent…the creature let his head fall down and took a breath in annoyance as the armor that encased his body wined as it moved. The creature let his mind wonder and try to process his life thus far…. "I…am Mewtwo….I am unlike other Pokémon of this world. While others have been brought into this world and raised in the hands of parents and families…I was raised by humans in the cold binds of science. I was created for man's own greed to further his power and dominion over this world. I am nothing more than a weapon….an item. I have been used to destroy and attack…capture, torture, battle, all because humans have a hole that cannot be filled within their souls. My purpose is that of a laboratory specimen…a test subject for their 'cloning' process. I was created from the legendary Pokémon Mew and by the rules of the Pokémon world I myself am a legendary…the most powerful Pokémon in the world. And yet with all my power…here I stand in chains…."

A voice broke the psychic's thoughts, "As it should be."

Mewtwo's head jerked up and he felt his anger grow upon seeing the Rocket Admins, Archer smirked, "You were created by humans to obey humans and thus far your purpose has been a great success."

Mewtwo's psychic powers started to flare but his armor then seized up and started shocking his body. Archer chuckled coldly, "You should know better by now Mewtwo…your powers are limited by that armor so that only I can use it when needed. Thankfully it has worked so this means that we can move on to the next phase of our testing."

Mewtwo looked up, "You said the tests were over."

Ariana brushed her hair out of her face, "Please, the tests are only beginning…you are the first and only successful clone we have created so we need to find out what made you a success. This way we can create an army of clone Pokémon that are loyal to only us…no longer will we have to capture Pokémon and raise them. With your abilities, we can create Pokémon and rule the world in no time."

The former Rocket generals snickered at this and Archer started talking to them about upcoming tests for Mewtwo, leaving the legendary to his thoughts again.

"So is this my lot in life? Nothing more than a test subject?"

His eyes widened when a soft voice answered, "No it isn't my child…your destiny is so much more."

Mewtwo looked up at the Admins to see if they heard the voice, "Who are you?"

The voice answered back, "I am known by many names, Alpha, Omega, The First and the Last, God, but you my child, may call me Arceus or Father."

Mewtwo's eyes widened at this, "Father? I have no father…I am a clone."

This statement made Arceus frown in sadness, "This is true my child…but that doesn't make you any less important to me. All my children are just that…my children. I sense the conflict within you Mewtwo and I want to help you. You have the power to escape…and I have someone who will show you what it is to be in a family and wanted as a friend…just like Amber."

Mewtwo's eyes widened drastically at this, "Amber is dead."

Arceus chuckled softly, "But she is with me child…you shall see your friend again one day, but for now you must escape and then fly to the forest just outside of Saffron City…there I will have my chosen one meet you and he will show you the meaning of family."

Mewtwo was about to say something in regards to trading one master for another but the tone of Arceus' voice and the mention of Amber told him otherwise… "Do you promise that I will find meaning in life?"

Arceus smiled and reached out with his powerful presence to wrap Mewtwo in an aura of comfort, "My son, you shall find so much more…now awaken and be free!"

*PSOR*

Mewtwo's eyes shot open and he saw that the Admins were still talking about his tests. Arceus' words rang deep within and Mewtwo began to summon his powers, "This cannot be…my destiny!"

The full might of his powers rushed forward and the armor was blasted into oblivion which caused the Admins to turn and look, "What is this? Mewtwo stop this at once!"

Mewtwo slowly levitated towards them as an alarm sounded, bringing the small population of the former Team Rocket to the lab, "I have been given new life and a path has been laid out before me….you do not control me….you dreamed of creating the world's most powerful Pokémon….and you succeeded."

As Mewtwo said this, his powers flared around him like a raging fire and then solidified into a glowing blue orb that then expanded, engulfing everything in its path. The screams of humans and Pokémon within the lab echoed through Mewtwo's mind but he didn't care….something told him that these human's and Pokémon were evil. His power exploded out and the entire island was covered in a dense light that disintegrated everything….ending the limited return of Team Rocket.

The psychic legendary surveyed his work and then turning towards Kanto he took off with a single thought, "I am free."

*PSOR*

Ash's eyes shot open and quickly focused on the darkness of the room he was sleeping in. Sitting up in his bed, the young trainer looked around before moving so he could stand up. Quickly putting on his clothes and grabbing his belt with his pokeballs, Ash moved out of the room and down to the main entrance of the Pokémon Center. Once he was there he looked out at the quiet scene of Saffron City…which for as large of a place it was, was rather amusing. The young man slowly made his way through the dark streets and followed the feeling that was guiding him….for some reason, he felt called, like he was supposed to be looking for something or someone. This feeling only increase as Ash made his way towards the edge of the city and finally at the entrance of the woods. Standing still, Ash focused on the feeling and then turned his gaze into the darkness of the woods.

Nothing appeared so he glanced up into the sky and was greeted with the sight of a powerful blue object streaming down towards the forest at frightening speed. Every fiber in Ash's body screamed for him to run and warn the city but a tiny voice in the back of his mind told him to wait. Unsure as to why he was waiting…Ash watched as the orb of blue light rushed into the woods and slammed hard into the ground. The moment this happened the feeling returned and Ash rushed into the woods to locate the object.

He quickly found it and felt himself gape in shock. Standing before him was a cat like creature ablaze with psychic power. The being was taking a deep breath before it opened powerful eyes and looked at him. The moment their eyes connected, Ash's mind screamed in pain as his world was engulfed in the same blue glow as it had back in Vermillion City.

His mind linked with Mewtwo's and he instantly saw everything the legendary had gone through…from his creation to his meeting with Arceus. Ash's heart filled with sorrow as he felt the Pokémon's sadness when Amber and the other cloned Pokémon passed away, leaving him all alone in the world at the hands of Team Rocket. He finally felt cold hatred towards the evil team when they continued to persuade him that his place was as a slave.

Mewtwo was finding himself within Ash's mind and soul experiencing Ash's life. He saw Ash growing up with a loving family and friends, his first meeting his starters, and even his bitter rivalry with Gary. He saw Ash grow as a trainer and fight alongside his team in effort to grow better. Mewtwo felt his heart fill with a warmth that he never had before…a comfort and a determination rise within to become the very best Pokémon in the world and show everyone who he was.

When the psychic link was finished forming, both Ash and Mewtwo fell back in exhaustion and looked each other in the eyes, "That was intense…Mewtwo…"

Ash's words fell short as he recalled everything the Pokémon had gone through. "Do not feel pity for me Ash…it was my destiny to be brought into the world in such a way just as it is my destiny to become your Pokémon and help you become a Master."

Ash's eyes showed determination, "Are you sure?"

The new psychic legendary nodded, "When our minds linked I felt something I had long forgotten…something that I held only for a moment when I was with Amber and the other clone Pokémon….like I belonged. If going with you is the path to lead to this feeling of content then I take it with open arms."

Ash nodded and walked towards the Pokémon before surprising both of them and pulling Mewtwo into a power hug…letting a few tears land on his fine fur. "You will never be alone again Mewtwo…of that I can promise."

The legendary's eyes widened in shock before letting the pain that he had suffered begin to release and as the tears started to join Ash's, the wounds began to heal and Mewtwo's destiny was finally beginning.

And there we go. Another Chapter.

I do apologize for not updated sooner but I really wanted to take a different approach to Mewtwo and I know that a more fluffy moment isn't ideal but since I don't have Pikachu in the story I thought that Mewtwo could fill the position as the one who is that close to Ash.

Now, I look forward to reviews and comments…please send in ideas as well.

Until next time, this is your King signing off.

KingFatMan25