Chapter 75: Mewtwo's Counterattack

The light's overwhelming presence shut it eyes; darkness was eminent within his vision. For a moment, things were quiescent, until Sora heard Yoshi call his name. He opened his eyes; his vision was replete with the gamut of Yoshi's lineament. The dinosaur helped him stand up, asking if Sora was okay. After a quick evaluation, the boy confirmed his salubrious status. Link and Luigi ran over to join the two, forming a concourse, relieved that Sora wasn't cajoled by the afterlight's alluring beacon.

As Sora returned the Master Sword to Link, he asked, "Any sign of the mask?"

"None at all," Link said.

Sora looked up at the sky; nothing but blue hung overhead. The ailment of clouds was purged from its bright skin. Sora saw the moon retrograded to its position in the sky. Just barely visible due to being overmastered by daylight. Its face was gone.

"And it looks like moon no longer in flattening distance," Yoshi said.

Tension and anxiety would fain their silence before relief's declaration of peace. Everyone let out a sonorous exhale, impelling restlessness to disperse from their bodies. Link closed his eyes. Hyrule was safe once more. The weight of concern was no longer trussed around his waist. His body felt light, liberated of concern. Well, mostly. Zelda's whereabouts still alluded him. But at least the world they loved was ameliorated from danger. Life could resume its perambulate without fear.

"Mama-mia!" Luigi said, brushing his forehead in exhaustion. "Can't we just visit a world without having to save it?"

"And where's the fun in that?" Sora asked, with his famous grin.

Luigi groaned, and pulled down on his eyelid. "Look at these crow's feet. They're not here because I have an affinity for eye shadow, y'know!"

"Thanks for your help once again," Link said, as joy shimmered from his eyes, like the sun's reflection in clear water. "I can't even begin to express my gratitude."

Sora placed a gentle hand on Link's shoulder. "Not a problem! You're our friend. We'd never sit idly by if you're in trouble. That's just not our style."

"I concur," a familiar voice said. "Your assistance was much appreciated. We'd be facing clamantly right now without your efforts."

Everyone spun around, flinching upon seeing the Happy Mask Salesman. Yoshi clutched his chest. "Ahh! Yoshi's frail little heart! Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear!"

"Yoshi, you're a little too young to be having heart problems," Sora said, rolling his eyes with a chuckle.

"Where did you come from!?" Luigi asked, ague with fear.

"Why, I've been here the whole time." The Salesman reevaluated his sentence. "Mostly in spirit. Didn't want to get hurt, of course. Showed up right after the commotion died down."

Luigi whispered to Sora. "Not sure if him being here in spirit is an improvement or not."

Sora responded by elbowing him in the shoulder.

"But you did a superb job at ridding Hyrule of that heinous mask," the Salesman said.

"Is it gone for good?" Link asked.

The Salesman ruminated over that question – one that wended towards different conclusive avenues. "Alas, I cannot entirely verify that query. My expertise in masks is vast, but Majora is an enigma; no one has been able to understand its true power. For now, all we can do is move on with our lives."

Link gripped the hilt of his blade. Determination flit throughout his expression. No matter what happened, peace was never be a permeant state of existence. Someone or something would always have a prepossession for conflict. It was an inexorable notion. But Link wouldn't remain idle. He fought too hard to undo every single untoward thumbprint Ganondorf left in Hyrule's design. Link never wanted to live in such an era of misery again.

And so, his mission in life was clear: obviate the unconscionable from bringing forth a scion of darkness. It would be an interminable struggle. But the reward for protecting Hyrule was the satisfaction in knowing it was safe.

"If the mask does decide to reappear," Link said, with a steel resolve, "I'll be here to remind it of defeat once more."

"A worthy answer from Hyrule's hero," the Salesman said. His smile was different now. It was one of assurance. He could continue his wanderlust throughout Hyrule without worry. Link would always be there to debar disaster's injunction of suffering. "Now, let's see if I can provide some alleviation from this distressful morning. Masks at half price!"

He noticed everyone glaring at him.

"Oh," the Salesman said, letting out a nervous chuckle. "Masks are probably the last things you want to think about right now. Very well. I'll just have to take my business elsewhere. Farewell, my friends. Safe travels."

He left the marketplace, returning to the large field of Hyrule. The last vestige of his presence were the sounds of masks colliding with one another as he moved at a slow, steady pace. Certainty an indelible character. His being adduced curiosity, with a slow undercurrent of uneasiness swimming underneath it. They didn't even know his name.

But there was no point in inquiring further. He was just another stranger to them – a person that didn't cause any harm. In the end, he was an infinitesimal note in the appendix of their journey. Their main focus was on stopping Ansem's irrigation of darkness, poisoning the realm of light.

"Eccentric man," Link said. "But his heart is in the right place. If not for him, we never would've figured who was culpable for the moon's descension."

"Guess that's true," Luigi said. He let out a small shiver – that expression would not be effaced anytime soon, irrespective of his attempts at conjuring a plethora of happy thoughts. "As long as that twisted grin stays out of my peripheral vision, we'll continue to acknowledge each other's….existence."

Their trivial conversation was interrupted by the sound of sobbing; it led them to Skull Kid, curled up against the wall, pressing both hands in his eyes. Tears streamed down his face. They hit the ground, exploding into translucent fireworks of sorrow. Remorse tightened his stomach. He couldn't forgive himself for the imprecation brought upon the land. An opprobrium of negligence would forever follow him like a threadbare tail; it would drag against the ground, producing a scratching noise, reminding him of his sins.

Perhaps he was meant to be alone. To become an imperceptible part of the background, and taper away into nothingness. He was the problem; vanishing was his solution. The thought just eroded his spirits into insignificant soil. But the crying reached a surcease, as Skull Skid felt something infiltrate his personal space. He looked up see Link looming over him. Fear offered its succor, and the child found himself pressing his back against the wall. His body shook, terrified that Link would slay him next.

Although the ability to forget his inexcusable actions through eternal sleep was cogent.

But the Hero of Time kneeled over to the boy, facing him at eye level. His eyes accrued a plantation of commiseration. "It's alright. It wasn't your fault."

"Y-Yes, it was," Skull Kid said, plaintive. Guilt's grotesque design remained etched into his lineament. "I just…wanted a friend. One friend. And that mask just ended up using me."

"I understand," Link said, in a gentle tone, attempting to conciliate the child. "In times of desperation, we'll cling onto anything that gives us hope. No one is upset with you. You were just as much the victim."

But Link's words remained insurmountable to Skull Kid; he had been put through so much heartache in his life. How would this gainsay his view on things? "But no one will ever be friends with me. Look at me. I'm just some strange imp that wanders the forest."

"No, you're not," Link said, in a firm, compassionate tone. He was demur towards quitting on this child. Or anyone. Link understood Skull Kid's dilemma: he had passed through the same miserable threshold of loneliness. "You have feelings. You showed remorse for what happened. You're a person, too."

Link placed a gentle, carrying hand on Skull Kid's shoulder. He looked up in response, glancing at Link with curious, rheumy eyes.

"I'll be your friend," Link said, smiling.

Skull Kid was taken aback by that laconic sentence. It almost didn't seem real: was Link also being purport with him? Disinclination squeezed at his chest, as if hugging it like teddy bear for security. He didn't want to be manipulated again. His emotions were strewn about like garbage, unable to be recycled and reform into positivity. All he knew was rejection. He didn't want to be blessed with hope, only for it to be ripped away, leaving behind a permeant mark of despondence.

"But you're an adult," Skull Kid said, incredulous of the proposition. "All you care about is grown up things."

Link chuckled. "Don't let my age deceive you. I am a child at heart. Take a look at my attire. Notice something familiar?"

"You're wearing the clothes of a Kokiri," Skull Kid said, in sudden surprise.

"Yes," Link said. "I was raised as one. Although Hyrulian blood courses through my veins, I carry the spirit of a Kokiri child."

Link's deportment wasn't cozened in the slightest. It was incontrovertibly genuine. Skull Kid could feel an amiable heat perch itself upon his beak. He had never experienced such kindness before. Someone actually cared for his well-being. His tear ducts continued mass production of tears. But this time, it was because he had been reunited with an estranged acquaintance:

Joy.

"Y-You promise to be my friend?" Skull Kid asked in a meek tone, needing reassurance. "Despite how…strange I am?"

Link cordial expression never changed. "Promise."

"I'll be your friend, too!" Navi said, in alacrity.

Sora pulled Luigi and Yoshi into his arms. "Us as well! After all, we're all a little strange here. You'd fit in perfectly with us."

"Hey, I don't recall being strange as part of my coat of arms," Luigi said, frowning.

Sora placed Luigi in a playful chokehold. "Face it, buddy. You becoming a part of our team amplified the strangeness from day one. Wouldn't be nearly as weird without you."

"Well, glad I'm contributing to such a noble cause?" Luigi said, chuckling.

Skull Kid laughed at their banter. He gasped from producing that uplifting sound. Real laughter. It wasn't malicious or deriding. The burst of air was crisp with elation. It engendered him with happiness. He had people in his life that could be called friends. Tears continued rolling down his cheeks – small, salty droplets composed of this overwhelming bliss. He wanted to catch every drop in a bottle, keeping them forever.

Skull Kid had become errant from the trail of loneliness. He would never wander back towards it again.

Once emotions had desiccated like wax, the group exited the marketplace, where Epona waited for them. The sun continued spreading its seed of golden rays. It uprooted the group's mood from within the planet's dour undergrowth. They were content with their efforts. Hyrule and its denizens were regaled by peace's pleasant, halcyon aura; part of Link's conscience stepped out of a cold, restless hovel, bathing in its form.

Link helped Skull Kid onto Epona's saddle. His plan was to take Skull Kid home; but he would make occasional visits to the Lost Woods and spend time with his new friend. Skull Kid was ecstatic to enjoy every moment they spent together. Even if it was ephemeral.

"What's next for you, Sora?" Link asked, after placing Skull Kid on Epona's back.

"Still have some adventuring to do," Sora said. "We may have found the culprit behind this whole Heartless invasion."

Link appeared a bit dispirited. "And I'm guessing you haven't found Zelda yet."

Sora's throat tightened, being lassoed from the pressure of guilt. He wanted to tell him the truth, and make all his worries alight. But Zelda's own promise whispered in his head, not the least bit reticent in its injunction. He had to remain silent. For everyone's sake. Link needed to remain in Hyrule – he was its sword and shield in times of crisis. It needed him more than Zelda.

"No," Sora said. "But we're looking. I won't rest until she's saved!"

Link smiled; his concern started to be overtaken by a roistering sound of confident. "I am worried about her. But I shouldn't be overly concerned. After everything we've been through together, I have no doubt you'll find her. The three of you have become heroes in your own right."

The group blushed from the compliment. Being acknowledged by a legendary hero was an honor. And they would maintain that accolade by defeating Ansem and bringing serenity back to every world imaginable.

"We'll keep looking!" Sora said, indefatigable reassurance. "We don't want to let you down."

"I know you won't," Link said. "Navi, will you continue to help them?"

"Of course!" Navi said, trying to circumvent sadness from whistling a sour tune from her windpipe. She would accede to him, despite hating the idea of being separated again. Making him happy took precedence over anything else. "But I'll be back soon. Staying gone for too long only makes me miss you more."

Navi flew right up to Skull Kid's face.

"Try not to hog Link all for yourself, young man," Navi said, in a joking tone.

"Yes, ma'am," Skull Kid said, chuckling.

Link extended a hand to Sora. "I look forward to seeing you soon."

Sora felt himself sinking into a moat of hesitation. He was reminded of what Leon told him yesterday. This may well be their last time together. Another friend he was forced to never see again. He hefted a sack of sorrow onto his shoulders. It grew heavier with each passing second. But he had to swallow those feelings for now. He wasn't ready to unveil the truth. Especially in front of his friends.

"Y-Yeah, of course," Sora said, feigning a smile.

"Good. Looking forward to going on another adventure with you."

"Same here."

Perhaps it was because they were tired, but Link didn't seem bothered by Sora's strange behavior. The Hero of Time had other matters on his mind, such as helping to rebuild the marketplace, and still thinking about Zelda. It was a concern that didn't need to be docketed within his thoughts.

But Luigi and Yoshi were a whole other story. They knew Sora better than anyone else. It wasn't like him to response with such little emotion – the antithesis to his gestalt of positivity. This uncharacteristic behavior started yesterday. Was he still feeling the effects of being a Heartless? Or…was there something else troubling him?

Either way, they could not let this behavior fester, infecting every fiber of his being like a disease.

Once everyone was aboard the ship, Luigi sat down at the controls and woke the engines up from a peaceful slumber. They roared in enthusiasm, eager to make the trek into space. But before Luigi prepared for a liftoff, he heard a sudden beeping from the 3DS. He removed it from his pocket, opened the shell, and saw an email appear on screen. Its subject read: "CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE." He read over the email; as his eyes darted across each line, distress peered out from the pupils.

The others sat in their seats. Sora was inexpressive, still feeling the manacles of guilt and sadness tug at his wrists. He didn't know how to tell them. In fact, he wasn't looking forward to hearing the terrible news leave his mouth. It was still beyond heartbreaking.

"I feel so bad for not telling Link the truth," Navi said, landing on Sora's armrest. "But making him worry even more is the last thing he needs. I'll respect Princess Zelda's wishes. Still, keeping such an important secret makes me feel awful inside."

"I know what you mean," Sora said, as if his subconscious raised his thoughts to the surface like a mast.

"Pardon?" Navi asked.

"I mean, yeah, it's awful," Sora said, trying to catch his mistake in a net. "Anyone would feel that way. Don't worry. We'll rectify that soon."

Yoshi stared at Sora. Suspicion had surmounted the top of Yoshi's head. Sora's salient behavior meant he was hiding something. But what? And why? He trusted Yoshi with his life. There was no reason to keep something secret. Sora had taught him to speak up in the past. Yet he was myopic to his own advice? Yoshi struggled to connect the contradictory pieces in this situation.

The dinosaur wanted to say something, but Sora spoke up first. "Let's head back to Hallow Bastion and tell Zelda the good news. Maybe she and the others found out where Ansem is."

"Afraid we won't be heading there just yet," Luigi said, turning to everyone with a serious expression. "Have another detour to make."

"What are you talking about?" Sora asked.

"Read this, and you'll understand why." Luigi handed Sora the 3DS.

As Sora read through the email on screen, his expression took a sudden turn from confusion to absolute worry. He looked up at Luigi; his physiognomy hardened like copper, shimmering with resolve. "Luigi…"

"Let me guess," Luigi said, letting out a small smirk. "Set a course for the coliseum?"

"Right away," Sora said, in an urgent tone. "They need our help!"

Luigi chuckled. "Typical Sora answer." He faced the control panel. "Here we go again!"

They ascended into the air, and took off at blazing speeds into space, in an intense race with time. Their mission? To reach the finish line before something horrible befalls the coliseum. Sora didn't want his last memories of Red and Pikachu to be an elegiac snapshot.

After arriving outside of the coliseum, Sora, Luigi, and Yoshi hurried inside, noticing the wide opened area had been abandoned. The vendor tables were empty, bereft of loud, boisterous voices selling products. Only desolation stayed behind, continuing its immutable meandering throughout the vicinity. Sora hugged himself, trying to quell the sudden chill crawling through his skin. It was almost as derelict as the marketplace.

But there was no time for sightseeing. Not when everyone was leaning over a precipice of disaster. One more inch forward and it could mark the end of this world. Exigency showed them forward with the strength of a plow. They hurried towards the doors to the coliseum.

"I hope everyone's alright!" Sora said.

"Team Rocket touch, but Red tougher!" Yoshi said, encouraging optimism.

"Even so," Sora said, feeling a trickle of caution, "the Heartless are always a problem. We better get in there before the bleachers are filled with them."

But they soon came to a halt upon noticing a female police officer with blue hair guarding the entrance. Police tape was placed on the door; a yellow obtrusive tattoo that signified danger.

"Well, if we attempt to bust in now, it's gonna be twenty five days in the pokey," Luigi said, with a long sigh. He glanced at Yoshi. "And no. I'm not talking about the cacti you dub mid-morning snack."

Yoshi snapped his finger in disappointment.

"Well, we gotta get in there somehow," Sora said, in an urgent tone.

"Easy," Yoshi said, with an air of confidence. "Luigi a plumber. We have clearance."

Luigi narrowed his brow. "Yes. My years of cleaning toilets will entice her to let us through."

"Let's at least talk to her," Sora said, growing impatience from their badinage.

The group approached the officer and explained why she could use recourse from them. Although she listened with an attentive ear, the office was implacable in her verdict. "Sorry, boys. While I appreciate your enthusiasm to help, I can't allow citizens to enter the building. The law is the law."

"But we not citizens," Yoshi said, smirking, "because we not come from this world."

"In the case," the officer said, stern, "you three would be in trouble for trespassing on this planet without proper documentation."

Luigi smacked his forehead in aggravation. "Great going. Never try exploiting loopholes again, Yoshi."

Yoshi responded with a pout, upset from the criticism.

"Don't worry," the officer said. "I won't hold that against you. You three seem like good Samaritans. But sometimes doing good, especially in these kinds of situations, can be reckless. There are hostages in there. Safe at the moment, but outside interference could lead to complications."

"I understand that," Sora said, obstinate in losing this argument. "But they won't last long. There are these dark creatures that could devour their hearts soon! Not unless we do something!"

The officer's patience was deteriorating faster than wallpaper. "There's nothing more we can do, kid. Please leave immediately! Arguing is only making the situation worse."

The sound of an explosion soon interjected into the conversation. Everyone turned to see smoke right nearby them. A familiar swordsman with blonde hair leaped out from it, holding his giant sword with both hands. A large, gray, bipedal, rhinoceros-like creature jumped out, too, swinging its tail at him. He jerked his head back to avoid the attack.

The rhinoceros raised the horn on its snout next. Cloud raised his blade at a diagonal angle, catching the incoming strike. He looked over his shoulder to see Sora's group.

"Cloud!" Sora said, overjoyed.

"Really?" Cloud asked. "The CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE email didn't give you the hint?"

Cloud used all of his strength to push the rhinoceros' head upward. He then delivered a powerful slash cross the Pokémon's stomach, knocking it back a fair distance. The Pokémon gritted its teeth, remaining stable against the tidal wave of pain; its fortitude did not capsize. Cloud went on the offense with a vertical strike. The Pokémon swung its horn straight into the giant blade, producing a cloud clang that hummed throughout the vicinity.

As the two found themselves sojourn within an impasse, a giant, blue, jellyfish-like Pokémon prepared to invade the space from behind them. It hovered in the air, with stern eyes locked on Cloud's position.

Yoshi noticed the jellyfish-like Pokémon, and gasped. "Cloud, behind you!"

Cloud spun around to see the new Pokémon charge straight for him. The warrior's heart grew restive; he knew there was no time to dodge the attack. But the jellyfish-like creature's path was blocked by a familiar yellow mouse with red cheeks.

"Pika-CHUUUUUUUUUUU!" the little mouse said, releasing a powerful shout deep from within his diaphragm.

A giant lightning bolt rained down from the sky, striking the jellyfish like a spear just forged from the vigorous, yet sedulous hands of a blacksmith. Electricity rapped through its entire body, leaving behind a memento of paralysis. The Pokémon collapsed straight onto the floor. It struggled to untangled itself from the agonizing web.

"Pikachu!" Sora said.

The yellow mouse ran right into Sora's arm, nudging his head against the boy's chest. Sora felt himself both elated and at ease as dopamine tickled the back of his head. Luigi and Yoshi hurried over to join their friends in brief group hug. The team was together again. It was like they were back in the arena, prepared to engage in another battle. The bleachers teemed with uproarious people cheering in their ears.

"Man, am I glad to see you!" Sora said, as his smile widened.

Pikachu looked up at Sora, responding with an assenting nod. Meanwhile, Cloud leaped back from the rhinoceros, slammed his blade into the ground, and released green crescent-shaped energy. The rhinoceros braced itself, taking the full force of the blast. Like its partner, the rhinoceros had been struck with homogeneous paralysis. This gave everyone a chance to regroup and exchange notes over this exigence they faced.

"So, looks like Team Rocket decided to go with a full-on invasion," Sora said.

"Even their boss Giovanni is here," Cloud said. "Last I checked, he was battling Red. Afraid that kid's gonna need help."

"What do you mean?" Luigi asked.

"Giovanni is using a super powerful Pokémon against him," Cloud said, with a grim expression. "I've been made aware of its impressive feats during my brief alliance with him. If what I heard is true, then Red's Pokémon doesn't stand a chance at winning."

But Sora wasn't deterred one bit from Cloud's warning. "Then let's help increase their chances!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu said, as his spirits stood in same patch of zealous light.

"Always jumping headfirst into battle," Cloud said; he couldn't help but let out a soft smirk. "You've got guts."

"And, if it's alright with everybody, I'd like to keep mine intact, thank you very much," Luigi said, trembling in anxiety.

"Let them pass," Cloud said to the officer. "Believe it or not, these four kind of know what they're doing."

Sora frowned. "Hey!"

"Want me to go back on my word?" Cloud asked, raising his eyebrow.

Sora responded with a sheepish grin. "Erm, no. That's okay."

The officer mulled over this dilemma for a moment. It was her duty to make sure everyone remained safe. She followed the rules without skipping a single page. They were engrained in her mind. But, given Team Rocket's dominance over the coliseum right now, their odds of warding them off seemed small. She trusted Cloud's judgement, but was it the right answer? Do you play by the books, or take a risk?

Contradictory cylinders fired from each side of her. Taking a deep breath, she quelled the cacophony in her head. Her decision became translucent like bright, clear glass on a windowpane.

"Okay," the officer said. "Be careful in there."

"Thank you," Sora said. "We're going to put a stop to Team Rocket. I promise you won't regret this! C'mon, guys!"

The four hurried into the coliseum. Cloud noticed the two Pokémon had recovered; they glared straight at their opponent, prepared to go on the offense with full force. Cloud instructed the officer to retreat into the building; he knew things were about to get intense. For the two Pokémon, at least.

"You want to keep losing to me?" Cloud asked, as temerity coiled itself around his being. "Supposed I can regale you with that desire."

Cloud flew straight at the two Pokémon. They would soon be caught within the turbulence of his blade; there was no escape.

Charizard was locked in the toughest battle of his life. Even in his Mega Evolution form, he found his stamina dwindling from the might of the mysterious armored Pokémon that belonged to Giovanni. His receptors let out cries of aches and pains. But he ignored their entreats for reprieve. Not when the stakes raised themselves above the tallest skyscrapers in the world. He could hear the urgency in Red's voice. It inspired him to keep fighting. But his body would not reciprocate. Pedals were falling around the flower that housed his strength. Still, Charizard would continue the fight, despite his chest feeling heavy from exhaustion. The armored Pokémon remained expressionless, not intimidated in the slightest from Charizard's power.

Giovanni watched the fight in contentment. Team Rocket's imperious strength was on fine display. Soon, it would extend to the entire world of Pokémon. He was so close to holding it all in his hand like a snow globe, looming over every hapless life with unwavering authority. And his Pokémon would be the one to christen this everlasting age of Team Rocket

Both Pokémon were in the air, gazing at each other. Although, with the helmet on, Charizard could not see the armored Pokémon's eyes. Inexpressive, like a machine, but its core dilapidated from suffering. Charizard unleashed a powerful burst of fire from his mouth. Using psychic powers, the armored Pokémon caught the blast, morphed it into a ball, and tossed the blast right back at Charizard.

The giant, flying lizard dodged the attack at the last moment. But the armored Pokémon appeared in front of him, prepared to go on the offense. Charizard swung his massive tail at enigmatic creature, who moved back, avoiding the strike. The armored Pokémon launched a shadow ball from its three fingered hand. Charizard braced himself using his giant wings.

Upon impact, the giant Pokémon flew back a fair distance. His opponent soon appeared from behind, delivering a fierce kick to the back. Charizard winced as his spine rattled, but fought through the pain. Upon spinning around, he launched another burst fire, brightening the abandoned arena in a beautiful, pulsating blue hue. The armored Pokémon flew around the area, being chased by the steady stream of fire. Once it reached the ground, the armored Pokémon flew forward, straight towards Charizard; he was still hovering in the air, flapping his massive wings, creating a burst of wind that wandered throughout the vicinity.

At the right moment, Charizard flew straight down, preparing to crush the mysterious Pokémon beneath his feet. At the last second, it vanished before impact. The Pokémon reappeared behind Charizard, hovering somewhat above him, forming a dark claw of pure energy. But Charizard would take a glance at the page of history, spinning around, and using his own claw to parry the strike.

Charizard tried another fire blast. The armored Pokémon made a quick decent to the ground, dodging before becoming incinerated. It soon coated itself with a dark purple aura, and rammed straight into Charizard's stomach at full speed. The two soon crashed into a wall. Charizard roared in pain from both the impact and the dark energy dispersing throughout his body.

Red could feel his Pokémon's agony, as if it hit him right in the stomach. He was starting to lose faith in this battle. Overwhelming this strange Pokémon seemed impossible. But worst of all, he couldn't bare the torment Charizard was going through. This wasn't an average Pokémon battle where fainting chose the victor:

It all came down to whoever's heart remained beating.

Red called out to his companion in dismay, who, despite being entangled in barbed wire of sufferance, heard the call. Any sense of immense pain he experienced was compressed from a mallet of sheer will power. Charizard grabbed the armored Pokémon by the shoulders, and slammed it straight into the ground, creating a massive indent within the arena's smooth, concrete skin.

The armored Pokémon braced itself as Charizard swiped at it with continuous claw attacks. Although sparks flew out from the armor, it left minor scrapes – it could handle the abuse. Charizard raised his claw again, preparing to continue the assault. But the armored Pokémon grew bored from amusement, raised one hand, and immured Charizard within another psychic aura. Escape was impossible.

The Pokémon tossed Charizard over its head, sending him flying across the arena. He landed right on his stomach. Although, he hurried to his feet, despite sharp drops of fatigue pounding on him like hail. An aura surrounded the armored Pokémon, and it launched an energy beam from the body. Charizard had enough time to breathe fire onto the ground, creating a giant, flaming wall. When the blast collided with the wall, an explosion engulfed Charizard.

The armored Pokémon flew towards the smoke and debris where its opponent once stood. It attacked with the dark claw again, but struck nothing but thin air. Charizard's ruse had succeeded without being hindered by morass. He flew in from the side, exhaling another burst of fire. However, the armored Pokémon foresaw this ploy, out stretched its left arm, and used psychic energy to catch the blast; it was dispelled in an instant.

Once again, the armored Pokemon used its powers to lift Charizard straight into the air. It disappeared, reappearing behind the orange lizard, and knocked him onto the ground with a powerful tail swipe. Smugness enveloped Giovanni's expression; his heart pumped extra blood throughout the body in excitement, as if taking a victory lap. Failure would not strike twice like lightning. Team Rocket would soon become omnipresent, just like space itself. Not even Red could stop him this time.

Charizard struggled to stand up, but the downpour of exhaustion overwhelmed him. He collapsed onto the ground.

"No way!" Red said, in complete shock.

"A valiant effort, my old friend," Giovanni said, satiated from a smorgasbord of pride, "but the mighty fall before Mewtwo. The blood of a legend courses through his veins."

Red could care less about Giovanni's Pokemon at the moment. Charizard's wellbeing meant more to him than anything else. The young Pokémon Trainer hurried over to him, kneeling by his side. Charizard's harsh breathing stung against the Red's inner ear. He hated seeing him in such a broke state.

"Are you okay, buddy?" Red asked.

Charizard heard the voice of his trainer. He had to keep going, despite leaning on a small cane of stamina. Any second it would snap. But he didn't care. Charizard wasn't a cog in this machine of battle for glory. He was here to protect his master – no, his lifelong friend. A person who raised him to become strong, with confidence offering its succor in the form of love and compassion. He wouldn't lose that piece of his life that defined him.

Using what little strength he could muster, Charizard stood up, catching Giovanni by surprise. But Red didn't share that same sentiment. His monomania to never quit played on perpetual repeat. Charizard turned to his master with unblinking, determined eyes.

"I want to stop him as much as you do," Red said, as worry foamed within his stomach. The bubbles gurled faster from a Jetstream of anxiety. "But you can't fight anymore. We'll think of something else."

But Charizard stood his ground, letting Red's words drift away with the wind. He turned back, glaring at Mewtwo.

"Seems like your Charizard chooses to disobey you," Giovanni said, letting out a condescending smirk. "These past few years have made you soft."

But Red matched that expression with a courageous glare. "Sorry, but all I hear out of your voice is ignorance. YOU seem to forget that they have a mind of their own. Which clearly you don't understand given how you treat Mewtwo. My Charizard is fighting because he knows what you're doing is wrong. And we won't stop until Team Rocket falls for good this time!"

"Ignorant, you say?" Giovanni said, raising an eyebrow. "My Pokémon isn't the one outclassed at the moment. "I was planning to spare your Charizard by capturing him, but it would appear you don't want that. You'd rather watch him die from exhaustion. If you insist. Mewtwo, Shadow Ball!"

Mewtwo prepared to launch the attack. Unfortunately, Charizard had no more energy. Exhaustion had given its decree of surrender.

And Red knew this, too; he tried returning Charizard to his Pokéball. Mewtwo wouldn't allow his opponent to escape; using his psychic powers, he knocked the ball out of Red's hand. Mewtwo then proceeded to launch his attack. All Red could say was, "Charizard, get out of there!"

But Charizard couldn't move at all. His muscles struggled to lift the great weight of fatigue. Red hurried over to help move his friend, but it was of no avail. The ball grew closer. Red felt the livid heat of its power. But he didn't care. He continued pushing, regardless of what little progress was made.

It was his only comfort at this point.

"How touching," Giovanni said. "You both will go down together!"

Red embraced Charizard, accepting his fate. Loyalty was a tightrope that held their friendship together. Even in these last few moments, nothing could make it snap.

"I'll never leave your side," Red said, letting the last sound he hears be of Charizard's heartbeat.

But before the shadow ball reached them, Yoshi hurried over and deflected the blast.

Giovanni's smug expression evaporated from an arid burst of surprise. "What!?"

Realizing the commotion had ceased, Red opened his eyes, and spun around to see Yoshi; the dinosaur had his shield raised, fortifying that loyal tightrope.

"Y-Yoshi?" Red asked, blinking in shock.

"Hey, Red!"

Red turned to see Sora, Luigi, and Pikachu hurry over to them. He was in disbelief. It seemed too good to be true. Their timing was perfect. But they were real. His hopes to see another tomorrow were kept intact. "What are you doing here?"

"To help, of course," Sora said, with his famous grin. "How can we have our rematch one day if you're not in one piece?"

Red let out an appreciative smile. "Good point."

"You guys go!" Sora said, as he summoned the Keyblade, and got into his battle position. "Leave Giovanni to us!"

Red grew concerned. "Are you sure? You have no idea what you're up against."

"You're right," Sora said, turning to him, keeping that grin afloat amongst doubt. "Not a clue." He turned back to face Mewtwo. "Still gotta try, though."

"Against our better judgement," Luigi said, with a sad sigh.

Red was hesitant in letting them fight Mewtwo. But then he reminded himself that these four were the champions of the tournament. They accomplished feats deemed impossible; the meaning had been desiccated from the forceful air of their teamwork. Not even the strongest chisel of oppression could break down their combined strength. He had to let his faith peer out from myopic shadows. This might be their last chance to prevent the Rockets from liftoff.

"Ok," Red said, as concern become servile towards hope. "Be careful. That Pokémon is a clone of Mew – one of the rarest and strongest Pokémon in the world. Normal physical attacks won't harm it."

Luigi moaned. "Why do we keep facing the legendary ones? Is an average, run of the mill Pokémon too much to ask for?"

"You guys really would make good Pokémon trainers," Red said, chuckling. "Everyone would be jealous of your collection."

"Still, thanks for the tip," Sora said. "We'll keep that in mind. Now get going!"

Red nodded, and helped Charizard leave the arena. Giovanni frowned by this unforeseen circumstance. But a change in the roster would not cause even a slight movement in the needle of this battle.

"So, we finally meet Keyblade Master," Giovanni said. "Heard you and your friends have been a grievance towards my associates. Well, I won't let history repeat itself again. Not while Mewtwo adheres to my commands. Soon, every powerful Pokémon will belong to Team Rocket."

"Afraid you've already let history repeat itself," Sora said, remaining firm in the hurricane of intimidation. "That's the same type of repetitive speech your 'associates' made before we kicked their butts."

Giovanni smirked. "For a Keyblade Master, you have quite the tongue. Suppose that's what I should expect from a kid."

"Oh, it's on now!" Sora said, insulted, but zealous at the same time, ready to silence Giovanni's operation.

"Let's see how long that mouth continues to run while in Mewtwo's presence," Giovanni said. "End them!"

Mewtwo extended both arms forward, trapping everyone in the same psychic aura. He swung both arms inward, and the group collided into each other's heads, falling onto the ground.

Sora sat up, rubbing his head from the throbbing pain. "Yoshi, what crazy regimen do you put that head of yours through? Feels like I got hit by a boulder."

"Even there are some secrets Yoshi can't disclose."

"Look out!" Luigi said.

Mewtwo swung his right arm outward, firing a long, horizontal energy blast. The group dove onto their stomachs before being cut in half. Pikachu was the first to go on the offense. He ran straight at Mewtwo, unleashing his Thunder attack from above on the mysterious Pokémon. But Mewtwo raised an arm to catch the bolt. With a thrust of his arm, Mewtwo sent the electricity straight back at the mouse.

Pikachu leaped left to avoid the blast. Mewtwo tried another Shadow Ball, and the mouse unleashed a sphere of electricity to counter. As the two blasts collided, Pikachu leaped into the air, charged his tail with electricity, and swung at Mewtwo's face; he hopped back to dodge the strike. Mewtwo swiped at Pikachu, creating purple, spiral energy that sent the mouse spinning into the air. The armored Pokémon used his opposite hand to unleash psychic energy, sending Pikachu flying across the area.

Luigi ducked to avoid being hit by the mouse, and countered with a Blizzard spell. But their attacks were nothing Mewtwo couldn't overcome – a creature composed of glass that reflected every attack. He stopped the spell, transformed it into three large icicles, and tossed it back at his adversary.

Luigi hopped right to dodge the first one, repealed the second icicle by swinging his hammer inward, and then brought it straight down to smash number three. Mewtwo appeared in front of Luigi, swinging his tail straight at him. Luigi brought the hammer up to his chest to deflect the strike. The offensive wheel was soon given to Luigi, as he swung inward. But Mewtwo brought an arm up to his cheek, blocking the attack.

However, Luigi refused to relinquish control over his forward, aggressive momentum. He thrusted the hammer straight at his chest. Mewtwo raised the opposite arm at a horizontal angle to deflect it. Luigi leaped into the air, delivering an over the shoulder strike. But, once again, Mewtwo seemed impenetrable, as he crossed both arms to block the hammer's head. Unleashing his psychic powers, he lifted Luigi into the air, and then brought him straight back into the ground.

Every attack had the effectiveness of a dandelion. Nothing could harm the Pokémon.

Mewtwo vanished, reappearing midair, starting to charge another Shadow Ball. And Luigi would be the perfect target for collision. Before Mewtwo could attack, he saw Sora and Yoshi running over to him.

"Try me instead!" Sora said, tossing the Keyblade straight at Mewtwo.

The armored Pokémon used his powers to stop the Keyblade in midair. He swung it downward towards Sora, but Yoshi leaped in front of the boy to catch the blade. Mewtwo tried swinging the Keyblade in at a horizonal angle. Once again, Yoshi deflected the strike. Growing somewhat irked, Mewtwo threw the blade straight at the dinosaur, making it spin like a saw. Sora stepped in front of Yoshi, recalling the magical blade to his hand. He then launched Fire right at the Shadow Ball that was still in Mewtwo's hand, causing an explosion upon impact.

Although unharmed, Mewtwo was startled, and leaped back onto the ground. Sensing a strange, alarming sensation squeeze his chest like a lemon, Mewtwo looked to see Pikachu running up to him. Pikachu swung his tail in low to trip the psychic Pokémon. But he hopped up to avoid the strike. The little mouse, however, would not quit as the odds outstretched themselves in front of him. He leaped into the air, prepared to bring his lightning bolt shaped tail down on the armored Pokemon.

Mewtwo swung his tail upward to parry the strike, which sent the little mouse airborne. Defenseless, Pikachu soon found him in Mewtwo's psychic web again. Unable to move – completely in mercy's grasp. Mewtwo tossed Pikachu to the side, and launched another beam of energy at him.

Sora hurried over to catch the blast with the Keyblade, at a horizontal angle. He struggled to push it away from his face. His arms trembled against the tremendous force. Pikachu stood up, charged his cheeks with electricity, and unleashed it upon Sora's blade; it was infused with power. Just enough to deflect the blast into the sky.

Mewtwo thrusted his arm forward to grab both of them with psychic energy. He forced the two to collided with each other's torsos; and then spun them around, making their backs hit each other. Mewtwo tossed the two into Luigi and Yoshi. They collapsed onto the ground faster than a bridge. As they sat up, the four saw Mewtwo hover over to them.

Sora's shoulder tensed, as if raised by cold pistons of concern. He posited that Mewtwo was by far the strongest foe they've faced. Even stronger than the likes of Ganondorf or Riku. Their weaknesses were visible. Mewtwo's seemed reclusive, obstinate in showing itself. But Sora believed it was there. No one was endued with perfection. Flaws is a fundamental design of all living things. That's what Sora espoused, and he knew there had to be a weakness.

"Is this the part where you 'kick my butt'?" Giovanni asked, as if his arrogance was being waved in front of them like a variegated flag.

"Laugh it up," Sora said, keeping his determination steadfast. "We're not done yet!"

"Red was right about one thing: you have no idea what you're up against," Giovanni said. "Mewtwo's psychic powers are unrivaled. Perhaps it's time for him to quell your defiant attitude. Finish them off!"

Mewtwo's body was consumed within a blue aura. The helmet's eyes started glowing the same color, staring down the four; not a glimmer of humanity could be seen within their solid form. They represented blinding obedience. The aura's waves became jagged and rough, overfilled with energy. Sora and his friends felt the raging pressure pummel their faces. It was hot – an attack that powerful could melt steel.

"This can't be how it ends!" Luigi said, terrified. "Blasted away by an enraged, mutated cat thing. This is why I've preferred dogs!"

But Sora wasn't ready to quit. He kept hearing Kairi's gentle voice flow throughout his head like a wind current. It was imbibed, never leaving until he fulfilled his promise to her. That, and saving Riku, was what motivated him in each fight. He then recalled how those incentives kept the thought of quitting insuperable, and how it inspired him to summon Riki.

That's when a whisp of an idea flew right in front of his vision. Standing up, Sora rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a summon stone. "You're wrong. Mewtwo isn't as powerful as you think. Because he hasn't met my other friend yet!"

After tossing it into the air, Ness popped out from the bright light, landing in front of the group.

"What trickery is this!?" Giovanni asked, in sudden bewilderment.

Ness looked up to see Mewtwo continuing to charge his attack. The young boy's chest expanded as redoubt was pumped into his lungs.

"What incredible power," Ness said. "I've never seen anyone or anything generate that much psychic energy."

"Hey, Ness," Sora said, with a guilty expression. "Yeah, sorry for calling you out in this awkward situation. Think you can help us?"

Ness smiled; contempt did not dross itself over his face. "Of course. I made a promise to you, after all." He turned back to face Mewtwo; his expression gleamed with fearlessness. "Besides, I will continue fighting until I see home again. No one is going to stand in my way."

Ness took a deep breath, letting the tension is his body melt into a puddle of calm. Any sense of uneasiness was pushed away in the form of ripples. This wasn't going to be easy. Every last fold in his brain needed to be alert and responsive. Despite Ness' sudden appearance, Giovanni was still confident that victory would be enticed by his might.

Mewtwo launched a giant energy blast from his body. Ness thrusted his arms forward, catching the energy with his own psychic powers. His arms quivered against the incredible force. He could feel his head throbbing from exertion, as if about to experience a gas leak. Every ounce of his energy would pour outward, leaving his mind shriveled like a raisin. But he continued to repeal the attack, even though his feet were starting to slide backwards.

"Wh-what is happening?" Giovanni asked, as a conflation of anger and confusion contorted his expression. "How is this child able to hold his own against Mewtwo!? Stop wasting time and finish them!"

Sora and his friends hurried over to the sidelines, watching the battle unfold. Ness felt himself losing control of the situation. His head was throbbing faster; pain slid across it like a rusty razor.

"C'mon, Ness!" Sora said, with an encouraging shout. "You got this!"

"I'm…not…sure…" Ness said, as his confidence balked to keep positivity afloat. "His power…is…too great."

"Ness wrong!" Yoshi said, with verve bursting from his windpipe. 'We see you do all sorts of psychic stuff! This baby stuff!"

"And coming from a baby, that's a compliment," Luigi said. "We're with you all the way!"

Their supportive words coaxed the doubt away from him. They're right, he thought. I can't let them down. My full potential is somewhere inside of me. I must find it.

A part of his consciousness climbed down into the deepest parts of his mind. For a second, it was dark. So dark that his own features were imperceptible. But a light soon brightened the area, blinding him for a moment. It started to diminish. Solid objects started coming into view. Ceilings, floors, and walls took shape. Ness found himself in a rectangular hallway. The walls were painted with a faint yellow color. Ahead of him was a brown door. Another one was to his left.

He was home, upstairs; the door in front of him lead to his room. The other was where his sister slept. For a moment, a lackadaisical sensation wrapped itself around him like blanket. He was home again. The familiar, warm visuals compressed the feelings of stress like a car crusher; it morphed into a small, insignificant cube.

He let out a dejected sigh: there was no time to stroll through a nostalgic exhibit. His friends needed help. He could never experience the textures of these walls again if he remained stagnant in his own memories. Unfolding the cube, he hurried over to the door in front of him. Someone started banging on it from the other side. The banging grew louder and excessive. Dark energy started permeating from the cracks.

It was malodorous, lunging itself straight into Ness' nostrils, causing them to tense. He hugged himself, as the previous warmth was torn to shreds by a cold, malicious knife. The knocking grew louder, beckoning for Ness to open the door. Ness felt himself starting to move backwards. Fear tugged at his shoulders. What was this power, he thought? It was malicious. Could it be…his true potential?

The door flung open, releasing a burst of dark energy. He had returned to a void of darkness. Only now, the knocking returning. It was pounding harder. Covering his ears did nothing. The white outline of a giant statue with horns appeared. It started towering over him, making the boy feel insignificant. Incoherent whispers swirled with the knocking, cajoling Ness with promises of unfathomable strength.

In exchange, he would have to elicit harm onto his loved ones.

Ness fell onto his knees; resisting seemed almost impossible. This statue was a part of him. Was his power a curse? Accepting who he was would release a horrifying entity from within himself. He was a monster. Nothing more than violent being meant to bring instability to the world. It was his fate.

But before the contract of his destiny was signed, the knocking stopped. Everything was silent. Until the sound of a little girl spoke out from the darkness. "Big bro?"

"Tracy?" Ness opened his eyes. A little girl with dirty blonde hair wearing red overalls stood in front of him. "I-Is that you?"

Tracy giggled. "Who else!? C'mon, hurry up and beat the bad guys so we can play again! I miss you!"

"I do, too, sis," Ness said; his voice grew soft. Seeing her visage put everything at ease. But their reunion didn't last long, as she faded into the darkness. "No! Wait!"

"Ness?" The voice belonged to an adult woman.

The boy felt his heart skip a beat. Every muscle was going to collapse from the sudden deluge of emotions. He knew that voice all too well.

The first voice he ever heard in his life.

"Mom?" Ness asked, following the voice.

And there she stood, wearing a large red dress. Her hair was the same color as Tracy's, except longer. The woman's warm smile radiated throughout the lifeless area. Ness' emotions were on the verge of toppling over, unable to remain balanced. Tears were streaming down his face.

"My sweet boy," His mom said in a tender, loving voice. "You're not a monster."

Ness looked down, unable to face her with the shame. "How…can you be certain? What if I can't control myself, and end up hurting you?"

She removed Ness' cap and brushed his black hair; a compress of tranquility diminished the swelling doubt. He felt safe in the presence of his mother. His daunting questions were nothing but mindless noise.

"You won't," she said, in a soft tone. She let out a small chuckle. "Because I'm your mother, and I know you best. You're too strong to let anything cast away your sense of right and wrong. What you have is a gift, not a curse. Look inside your heart. You'll see the truth."

"B-But I did," Ness said, sniffling. "And I saw that monster."

"Fear wraps are perspective," Ness' Mom said, continuing to brush his hair. "It's smoke and mirrors that keep us from seeing what's real. Cast it away. See the real you."

Ness closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The clouds of doubt and uneasiness parted, revealing a beautiful blue sky. His mind was clear. There was a presence behind him. Upon opening his eyes, he spun around; the statue was gone. Instead, there was a window, coated in white. He walked over and opened it. He saw the truth. A confident smile raised his lips.

"Now you see your gift," Ness' mother said, in a proud tone. "What is it telling you to do?"

Ness turned back to his mother, retaining that smile. "Help my friends."

"I knew you'd find the answer," Ness' Mom said. "Your gift is an extension of yourself. Use it to protect those around you. You've become so strong. You will succeed. But remember, no matter how many psychic abilities you have, you will always be my little boy. Never forget that."

She started to vanished from sight. Ness ran over to her. "Wait!" But as he arrived, she was gone. Her presence was once again a memory.

"Your sister and I will be waiting for you," Ness' Mom said, as her voice was the last remanent of existing.

Ness stared at the spot where his mother stood. He wiped the tears from his eyes. Her comforting voice was all he needed to evict the fear and doubt from his mind. He was going to see his family again. And only he could bring that dream to fruition.

"Alright, mom," Ness said; his body was light from determination. "I won't give up! Never, ever!"

Ness returned to reality. He found his strength, raised it to the surface, and pushed the beam straight back, hitting Mewtwo, causing a large explosion. Giovanni was horrified beyond all belief. His new Pokémon was invisible. Victory had been guaranteed. The plans for Team Rocket's new world were delineated. Yet, those plans were nothing more than words right now. He just watched everything unfold in pure silence.

Ness collapsed onto his hands and knees. Every drop of energy was utilized. His body had none left to donate.

"Whoa!" Sora said, hurrying over to Ness. He helped him to his feet. "You okay!? That was insane!"

Ness glanced at Sora with a tired expression. "I..I think so."

The others soon joined the two. Pikachu didn't know who Ness was, but he left the mouse awestruck from his power.

"That was amazing!" Luigi said, ecstatic. "You're quite the powerhouse."

But Ness didn't care about his accomplishments. Sorrow still latched itself to Ness' heart. Tears swelled in his eyes. He had caught the ailment of home sickness.

"Ness?" Yoshi asked, noticing Ness disheartened exterior.

"I miss my mom," Ness said, with an intonation of sadness.

Sora glanced at Ness in confusion. What trigged that melody of melancholy to strum its dour notes? Either way, he wouldn't question it. Being supportive mattered more right now. "Hey, hey, I know how you feel. I miss mine, too. But we're going to be with them again soon. We're so close. And you and the others are making it possible."

Ness took a deep breath, letting the sadness crumble from hopeful flames. "Yeah. I know we will. Thanks."

"Rest for now," Sora said. "We'll take it from here."

Ness retreated into the realm of suspended animation, taking the thoughts of seeing home again with him as a memento. It would keep him going in their fight against the Heartless. No one was going to requisition his goals. They'd have to take it by force, and it wouldn't end well for them. Ness would see home again, no matter what.

Although Ness' attack did significant damage, Sora knew it wasn't over yet. Instinct kept a firm foot planted in the ground. "C'mon, guys! Let's finish what Ness started!"

"I..I can't believe this," Giovanni said, still reeling from what transpired. "Where did—how did—never mind! Seems like that little stunt put their friend out of commission. This isn't over yet. I've put so much time and resources into revitalizing the glory of Team Rocket. I won't lose it again!" He turned to see Mewtwo was still enveloped in the smoke and debris. "Stop lingering, you worthless creature! I will not let some petty children embarrass me!"

But his frustrated mood was soon instilled with horror. Everyone watched as the armor Mewtwo wore was tossed out from within the smoke. Giovanni knew what this meant:

His lifeline may be colliding with a dead end in a few moments.

Purple energy burst from within the debris, flying straight into the sky. The arena was painted over in that color, pulsating from absolute anger. Mewtwo's silhouette appeared from within the energy; blue rectangular shapes emerged from the silhouette's eyes. Humanity's warm sparkle wasn't present.

The only thing permeating was malice for an entire world that artificially birthed him into existence.

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