Beta: Gerald of Revea
AN: Aight, this chapter was rewritten twice and POV switched as well. Least it actually came out decent compared to the first two times. Hope ya enjoy!
-Mewtwo-
#4987 - 083 - Farfetch'd - Failure
#4987 - 108 - Lickitung - Failure
#4987 - 123 - Scyther - Failure
#4987 - 124 - Jinx - Failure
#4987 - 127 - Pinsir - Failure
#4987 - 128 - Taurus - Failure
'Worthless' Mewtwo snarled, his frustration getting the better of him.
It was no different to the previous thousand times. If there was no change, it did not matter. Like him, they were clones. Unlike him, they were failures, thus worthless.
He was tempted to start batch #4988, but he knew it would lead to the same result.
'A fluke', his creators called him. They were wrong.
'A fluke' isn't the reason he is powerful. The reason why he was powerful was his genes.
He was a clone of the Pokémon Mew. Mew's DNA was synthesized but their sample was too small. Not enough of its cells existed to make a full molecular clone.
'Les chaton terribles': that was what the project was called. It was later dubbed the 'Mewtwo Project.' Their plan was to create the most powerful Pokémon possible. The Pokémon that was chosen as the model was the strongest Pokémon in existence, Mew.
However, they could not find the Pokémon. It had not been seen in years. It does as it chooses. Thus, they resorted to Mew's cells.
Their attempts led to failure. 'Ditto' was born.
It did not have its own power. It was unstable. Less similar to Pokémon and more akin to a parasite. It had a need for two things only. To copy & to multiply. It continues to do so.
Attempts to create the perfect Pokémon using Ditto led to more failure. It was later found out Ditto is the offspring of Mew's recessive genes. Abundantly more common than its dominant genes. It was possible to create stronger Pokémon with it, but entirely impossible without a partner.
So, his creators created a phenotype, where all of the dominant genes were expressed. It worked, if only just. A fetus was made.
However, the fetus was unstable. Its readings were nonsensical. His creators did not see a Pokémon, what they saw was a failure.
He was going to be killed. His genes were to be reused in the next attempt. His creators discarded him. All but one.
He was stabilized, but tainted as a result. Human cells were added to the fetus. Mature cells that had affected his growth abnormally. But he lived.
February 6th: MEW gave birth, we have named the newborn MEWTWO.
Attempts to recreate the phenomenon have failed. Over four thousand batches consisting of over a hundred Pokémon each and not one has shown to become stronger when human DNA has been applied.
He did not wish to be like his progenitor. He was the improved version, but he was still flawed. The human cells within his body were weak.
He was not a Pokémon, he was not a human. What he was was a hybrid, a combination of both a human and a Pokémon. Or in simpler terms, a 'Two.'
When another successful hybrid is made, it shall be given the same designation.
The difference between how a Pokémon with weak human cells compared to strong human cells will be analyzed, and if it is shown to be worthwhile, the same process will be applied to himself.
It is not about being the strongest, it is about being the strongest he could possibly be.
'I need newer cells,' Mewtwo thought, gazing at the now empty test tubes.
Human DNA was easy to come by. Human DNA that hasn't been contaminated was much rarer. At least on the island.
While a 'Joy' would be useful to have on the island, her DNA would be worthless. Humans born of the Joy bloodline will have the same body and aptitude for medicine.
Their DNA was tainted, if applied to a Pokémon and a 'Two' is created, the effects of trying the process on himself may differ.
He needed a human with untainted DNA. Wouldn't be hard to find, but it was a chore nonetheless.
He was brought out of his musings by the sound of shattering glass.
Three arrivals had crashed through the window, leaving shards of glass on the floor.
Frowning in annoyance, he eyed the new arrivals, blinking when he saw the party.
The first was a Pokémon he did not recognize, the blue and red coloring immediately caught his eye, but its shape and overall demeanor seemed different to what he first assumed was a Fearow.
On its back lay a human, his face contorted in some simile of a smile.
Then there was a Meowth, a non-factor.
'...Can I wish humans into existence?' he wondered, curious at how this new power will aid him in the future.
"Mewtwo!" The boy pointed his finger at him. "I've come to bargain!"
Curious, the boy knew his name.
It did not matter.
The boy will serve his purpose either way.
-Cloud-
'Mega Evolution is an extraordinary phenomenon which allows a Pokémon to temporarily achieve a form that surpasses its own. This unique transformation occurs when specific Pokémon, often possessing a profound connection with their trainers, harness the potent energy of specialized Mega Stones.
When a Pokémon holds its corresponding Mega Stone and has a long-lasting friendship with its trainer, it can unlock an advanced stage of evolution known as Mega Evolution. This process amplifies the Pokémon's power, altering its appearance and enhancing its abilities, resulting in a formidable and often visually stunning form.
However, it's crucial to note that this form is transient, reverting to the original state once the battle concludes. Mega Evolution is both a testament to the deep connection between trainers and their Pokémon, as well as a testament to the mystical and awe-inspiring forces that govern our world.'
What isn't usually brought up about Mega-Evolution is the rarity of the stones. For the trainer, a Key Stone is needed, something that is much rarer than something like a Tera Orb or a Dynamax band.
Then you need to find a Mega Stone. However, Mega Stones are tailored only to certain types of Pokémon. Such as Gardevoirites working only for Gardevoir & Gengarites working only for Gengar.
What this means is that you need to be loaded to be able to get one of these. That wasn't an issue for me, (the greatest thief of them all), but that's not the problem.
The problem for me is twofold. One, I have never mega-evolved my Pokémon in a recorded battle, and two, they are highly sought after.
Steven Stone especially enjoys collecting them. He has an open offer of 3 million Pokédollars for both Mega stones and Key Stones.
Dealing with people constantly wanting to know which Pokémon I can mega-evolve is going to be a headache in the future.
However, seeing Geeta's face go entirely blank for 2 seconds made it worth it.
The crowd has gone nuts. People were shouting over each other. Reporters, questioning the stones validity, students looking at the marble with awe.
Sonia looked like she wanted to kill me, so I decided to ignore that.
*Snap*
The room instantly transformed from a raucous uproar to a hushed stillness. Heads turned, eyes searching for the source of the unexpected sound.
"One question at a time," Larry's voice cut through the silence, gazing at the reporters that were standing up in their seats.
Like metal to magnets, the reporters immediately sat back into their seats. They didn't exactly look abashed, but it brought the room into a certain level of civility once again.
Larry nodded, leaning back in his seat, seemingly enjoying the silence.
All it took was him snapping his fingers into the microphone for everyone in the room to shut up.
...What a fucking legend.
-Geeta-
Entirely unexpected.
That's the only way she could describe how this conversation has gone so far.
Cloud making a counterbet of his own was not one of the potential possibilities she had thought of (a mistake on her part).
Nonetheless, the outcome would remain the same.
For someone that had a mild interest in Mega-Evolution, the stone intrigued her. She couldn't recall which mega stone consisted of three shades of lilac.
'A Gardevoirite?' she idly thought, but was brought out her musings me a loud snap.
'Ah, Larry' Geeta thought fondly, glad to see him putting his skills to work.
Brilliant trainer, hard worker and the brilliant ability of making everyone in a room go quiet.
Sadly, now she had to deal with the dog.
How annoying.
"...I must admit, you have surprised me," she reluctantly admitted, breaking the silence. "But if anything, this makes me more confused." She leaned in on the table. "Why are you so willing to lose them?"
"Lose them?" The boy raised an eyebrow. "Geeta, I wouldn't make this challenge to any other Champion."
He leaned into the microphone, a small grin tugged at his lips.
"I'm doing this because this is a bet that I can't lose."
His arrogance annoyed her, if only slightly. Thinking of the inevitable outcome of their battle was enough to sate her mood.
Him, on his knees, looking at the ground with hollow eyes after all of his Pokémon get utterly destroyed.
The thought sent a jolt of satisfaction down her spine.
"Mega-Evolution or not, the outcome will stay the same," She smiled, closing his hands together on the table. "Even if we go with the idea that I am the weakest Champion, you are still an average Ace-Trainer."
"The average Ace Trainer could beat a team with a Gogoat & Avalugg anyday," the boy cackled, making her annoyance spike once again. "When I win, it won't be because I'm a Champion level trainer. It's because you're weaker than an average Ace Trainer."
"I think that is enough," Clavell voiced, making her glare at the man in annoyance. "I believe your battle should be best fought with Pokémon and not with words."
As much as she would like to have put the boy in his place, Clavell was correct.
The argument would be settled on the battlefield.
Nodding to the man, she rose from her seat, addressing the crowd directly.
"The match between myself and Cloud will be held in Uva-Naranje's stadium. It will be happening on the 28th, expecting to start at 8pm," she smiled to the cameras. "Be sure to buy your tickets before they are gone."
She gave another customary smile, before exiting the stage as quickly as she got there.
Not before noticing that Sonia, Cloud's companion on the podcast, was glaring at Cloud with absolute fury in her eyes.
'A lover's quarrel?' she wondered, before shaking her head.
It was a pity she wouldn't be there to hear the argument.
-Sonia-
She was going to kill him.
Not figuratively, or metaphorically. Literally.
She was literally going to kill him.
Seeing Cloud confidently swagger out of the panel like he came out the winner made her really want to punch him.
Or slap him up the head at least 6 times.
"What the HELL were you thinking?" she demanded, pulling on his shirt for them to be eye level.
He blinked at her, something he often did when he pretended he had no idea what she was talking about.
She was not going to play that game today, it wasn't the time or place.
Nonetheless, Cloud's expression didn't change, he just looked at her like a deer in headlights.
"What?"
"After everything that happened on that panel, the only thing you can say is what?!" she hissed, the urge to slap him becoming more and more prominent.
"Sonia," He said slowly, "Can you please be specific on what I fucked up on?"
"You don't even know!" She laughed maniacally. "You made a bet using your Pokémon and you treat it like another day of the week!"
"Hey I didn't go into that thinking she was going to make a bet with me," he frowned. "I was expecting a bit of banter or some shit-talking. Not whatever that was."
"How well did you think that little debate went?" Rotom piped into the conversation. "I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter."
"Oh she got rekt," Cloud grinned. "Mega Evolution beats a speech about bonds or whatever. Heck, I think I was falling asleep through that one."
"Then you are a fool," Rotom snorted, Cloud raising an eyebrow in response. "Are you not aware of how badly you have ruined your reputation? It's not just those that were out to get you from the start. A large amount of your own fans believe you have crossed a line. Betting one's Pokémon would do that."
"Oh that," Cloud gave a look of understanding. "Ok, that's fair, but I have a plan this time. Besides, Geeta accepted the bet in the first place so she's equally in the wrong here."
"So you do admit what you did was wrong," Rotom noted, and Cloud couldn't stop himself from grimacing. "Nonetheless, the difference is you made the bet. A bet with much more over-reaching consequences than the one Geeta proposed to you. If you win and take her Pokémon, you are seen as the villain. Stronger than originally thought, but a villain nonetheless. If you lose, you are seen as the fool. I do not envy your position."
"Okay maybe I went a bit overboard," Cloud admitted, "But you two really need to stop underestimating me. When I win-"
"It's not about whether or not you win!" She snapped. "If you lose, you lose your Pokémon. If you win, someone loses their Pokémon." Sonia sighed, feeling the anger drain out of her.
"When this battle is done, someone is going to lose their family in a bet," she looked at Cloud with teary eyes. "This is a no-win scenario."
"You could cancel your match," Rotom noted. "Or better yet, catch new Pokémon here in Paldea. If you use newly captured Pokémon, losing them will not affect you negatively. While you would undoubtedly lose your battle, your reputation at the very least be salvaged."
"Wait guys," I held a hand out. "Think about this for a moment. Do you really think I'd make a bet like this sporadically?"
"Of course you did!" she hissed. "You do this all the time! You do these crazy, massive, outlandish things in the spur of the moment and you do it without any thought of the consequences!"
"That's all true!" Cloud snapped his fingers. "But it's always because I have a good reason in the end, right?"
"I really don't think there can be a good reason for this," She sighed. "But I need to know what you were thinking."
"I have to agree," Rotom buzzed, streaking out of his camera. "I believe that if you are going to place a bet using your Pokémon as leverage, we reserve the right to know why."
"...What do you guys know about Larry?"
-Cloud-
"Only five of them?" I asked aloud, looking at the map of Paldea that had 5 red X's on them. "How could you only find five of them?"
"Hey they don't 'glow in the dark', they barely glow at all!" Meowth huffed.
"Ah, that sucks." I mutter. ""But that's fine. We have plenty of time to find them all."
"Where d'ya want me lookin' first?"
"Go wherever you want for now, we can worry about more concise searches when there are less available."
"Need me for anything else, then?"
"Nah, I think you're good," I nodded to the Air Balloon. "Just make sure you come back earlier this time," I quipped, getting an eye roll from the cat.
"Then I'll see ya in the mornin'" Meowth saluted, hopping back into the air balloon.
"Have a safe flight!" I grinned as the Meowth balloon took flight once again.
Like the night before, the skies were clear, with stars dazzling in the moonlight. I was able to see as Meowth's air balloon got smaller and smaller into the distance.
"For some reason, Meowth being able to fly a hot-air balloon doesn't surprise me," Sonia commented. "But I am surprised they have a balloon in the shape of a Meowth."
"Meowth didn't buy one of those, he made it." I smirked, getting a look of surprise from the girl. "Meowth can make anything he puts his mind to. You should have seen him in his prime,"
"He is quite the mechanic," Sonia sighed fondly, watching the balloon fade into the night's sky.
"I don't think you should stream for the next few days."
"Don't plan to," I freely admitted to Sonia's surprise. "You can blame Psyclone for that."
"That's good," Sonia breathed a sigh of relief. "After you made your bet, a lot of your viewers are divided. A lot are interested in the battle. But a lot more think you have crossed a line."
"That's a good point," I nodded. "We'll leave the next stream until the 28th then!"
"Thank you," she smiled contently."I still believe what I said earlier about you going into situations foolheartedly, but I'm glad you told me."
"And we have the contingency," I noted. "Even if I do lose, we'll be safe."
"You know, I can't tell if you planned this out or was just making it up as you go along," she shook her head. "Probably the latter. And that just makes it more crazy."
"All that matters is that it works." I grinned smugly.
"Was everything you said up there true?" Sonia inquired. "That you don't train weak Pokémon?"
"Every Pokémon has their niche," I smiled fondly. "Even a Starley can destroy a Legendary. But some Pokémon are more useful than others. And then there's this guy!" I picked up the Yamper that was running around the two of us. "This guy would definitely 6-0 my team."
Yamper continued to wag his tail, letting out a small bark of agreement at the comment.
"Can't argue with that logic." Sonia smiled. "You couldn't be more right if you tried."
"But I do train some weak Pokémon," I gave Yamper a belly rub. "Psyclone needs all the help he can get."
"Listen here you little shit," Psyclone teleported in front of me. "If you want to live, you will take that back."
"Because this guy right here," I said with a shit-eating grin. "Has lost a battle to a fucking Rattata once."
Before I could say anything else, I was teleported away.
-Psyclone-
How to traumatize a child. A beginners guide - Written & Published by Psyclone.
Step 1: Kill the child.
Sending Cloud into freefall a few thousand feet in the air was one of his more moderate ways of expressing his anger.
A normal human would panic, if they had access to a Psychic type Pokémon or a strong enough flying type, they would live.
Cloud was not a normal human.
"And I'm freeeee, Free fallin'!"
Despite having access to both types of Pokémon, he did not move to save himself. No, instead he started singing one of those awful songs of his.
"Yeah, I'm freeeee, Free fallin'!"
It was somewhat worrying how close to the ground he was and still hadn't called upon his Pokémon.
"Care to retract your previous statement?"
It irked him that Cloud responded by bursting into laughter, The threat of impending death doing nothing to change his attitude.
The little shit even had the gall to put his hands on the back of his head, like he was enjoying an afternoon nap.
Cloud did not move from his position, even after he was only a few seconds from hitting the ground.
When he was only 200 meters away from his impending death, Psyclone felt his brain work a mile a minute, trying to understand Cloud's plan to survive.
He understood Cloud's plan when he was only a second away from hitting the ground.
Scowling, he was tempted to not do anything, just to see if Cloud's attitude would change, even for a brief moment. Unfortunately, the idiot was looking up anyway, he didn't know he would die in the next second.
With a thought, Cloud's momentum was halted.
"This is a-AHH"
And was dropped onto the ground unceremoniously.
"Another happy landing!" Cloud wheezed, making Psyclone sulk slightly.
The bastard always had to have the last laugh.
Turning away from Cloud, Psyclone gazed at the Pokémon within the caldera.
The Pokémon were strong. By normal standards anyway. Above average at best by Psyclone's own.
Most annoyingly, Area Zero's Legendary Pokémon is either not here or has not arrived.
It was, (as Sonia liked to put it), vexing.
"So this is Area Zero, huh?" Cloud asked, now standing beside him. "So which is it, future or Past Pokémon?"
"Both." he revealed, "But that is not why I brought you here."
"And ignore them S-tiers?" he sounded aghast. "How could you?!"
"Your sedentary lifestyle has made you weak." He stated, gazing over the cliffs of Area Zero. "You are not as strong as you once were."
"I'd be offended by that if you weren't the biggest shut-in I know," Cloud commented offhandedly, making him snarl.
"Your growth rate has stagnated. You do not focus on your Pokémon like you once did."
He paused slightly, allowing his words to sink in.
"I am going to change that."
"So that's why you brought me out here?" Cloud idly commented. "So we can train together?"
"I didn't bring you here to train." he growled, a black and purple Pokéball teleporting into his hand.
"I brought you here to fight."
-Bonus Scene: Rika-
To others, the little rivalry between Geeta and Cloud was a fun bit of entertainment.
To Rika, it was an utter shitshow.
Watching as Geeta calmly gazed out the window, watching her students partake in their own Pokémon battles, she can't help but wonder how she was able to stay calm.
She knew Geeta was going to win. If it was a battle between herself & Cloud. She would also win. However, with something as important as her Pokémon on the line, there would always be that small thought lingering in the back of her head.
'What if I lose?'
The fact Geeta was nonplussed about this and treating the day like any other was amazing.
The bet was her idea. Something she immediately regretted after it was made.
Cloud didn't simply turn down the bet, he explained why it would be utterly stupid to accept, then escalated.
It was that he utterly flipped the board on the bet, putting their own Pokémon on the table instead.
"I think you should take a few days off," Rika started, breaking the silence between them. "I can handle the paperwork."
Geeta's Pokémon were immensely strong. Anyone with a spec of intellect would be able to recognize that. Those that doubted that were not intelligent.
"Oh?" Geeta turned from the window, gazing directly into her eyes. "Do you doubt my victory?"
"Of course not," she chuckled. "But you are looking at this the wrong way."
"Elaborate." Geeta frowned.
"We both know you are going to win this battle either way, right?" Rika pressed, getting a nod from the Champion. "Then why not go all the way with this?"
"I'm afraid I do not follow." Geeta frowned, making a small smile appear on Rika's face.
It seemed like everything was coming together.
"You could beat him like you would any other trainer," she noted. "Or you can utterly humiliate him."
"...What do you have in mind?"
Rika leaned forward on her, a wicked smile on her face.
"What would happen if you bet Cloud without losing a single Pokémon?"
The way Geeta's eyes lit up at the thought made her heart skip a beat.
She felt bad manipulating her into doing this, but the end result would be worth it.
'The things I do for love.'