“Pikaaaa...”
“No, we are not lost Pikachu! We are just…just exploring the forest! Yeah.” Ash said to his Pokémon, knowing exactly what he was saying. By this point, after being together with the yellow rodent for so long he could understand what he wanted or what he was saying or at least have a good idea. And most of the time, the Pokémon was nice and all but now he was annoying him since…well…he was right. He had every right to complain because truth be told, even if the boy didn’t want to admit
they were lost.
It wasn’t his fault! Ash was just too excited once he saw what he believed was a rare Pokémon. Yeah, he knew he should know better. Now that he was traveling alone – well, not with other humans at least as he still has and always will have his Pokémon friends with him! – he knew he needed to be more careful than usual when he was going to travel in a forest like this one in his journey. But just as he was following the trail he was supposed to take, that’s when he saw it from the corner of his eye before he turned to try and take a good look at it.
Sure, it was very fast but he knew what he saw. To him, it looked like a small, pink feline Pokémon floating in the air which hinted that he was probably a Psychic type. When he noticed he was seen he just smiled at Ash and went deeper into the woods. It was so quick that the boy, despite his experience with random encounters with wild Pokémon like that, didn’t have the time to take off his Pokédex to analyze it.
He hesitated before he did it, but with his instinct as a trainer combined with the natural reckless impulse that a boy like him usually has, Ash started to give chase, yelling to the Pokémon to wait for him. Pikachu, as usual, was out of his Poké ball and walking right by his side on the ground and didn’t notice the mysterious Pokémon, but he sure noticed when Ash suddenly ran in the direction he was looking just moments ago.
If he wasn’t an agile Pokémon he would have lost sight of the trainer and that would have made things even worse for Ash as he would be lost and without his best Pokémon and also friend in a dark time like this. Pikachu was trying to make him stop, screaming his own name frantically but it was useless. Only after a while did Ash return to his senses and realized that the Pokémon he saw, rare or not, was gone. He would never find him now. And that wasn’t the only problem he had, or even the worst one.
“Don’t look at me like that!...fine, you’re right. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have run like that. It just got the both of us lost.” He said to Pikachu, lamenting that he was dragging him to his own mess. Him and the other Pokémon he got. Talk about being irresponsible how could he have done it? He was panting and resting against a tree with Pikachu at his side. If the Pokémon was angry with him he would have every right to be.
It seemed that the yellow male was more worried than angry though.
“Pika…chuu.” He said softly with a smile as he jumped on Ash’s shoulder and rubbed his cheek showing that it was fine. They were going to be ok! He was confident in that, just as he is in all of the Pokémon battles that he faced before with his trainer at his side.
“Pikachu…thanks.” He smiled as he was so touched by the kindness of his Pokémon. Pikachu never ceases to amaze him! Ash gently lifted the Pokémon from his shoulder and hugged him, with the rodent smiling as he didn’t hesitate to hug him back. “I’m sorry, I promise I will do better. I can’t put you and the other at risk, that wasn’t right. I will be more careful when I see a new Pokémon.”
“? Pika…?” As Ash pulls the Pokémon away from him and looked at him, Pikachu tilted his head to the side showing his confusion. Oh, so he didn’t see him?
As he explained what he saw, he puts the Pokémon back on the ground as he stood up. “So you didn’t see him? It was a Pokémon I have never seen before! He was like…a small floating feline? I’m sure I never saw a Pokémon like that anywhere in the Pokédex. I wonder if Professor Oak would know anything about him…” he wondered very excitedly with the idea of finding a new Pokémon that not even Professor Oak knew about. The only way that could be even more exciting is if he managed to capture it. If he did, that would be enough to make him leave his mark in the hall of fame of Pokémon story!
That would be awesome but instead what he did was get lost in the forest, putting himself and his Pokémon at risk. It’s not like he was ready to spend days here, he barely has any supplies with him and he was aware of that. Usually, it was his friends that were left in charge of such things but now…Ash walked again with Pikachu at his side, wondering if by a miracle he would be able to find his way back to the trail before he lose the sunlight. If that happened and he has to spend the night there, things would get worse.
At least he wasn’t alone as he had his friends at his side like Pikachu, or maybe he would feel very scared in a situation like this. Maybe it would be worth it at least if he managed to have captured that unknown Pokémon! It was strange though. When he smiled at him before he left…Ash could swear that looked familiar. As if he saw that Psychic type before. But that was impossible, he would remember if he saw such a unique Pokémon before, being the experienced trainer that he is.
While he was lost in thought it seemed that Pikachu noticed something and started to poke his legs, making him look at his fist Pokémon. “Oh…sorry Pikachu, what is it? I guess I was distracted by that Pokémon I saw. Really wish I captured him.”
“Pika! Pikachu!” The rodent pointed to a spot between some trees and at first Ash didn’t notice anything. But while faintly, he heard what sounded like many Pokémon. Yes, that’s right…he could barely hear it but seemed that a lot of Pokémon was somewhere in that direction.
Then he understood, being a Pokémon with better hearing than a human like him, Pikachu heard that and immediately tried to bring it to his attention. “I can hear it now…hmm…wonder if it’s a Pokémon battle? If so maybe there will be people there that can help us! Good job Pikachu!” Ash smiled as he got on his knees and petted his Pokémon who seemed happy with such praise.
“Pikachu!” He said enthusiastically as he knew what his trainer was going to do. To follow the sound of those voices and try to get help from any human that could be there. So he jumped on Ash’s shoulder, not only to get cozy but because from there he could defend his trainer better if needed.
“Ok, here we go.” Ash took a deep sight and goes right between those trees, already getting ready for anything. He didn’t run as he wanted to sure but that’s exactly what got him and his friends into this mess! He couldn’t just do the same mistake. Besides he was still a bit tired after running in the forest for who knows how long, trying to find that Pokémon he saw. And besides, he has no idea what he was going to find. In the best-case scenario, it would be two trainers in a Pokémon battle so he could ask for their help. Even if the chances of finding two trainers having a Pokémon battle so deep in the woods were low he had to try if that mean finding help!
However, as he and Pikachu got closer they noticed that it wasn’t the case because…there seems to be a lot of Pokémon judging from the voices. And they didn’t sound angry or upset as they would be if they were in a battle. What was going on? Does that mean it was a pack of wild Pokémon? That made Ash hesitate, maybe he should turn back, and…no, he couldn’t do that. Turn back to where? He was already lost. At least if he followed those voices there was a chance he could find help, he just had to risk it. But he still made sure to be careful as when the voices got closer, he crouched and slowly made his way forward, looking ahead while hiding behind a bush with Pikachu still on his shoulder. What they saw was a surprise for both of them.
There were many Pokémon, either just chatting with each other or having fun as they battled. However, no matter where he looks…Ash couldn’t see any other human in sight. And that’s not all, as the Pokémon seem to be living there as there were ruins of what seemed to be an old village all over that area. There were even some huts that seemed to be made recently and since there were no humans, Ash thought maybe those were made by those Pokémon too to make room for everyone. But…what does that mean? This was a village…right? But a village only with Pokémon living in it? Were all of them wild? Ash never heard of anything like this before in his career as a trainer. He just stared at them alongside Pikachu, losing track of time as…it was just beautiful.
He has never seen so many Pokémon gathered in a single place like this before without any other human in sight! Normally, when he made his way deep in the woods like this to try and capture a wild Pokémon, they would hide so you were lucky to find more than five at the same time. But this?
It was quite amazing, really. It was like he was in another world inhabited only by Pokémon! A Bulbasaur having fun as he lifted in the air a pair of small Pokémon with his vines…a bunch of Squirtles playing as they squirt water on each other playfully…a Ninetales who Ash can swear was teaching something to a few Vulpixes with the way he was speaking and the little foxes were paying attention as they sat right in front of him. And much more, like that Charizard who seemed to have seen then when he turned around and-
“CHARI! CHARIZAAAAAARD!” he roared angrily and that caught the attention of everyone right away Ash and Pikachu gasped as they felt the eyes of everyone on them. Uh-oh, he screwed up! He was so mesmerized by his discovery that he didn’t notice one of them had seen them until it was too late!
That was followed by panic in all Pokémon. Before Ash even had the time to explain he wasn’t here to hurt or capture any of them, he just wanted help to leave the forest, they all moved all over the village to hide. It was fast but swift and coordinated as if they had trained for that before. Soon all doors and windows were closed while other Pokémon just ran to other areas of the village or even deeper into the woods, into places Ash wouldn’t have seen before. Now it was just him, his loyal Pikachu…and that Charizard.
“Charizard!” the large fire type said angrily before he leaned his head backward and…w-wait he was going to use his flamethrower fire attack on him? A human?! Ash panicked and fell to the ground right in front of the Pokémon realizing he wouldn’t get up on time he just lay there while covering his head, getting ready for the worst.
“PIKACHU!” All that Ash heard was the voice of his best friend sounding quite desperate and a loud noise followed by a grunt that came from the big lizard. Only then did the trainer dare to sneak a peek, though still fearing the worst. That’s when he saw that his Pikachu was braver than he ever expected!
The Pokémon probably jumped to attack the Charizard right on his head, one of the few weak points that would be effective for a small Pokémon such as him when in a battle against a much larger one. And after he did so, he put himself between Charizard and his trainer showing that he was going to protect him with all he got!
Ash felt his heart touched by the bravery that his Pokémon was showing. That’s right…what was he thinking! He needs to fight too, alongside Pikachu. So once he saw the yellow rodent turning his head to face him and shout his name a couple of times, he knew what he was telling him.
“Yeah! Let’s show him our strength, Pikachu!” Ash was now standing up and staring firmly at that big reptile. That was weird…despite those marks all over his body he really looked like his Charizard. But he knew it wasn’t him of course. It wouldn’t make sense for his Charizard to be here but he would never attack him in such a nasty way. Even when he was in the worst of his mood swings.
Now which attack to use…he had to hurry to decide since that Pokémon he was fighting against was a wild one and he had enough experience to know that meant his behavior was just too unpredictable. And maybe that would explain what happened next.
It seemed that the Charizard was about to use his Flamethrower, one of the most devastating attacks that a Pokémon like him could use.
Especially against a small adversary like Pikachu! But before Ash told his friend to evade it, the Charizard stopped the attack and looked around him, while saying his name a few times. Then he looked at Ash and Pikachu and said his name again, before nodding to himself. That’s what happened before he just left, flying away with his sturdy wings to another part of this “Pokémon village” and leaving both him and Pikachu alone.
Ash looked confused at Pikachu who also seem to just don’t understand the attitude of his opponent. It didn’t seem like he had decided to run away just because he was scared of him or Pikachu, all of sudden. He wondered what happened…but it was almost like if Charizard-
“He obeyed my orders. If I didn’t stop him in time, he would have slaughtered both of you where you stand. As one of my guards, he was that committed to protecting everyone here as part of his duty.”
“W-who said that?!” The human boy was very confused by that sudden voice. It wasn’t even like he heard it, it was more like it was inside of his mind. He turned around but there wasn’t anyone, human or Pokémon either behind him or anywhere. What was going on?
“…! Pika! Pikachu!” His companion yelled and pointed at the sky. Ash looked where Pikachu was pointing and gasped. Right above him was a figure which he couldn’t see very well at first since it was quite away from them. But slowly the figure started to descend and soon Ash could see what it was. A Pokémon…and since he could float like that, he must certainly be a Psychic type.
He didn’t even know there were Psychic-type Pokémon in this forest but there’s no denying what he is seeing. Ah, so that voice from before must have come from him! Ash didn’t even need to consult his Pokédex to know he never saw a Pokémon like that before though. It was a tall, humanoid feline or at least that’s how it seemed to the boy, with a large and muscular tail behind him and the feline was just observing both him and Pikachu until he landed on the ground with his arms crossed.
Now that he could see that mysterious Pokémon closer, Ash noticed that it seemed quite familiar to him. Ah…that’s right! He remembered now! It was very similar to the Pokémon that he saw and he chased on, trying to capture it. However, even if it was similar, the trainer was experienced enough to know it was a different Pokémon, despite not seeing the previous one as close as this one and for this long. He felt nervous as if the unknown feline was studying him and Pikachu for a while as neither dared to move a single muscle. The atmosphere was quite tense and the rodent still kept his battle stance, just like he did against that strange Charizard. So Ash knew that in the worst-case scenario, they could try to fight that guy.
“Fight me? Don’t make me laugh. That Pikachu can’t lay a single finger on me.” Once again he heard a voice coming right inside of his mind, without the feline’s mouth making any movement or sound. So yeah, if he can fly like that and talk to him in this besides he just read his mind! There was no doubt about it. He was a Physic-type albeit Ash doesn’t remember meeting a Psychic type that could speak the human language like this.
“Look, we don’t want any trouble. We had no idea there was a…Pokémon village or whatever this is. But if it’s a fight you want, we will accept the challenge!” Ash said that but he can’t deny that right now he was feeling a mix of fear and this excitement with the idea of fighting and even more CAPTURE a Pokémon that he knew nobody else would ever have seen!
“A challenge? I see, humans are still as arrogant as ever. It’s sad to see that not even changed but perhaps you need more time to mature. After all, you speak of a challenge but I see no such thing here. Even if you attacked me with all of your Pokémon at the same time, the result would still be the same…your complete defeat.”
The mysterious figure didn’t move at all but his voice echoed inside Ash’s head, with the trainer started to feel anger at that guy. He must have a lot of nerve to say that! Nobody knows the result of a battle until it’s over. Especially in a dispute between Pokémon.
“Complete defeat?! We will see about that!” Ash heard enough. There’s no way that he can let a wild Pokémon talk to him in this way and get away with it. He needed to be taught a lesson and it would end with him becoming part of his gang! If he wasn’t such a young trainer maybe he would be more careful with the idea of fighting a completely unknown opponent but Ash already made up his mind about it. However, so did the other.
“…! What the…?!” Ash had thought about it but he figured that Pikachu must be very tired at this point. After all, he was walking with him for his entire time when they got lost. It was one of the bad sides of not going inside the Poké ball as the rodent should but no use in complaining about it now. That’s why he was reaching to his belt to get a Poké ball out since he wanted to use another Pokémon, that wasn’t tired, to fight against that annoying feline. However, he suddenly couldn’t move! No matter how hard he tried, Ash was unable to move his arm. And when he tried to move the rest of his body, the result was the same. It was like some invisible force was all over his body, stopping him from moving as he wished.
“There’s no point in fighting a battle which result I already know. It would be just a waste of time.” The big guy said and Ash knew then why he couldn’t move. But to stop even a human from being able to move his body like this? Was there any Psychic-type that was that strong in the Pokédex?!
“Besides, even if by a miracle you won it wouldn’t change your fate.”
“My fate…?”
“That’s right.” As the Pokémon started to explain he used his incredible power to force both of Ash’s arms to be behind him, wrists touching each other. Ash felt like he was being forced to wear a pair of invisible handcuffs or something, it was terrible. “This is my sanctuary…a home for Pokémon that has no other place to call their home. Humans like you are forbidden to come here. That’s why one of my guards attacked you and the rest of the Pokémon felt so afraid they ran away. The last thing they wanted is to be captured by a human, being forced to fight for their sadistic pleasure.”
“S-sadistic pleasure?! You’re wrong! The bond between a trainer and a Pokémon isn’t like that! We’re friends. I would never force my Pokémon to battle without caring for them. We’re a team!” Ash justified what he felt were his genuine feelings that he had for his Pokémon, while struggling to try and break free of that strange power but being just unable to. He wasn’t even sure if it was hard for the wild Pokémon to keep him trapped like this, he felt that maybe the other could do this all day and that was terrifying.
“A team huh…” That short sentence was followed by a chuckle emanating in his mind, making Ash feel more upset about this situation. “Then maybe you can understand my feelings. This place…this sanctuary…everyone that lives here is part of my team. And I will do anything to protect my team. Even if that means risking the safety of the mind of a human boy like you.”
“Risking the…what do you mean?” Ash never heard about something like that before, but it sounded like the other was planning on using his powers on his mind and the boy can’t say he liked the idea of that.
“It seems you already have some idea of what I must do. And you are correct. It’s a simple procedure though. I will erase all of your memories of this place and send you away close to the city, so eventually, other humans will find you.”
“Erase my memories? That…that doesn’t sound good. I don’t want to forget anything in my journey!” Ash protested, shocked by what the Pokémon was planning on doing to him. He didn’t have that right to mess with his mind just because he could!
“You don’t need to like it, but I will do what I must to protect my sanctuary. Besides, there are no risks involved…hmm wait…that’s assuming it’s your first time that someone erased your memories.” Mewtwo said and Ash could swear that even if he was speaking directly to his mind, it sounded now like the feline was nervous. “It might not be safe to repeat the same procedure of erasing memories in the same mind, no matter how long ago it happened. In the worst case, your mind could just…break. And if that happened, you would never be the same again.”
“T-that sounds very scary! But nobody erased my memories before so it shouldn’t happen right?! Wait, you shouldn’t be doing this in the first place!” The human complained not even sure if he should feel relieved or not this would be the first time that he would have his mind erased. It was strange though, he shouldn’t feel this scared. It was bad that this would happen to him but from what the other said, he should be fine since it would be the first time…right?
The strange Pokémon seem to hesitate for a few seconds but then Ash saw the Pokémon move his body for the first time ever since he landed as the male feline extended an arm to point his paw right at him. Even if he was just an ordinary human boy, Ash could feel the strange pressure emanating from that paw. Was the Pokémon focusing all of his power in his paw to do that erasing- memories-attack thing?!
“It’s not like I enjoy hurting humans or having to resort to this, but I just can’t risk yet. I need to protect all the Pokémon that live here with me. Even if it means doing things that only some nasty humans would enjoy…but I know it’s not your case. I’m really sorry…Ash. You will forget it soon but know that I, Mewtwo, won’t forget your bravery in trying to fight me. ” Just as he said that Ash noticed the paw starting to glow with a strange, pink-like energy. Just looking at it was enough to make him feel quite nervous…!
He knew what would happen if Mewtwo use that energy on him, so he struggled to try to break free of the forced control on his body but no matter how much he try, it was useless as before. There’s no way a normal boy like him could break free of the control of such a powerful Psychic-type Pokémon. But what else he was supposed to do?! Finding a mysterious sanctuary for wild Pokémon? That sounded awesome! It’s exactly for things like that, such unique adventures involving new Pokémon the reason why he left in his journey in the first place. And now he even learned his name! Mewtwo eh. Not a name he was familiar with at all though it was weird, he could swear he heard that name before.
So he didn’t want to forget anything, not even a bit of it! No way…! There must be…something he can do…anything…if there was any Pokémon that could rival Mewtwo-
“PIKAAAAAAAACHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!”
“What in-GHN…!”
It was at this point, right when his mind was panicking with what was about to happen and he was thinking about who could help him, that Ash Ketchum saw one of the things that he knew he would never forget. One of the many things he would be sure to cherish forever as part of the wonderful memories he made on his journey. He watched it all, playing almost as if it was a movie in slow motion to him.
Pikachu was sneaking around Mewtwo it seemed, who should be quite distracted as he talked to Ash to have noticed him. And the Pokémon was just waiting for the right moment to strike and when he saw that opportunity, he didn’t waste it at all! That’s why Ash saw when Pikachu had jumped in the air, out of nowhere or so it seemed to him as it must have looked to Mewtwo as well, to attack the bigger male.
He had slammed the Pokémon, hitting him right on his face! It was so strong that Mewtwo was almost sent flying but his foot still was firmly planted on the ground Ash saw the dust that raised from under the feline’s feet as he was sent back a few steps away from the trainer. And when he landed, as he did against that mean Charizard from before, Pikachu put himself between Ash and Mewtwo.
It was so unexpected that Mewtwo was in shock, Ash knew the grunt of pain he heard in his mind before came from the feline. So the attack hit him for sure, he even saw when the paw that the Pokémon was going to use to erase his memories of this place was not clear of that pink energy and was massaging the male’s cheek, right where he was attacked. He never thought he would see such a powerful Pokémon like that get hurt and it seemed it was a big shock for Mewtwo as well.
“Impossible…! You…you penetrated my psychic barrier?! Even if I was focusing most of my energy to erase his memories, my barrier isn’t so weak that it should be pierced by a small Pokémon like you.” Ash could hear Mewtwo speaking in his mind but it was clear that he was actually speaking to Pikachu, who answered him sounding very upset too! But…there was something off about Pikachu, the way he was laying as if to battle Mewtwo at any moment. He wasn’t sure why but the trainer knew his Pokémon very well and knew something was off.
“Don’t make me laugh. I will have to praise your amazing display of raw power that you were able to use at that moment but that was the first and last time you will ever touch me. Besides…who do you think you are fooling?” Seemed that Mewtwo regained his composure and calmed down, even crossing his arms again as he looked at Pikachu.
“I don’t even need to use my powers to know that your attack cost you much more than the damage you did to me. Your arm… or maybe your shoulder is broken, isn’t it? So how can you claim there is more of that than where that attack came from when you can’t even move one of your arms now.”
Hearing that made Ash understand, so that’s what happened. Pikachu’s shoulder looked weird, that’s what was making the Pokémon seem off. “What?! Pikachu, stop! You can’t fight like this!” he shouted but even after the attack, it seemed that Mewtwo still was able to focus enough to never break the power that forced Ash to stand like a statue even in a situation like this! If only he could reach Pikachu he could try to carry the rodent and run away with him or something like that! It was all his fault, if he never followed that strange Pokémon before to try and capture it his precious friend wouldn’t be hurt…!
“Pikachu~!” The Pokémon just smiled as he answered him, trying to show that it was fine he could do it. As his trainer, Ash knew that he was saying it was ok! It’s not even hurting that much! So even when facing such a strange and powerful Pokémon like Mewtwo, his Pikachu doesn’t want him to worry about his injury. Such a thing touched his heart deeply, it’s for that kind of display of affection and determination that Pikachu had become his best Pokémon friend.
“If you’re saying that you’re fine, then come. Do know that I won’t hold back. I won’t show any mercy to anyone that threatens the peace of my sanctuary.” Mewtwo said angrily slamming his thick tail on the ground and Ash could tell that being hit by that thing would already be very bad news for Pikachu. And that’s assuming he could even get close enough to that given the absurd psychic powers his opponent already showed to possess. How could they win this…?
“Pika! Pikachu!!” It took Pikachu’s voice to snap him out of his doubt. His favorite yellow rodent wasn’t looking at him anymore but at his opponent, in his battle stance. His shoulder must be hurting a lot but he was going to do it. He was going to fight Mewtwo for his sake. That’s right, Ash can’t hesitate. He needed to give his all! Not only to protect himself and his memories but to protect Pikachu too!
“Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt! Give him all that you got!!” He screamed, knowing that it was the best option that they would have. With his body hurt, there was no way that Pikachu could try to move fast and sneak on Mewtwo to attack him like before again. So they need to use an attack that would allow him to fight without getting close to his opponent and Pikachu’s Thunderbolt was perfect for that.
“Going for an electric attack? Afraid of making him move his injured shoulder?” Mewtwo taunted the boy as his opponent watched the smaller male start to charge on his attack, trying to gather as much power as he could. “Oh…? Still, going, eh? That’s an impressive electric charge, but still nothing I can’t handle. If you surrender right now I can at least take him out without hurting him even more than I need to.”
“PIKACHU! DO IT NOW!!” Ash ignored Mewtwo and ordered his Pokémon to attack him, he did not want Pikachu to hold back. He just couldn’t or there was a risk the attack would not be strong enough to pierce Mewtwo’s shield.
“PIKAAAAAAAAACHUUUUUUU!” It was the last thing Ash saw and heard, his Pokémon shouting his name as he sends the extremely electric charge which was emanating from his body and directed it all towards Mewtwo before it hit him. Or at least…he thought it hit him? He couldn’t tell because of all the crazy dust that was lifted around the purple being when the attack was concluded. However, Ash noticed he could move his body! He was free! Maybe this meant the attack worked?!
“Thinking already that would be enough to defeat me? As usual, humans are quick to jump to conclusions. I just saw no point in stopping you from moving, for now, that’s all.” T-that voice echoing in his mind…! But that means…oh no…Ash’s worst fear was confirmed when the dust had cleared enough to show that Mewtwo was right there. Not only did he seem to be just fine, without a single scratch or burn on his body but he was already making a move. His arm was pointing at Pikachu and there was that pink energy emanating from his paw though it seem different than before when he wanted to erase his memories.
“That attack was not bad at all but was not enough to put even a dent in my shield. Now, following your stupid rules, I believe it’s my turn to attack…yes?”
“…! Pikachu! You need to evade!!”
“Pi…Pikachu…”
Despite giving such a clear order Ash could see that the Pokémon was in no state to follow it. He was panting and looked quite fazed, barely able to keep his eyes open. And that’s when he was still hurt…!
“What did you expect? Despite him being hurt, you ordered him to attack me with all he got and it did not work. Now he’s completely at the mercy of his opponent. This is why your Pikachu is lucky, in a way. That means that to defeat him I only need to do THIS!” It was so fast that Ash barely had time to see what happened and his body reacted purely by instinct!
Ash saw that right as Mewtwo spoke he sent the purple energy flying from his paw right toward Pikachu, who was too tired to be able to evade it in time. Ash didn’t even know if his Pokémon would even be able to evade it even if he was in his top condition. So he couldn’t blame Pikachu for being hit by that attack which was so strong it made Pikachu shriek in pain and he was sent flying! Seeing that, despite happening so fast, the trainer did not hesitate to jump in the air to grab Pikachu and once he fell, Ash used his body as a cushion to protect his beloved Pokémon.
“Gha…!” Still, Ash felt his body in pain once he hit the ground. If just the impact from the landing hit him this hard, he couldn’t imagine how it must be to Pikachu. “Pikachu! You’re ok?!”
“Pi…Pikachu…” His Pokémon called his name weakly but still smiled at Ash, seeming happy that his trainer did his best to help him when he used his body to soften the blow after the attack. But he wasn’t fooling anyone. Ash didn’t need his years as a Pokémon trainer to know that Pikachu was not in a state to fight anymore. Even if his shoulder wasn’t broken. This is a battle they already lost.
“Pikachu…I’m…I’m so sorry! This is my fault…”
“Indeed, it is. Absolutely your fault. And no matter how bad you feel now, it won’t change the result of that…let’s be nice and call it “battle”.” Ash looks from Pikachu to Mewtwo and gasps as the feline is taking small steps to get closer to them with one of his paws pointing at Pikachu. He tightened his grip on Pikachu’s body, thinking of what he should do.
“Why do you seem surprised? Don’t you see what I’m going to do? But your human rules, the fight is only over when one of the Pokémon is incapacitated is it not? Your Pikachu is still awake so he should still be able to fight. Yes, he is suffering right now…as any Pokémon captured by you humans do. This is nothing new. How many other Pokémon you also didn’t make suffer like this just for your vain glory? To make you feel proud and happy as if you were the one risking your body, dripping sweat and blood on the battlefield itself?”
“Ghn…!” Ash grunted feeling angry and embarrassed with such terrible words because Mewtwo did had a good point. He always felt amazing when he…no, when one of his Pokémon wins his battles for him. It was the best feeling ever, he just felt so superior to any other trainer and the worse trainer ever when he lose. Even if he knew it was the same for any Pokémon trainer in the world, he couldn’t ignore that it was all about him when he makes his Pokémon battle, regardless of how much they got hurt to try and get the result that he expects from them…a good victory. Especially when it happens during official battle leagues, in front of hundreds of people.
“It’s not that I am a god, regardless of my powers. I still have much to learn about many things. It’s not been too long since I learned to judge others by their actions and choices and not by where they came from. Yet, I see so many humans like you repeating the same terrible choices over and over again, capturing Pokémon, removing them from their freedom only to make tools of battle out of them. That is the reason why I have created his sanctuary, a safe haven for wild Pokémon everywhere. And that is why I need to protect it at all costs. Now…give me that Pikachu. It’s time to finish this so I can erase your memories and send you on your way.”
Despite the human knowing, he should feel terrified just with the idea of being hit directly by any attack from that powerful Psychic-type, there was only one thing in his mind and it was about how to do the best for a certain yellow rodent. “Pikachu, go ahead and rest. Leave this to me ok. This time…this time it’s my turn! I will protect you!”
“Pi…Pikachu…!” His Pokémon tried to protest but he was too weak to even do that, so he can do nothing more than look as Ash carefully puts him on the ground and then stares at Mewtwo before he gulped and extended his arms to his sides as if trying to block any access to his beloved Pokémon.
“What are you doing? Certainly, you know you have no chance to stop me. I can send you flying with a single attack and you would break more than one bone if that happens. Humans are much frailer than any Pokémon, you might even lose your life if I attack you no matter how much I hold back. Now move out of my way.”
“No! If you want to get to him you will have to deal with me first!”
“Foolish human, stop wasting my time. Move.”
“I said no!”
“…Get out of my way or else…”
“Over my dead body!!”
“I SAID MOVE!!!” Mewtwo was starting to lose his patience and Ash sure as heck noticed it, feeling as the Pokémon used some of his energy to go right on each of his sides and Ash heard some trees behind him fell to the ground immediately.
“N-no…! I won’t move! No matter what you do! You…YOU BULLY!” Ash can’t stop his legs from shaking, this was one of the few times in his journey as a Pokémon trainer that he felt his life was in danger. Yet he would not budge, there was nothing Mewtwo could do to make him get out of the way. He was determined to protect Pikachu until the end if it was necessary.
It wasn’t only his actions that seem to have shaken the feline but also his words. “What…me…? A…a bully?” That was the first time that Ash noticed anything that seemed like an expression on the stoic face of that mysterious Pokémon. Then the one threatening him and Pikachu closed his eyes and that’s when Ash hear some laughter echoing in his mind, completely taking him by surprise. That…that was Mewtwo? He was laughing? The boy is surprised but dared not to say anything.
“I see…I guess I do still have a lot to learn indeed. How could I have not seen it…after saying what matters are the actions that someone takes. Right now you, a human, are doing what you can to protect a Pokémon from someone you know is much stronger than you. That takes lots of courage. I can understand why I can be seen not as a protector but as a bully, as you said.”
“Mewtwo…” Ash didn’t expect to see the big feline creature say such a thing, maybe he wasn’t a bully after all. That’s right, he needs to remember Mewtwo just wants to protect this place. He was the intruder here.
“Pi…kachu…”
Hearing the weak voice of his best friend behind him, clearly in pain made Ash turn to see the Pokémon trying to get up. “H-hey, Pikachu! Hang in there! Don’t move, you need to rest!”
“Yes, he does. Not only he’s very tired but he’s also very hurt. I’ve seen bigger Pokémon pass out in battles for much less. So why he wants to keep going? Why do you think?”
“…” Ash heard Mewtwo’s words but didn’t answer while he grabbed Pikachu and kept him in his arms feeling how small the Pokémon is in times like this. Pikachu was panting and trying to smile at him like nothing was wrong. Ash already knew the answer to Mewtwo’s question. It was just hard to actually say it because…it was all because of him.
“That’s right. You know it’s because of you. He’s trying very hard because of you. Those feelings your Pokémon have…I can understand. He’s scared of what will happen to his trainer if he loses the battle. I’m the same…I need to fight and protect everyone in my sanctuary, no matter what happens to me. So even if I understand your Pikachu’s feelings, that doesn’t mean I can just lose either.”
Only when he heard those words did Ask start to understand the situation from Mewtwo’s point of view. It made sense, even he could relate to those feelings. As he looks at the Pokémon in his arms, he wondered how things come to this…no, he already knew the answer. He was the one that challenged Mewtwo to a battle in the end. Maybe if he had apologized or had promised he would never speak about this place to any other human things would be different. And when he turned to face the strongest opponent he ever met on his journey, he gasp as the male feline was quite close to him and he didn’t even notice! Maybe he used his powers to make him quickly fly over the ground.
Then he saw the Pokémon extend a paw to him and his first reaction was to cover Pikachu with his whole body and back off a bit, thinking they were going to be attacked. But that attack would just never come, yet the Pokémon was right there with his paw in the air as if waiting for Ash to do something.
“What are you doing?”
“Am I mistaken? I thought this was part of the procedure of how you humans do your deals. With a good shake of their hands? That’s exactly what I’m proposing to you. A good deal.”
Ash wasn’t sure where this was going. Make a deal with…a Pokémon? Was that a good idea? But a quick look at the small rodent in his arms, groaning in pain and all made him stop with such thoughts. If that was going to be good for Pikachu, he needed to at least hear what the other has to say. “What is that deal you’re thinking of?”
“It’s very simple. You will surrender to me in the place of your Pikachu.”
“What!? Surrender…! You mean, for me to give up the battle? To…accept defeat?”
“Precisely. You’re the trainer so you can do it in the name of your Pokémon. I…don’t want to hurt him any more than I did. So, if you do that, that can give me a good excuse to stop.”
Such a thing was not unheard of in the world of Pokémon Battles. It didn’t happen frequently though since a trainer would only give up in the middle of a battle if he judged that his Pokémon took too much damage or if something terrible happened during the fight. Ash already lost battles, not like he was perfect as no trainer is. He could accept that. But…to surrender, just like that? He never did it before. Just thinking about it didn’t feel good at all.
However, he knew what was the best choice to do here. This wasn’t about him! It was about saving Pikachu. So the choice was obvious. “I…I understand, Mewtwo. I will surrender. So I will leave with Pikachu and I promise, I will never speak about this pl-“
Ash’s hand was about to wrap Mewtwo’s paws to seal the deal but it stop in midair once the boy heard the words of the Pokémon again. “Leave? It seems you didn’t understand. When I say surrender, I mean more than you just giving up on this battle. You will surrender yourself to me, human.”
“? What exactly is that supposed to mean?” The boy had to ask as he just didn’t understand, no matter how much he think about it such a thing just sounded weird. I mean, he was a human! If he was say…a wild Pokémon he could understand. Once they fight in a battle against a trainer and their Pokémon, when they surrender and are captured by a Poké Ball that meant that now they belonged to that trainer. But he was a human…w-wait…he didn’t mean…!
“I think you understand. And you are right. If a human can capture a Pokémon after a battle, why the other way around can’t happen as well? So, me, a Pokémon…capturing a human like you!”
“That’s…that’s absurd! You can’t be serious about this!”
Mewtwo seem to get upset with that answer and slammed his thick tail against the ground, making many leaves of the fallen trees nearby fly in the wind as it blows over the two of them right as the Pokémon made his voice echo inside of Ash’s mind again as the boy feels a bit scared with such a display of the difference of physical power between them.
“Why not? I need to show to others the results of this battle. I need to show that I’m serious about keeping this place safe. And what better way to do it than to show something they never saw before? A human captured by a Pokémon! Besides, you know very well that in this world, freedom is such an ephemeral thing. Do you and any other trainer care when you capture wild Pokémons, robbing them of their former lives just to fight for you? I’m being merciful, giving you a choice. Would a bully do it? Now…what it will be?”
“PIKA…PIKACHU…!” Don’t do it, I can still fight! Ash knew that Pikachu was saying something like that when he tried to get off his arms and the human knew that if he allowed him to, he would do exactly that. That’s just how his Pikachu is, he would fight to the death to defend his trainer. Compared to that, what Ash had done for him?
The idea of “belonging” to a Pokémon, no matter which one was just insane to the boy. He never heard of such a thing before! If word of this reached other trainers or gyms, wouldn’t that be very humiliating? Could he even continue his journey if that happened…? Such thoughts were very scary for him. He still had lots of Pokémon to capture, people to meet, and lots of lands and places to see! He couldn’t just let his journey end here. Yet, he needs to get immediate help for Pikachu. What should he do…? Could he reach some sort of compromise with the Pokémon?
Knowing about his hesitation the feline then used the same paw he extended to Ash to point at something behind him. “I understand that you hesitate, my proposal is too sudden and might sound crazy for a human like you. So, I hope this helps you to decide. Take it as a gesture of goodwill.”
Ash wondered what he was talking about and once he turned around he got quite a surprise! There was another Pokémon there, one he never saw before.
It was a small, round Pokémon whose body was similarly shaped like a wind chime which he saw in many homes in this area. The figure smiled at him and was floating in the air, starting to circulate a small area right in front of Ash. His first instinct as a trainer was to call for another Pokémon to battle and try to capture that one but he had to suppress those feelings, It just wasn’t the time or the place. And he didn’t seem to be aggressive towards either him or Pikachu so it’s not like he needed to defend themselves either. Which means that guy was a friend of Mewtwo’s?
“There are many different Pokémon in this sanctuary, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. That one is Chimecho, a Psychic-type like me but he has good healing skills. I took the liberty of calling him so he could start the treatment of your Pikachu.”
“Chimecho! Chime, Chimecho!!”
“He’s asking you to put him down on the ground. He will do the rest.” Mewtwo explained though Ash hesitates, could he really trust either of those Pokémon…? The feline added immediately now sounding impatient.
“This doesn’t mean that you accepted anything. I told you, this is a gesture of goodwill. After the treatment is done you can decide if you prefer to become “my” human or…if I should erase your memories and send the two of you on your way out.”
“Pikachu…” Despite what Mewtwo just explained to him it was his Pokémon calling for him that convinced him to put him on the ground and he watched as Chimecho immediately started to use his powers. It started to move around Pikachu, calling his own name while using waves over his precious friend.
“This won’t be enough to fully heal his wounds. Chimecho said that he would need at least a few weeks to make sure your Pikachu gets as good as he was before. It is unfortunate but he is that hurt. That shows how much strength he used in that attack to protect you…quite impressive, I must say.”
Mewtwo was right, what his Pokémon did was nothing short of a miracle. He never got this hurt In a battle before. How long it would take for him to reach a city and get treatment for him? And how much it would cost? Certainly, such injuries couldn’t be healed for free in any Pokémon Center and Ash didn’t have much money. So the only way he could get treatment for Pikachu was…right here.
He clenched his fists, putting a lot of thought into this. He knew what he wanted to do but could he decide on such a thing alone? But it was the only way to get what Pikachu needed and still continue on his journey…!
“Pi…Pikachu…!” His Pokémon surprised him as he smiled and just nodded at him. As usual, he knew exactly what he was thinking and he agreed with him. That little rascal…Ash had to control his emotions to don’t cry right now and then. So when he turned to face Mewtwo, waiting with his paw in the air again the human boy did not hesitate.
Ash reached for his paw and squeezed it with his human hand, surprised with how soft but strong that grip of the feline felt. “Fine. Then I will stay and be your “human” or whatever! BUT! Only until Pikachu heals.”
“Oh? And what happens after he heals? I’m supposed to just let the two of you go?”
“Then we will challenge you again for another battle. And this time, we WILL win!”
“Heh…I see. So that’s your decision. Fine. I accept it!” Mewtwo squeezed Ash’s hand tighter and they shake their members, sealing their deal. The boy wasn’t sure but he could swear that the large feline in front of him looked amused about this. Strange, as the trainer was ready for the possibility of Mewtwo not liking that agreement and needed to be convinced. Was he that sure he would win again? Or…he already expected such a thing from what he saw of their bond?
“You better don’t regret it! We will win, I swear.”
“I will be looking forward to it, Ash.”
“You better be since we-wait…how do you know my name? I don’t remember if I said it before…”
The boy could swear that he saw the stoic expression of the Pokémon change to surprise but only for a brief second before he looked like someone whose expressions you can never read again. Then the feline reached for his head and…Ash felt the Pokémon petting him! It was nice but kinda humiliating and he blushed…!
“You’re my human now, so I need to know everything about you. We’re working together from now on so…you better be a good human. I can only keep you here if you’re a good boy for me.”
Ash should be feeling angry but he just didn’t and he didn’t know why. Maybe because he already agreed to be that Pokémon’s “human” or because he was doing this for Pikachu. And because, perhaps, he noticed something that makes him wonder if Mewtwo wasn’t that bad of a guy. For as he was being teased like this…
It was the first time he is sure that he saw the feline’s expression soften up a bit.
