Under Giovanni's tense gaze, Ash turned to leave. But before he could exit the Viridian Gym, Mewtwo's voice rang in his mind.
"Why did you help me?"
When Ash had destroyed the inner mechanisms of the armor, Mewtwo had sensed it immediately.
"The one who controls you is Giovanni—one of my enemies. Besides, your heart has been twisted. I know you hate humans now, but not all of them are cruel villains."
Ash's voice was calm as he continued walking.
"Helping you wasn't just to spite Giovanni. I also wanted to give you a reason to think differently about humans."
"Humph!"
"So in the end, you're using me too. Humans are selfish by nature. I'll remember this. The next time we meet, only one of us will walk away alive."
Ash shook his head at Mewtwo's bitter words. He truly pitied the Pokémon. Created as nothing more than a weapon, Mewtwo's pain was understandable.
"I'll be waiting," Ash said simply before leaving the Viridian Gym.
He climbed into his Marshmallow SR and drove toward Pallet Town. For once, he wasn't racing. Mewtwo's words weighed heavily on him.
Still… that Poké Ball. What exactly is it? Ash pulled out the mysterious ball he had obtained. "System, analyze this thing for me."
"Ding~!"
Name: Natural Ball
Function: A Poké Ball formed naturally over countless years. Currently sealed. Unlocking it will require the host's effort and exploration.
"Natural Ball?" Ash frowned as he studied the GS Ball, its surface glimmering like polished stone. In his past life, countless fans had speculated about its true purpose.
Some thought it was meant to capture mythical Pokémon, others believed it could even seal Legendary Pokémon. There were endless theories.
Half an hour later, Ash arrived in Pallet Town. A smile tugged at his lips as he parked outside his home. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside—only to be greeted by a joyful cry.
"Eevee~!"
A small Eevee leapt onto his shoulder, nuzzling against his cheek. Pikachu chirped happily at the sight, welcoming its companion.
This Eevee was one Ash had caught earlier, but lacking time to train it, he had left it in his mother's care. Now, it greeted him with boundless affection.
"It's been a while, Eevee," Ash said warmly, stroking its soft fur.
"Vee! Vee~!" Eevee's cries rang with delight as it bounded around with Pikachu. Watching the two Pokémon play filled Ash with quiet happiness.
Sensing his mother nearby, Ash walked toward the kitchen. Inside, he saw Delia cooking, her figure familiar and comforting.
"Mom!"
Ash slipped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"Ah—!" Delia gasped in surprise at the sudden embrace. When she realized it was Ash, her expression softened, and she gently stroked his hair.
"You're back, Ash," she said warmly.
Delia set the table with a soft smile.
"Alright, go take a shower. The water's ready. When Cynthia comes back, we'll have dinner."
Ash clung to her, reluctant to let go. Delia hadn't expected that after just half a year on the road, her son would return carrying a presence that made him feel so much older.
At her gentle words, Ash finally loosened his grip, kissed her cheek, and headed toward his room. Delia's face flushed at the unexpected gesture, her heart swelling with both pride and sadness.
"Ash has grown up so much…" she murmured, watching his retreating back.
From childhood to now, he had always been her greatest worry. She often feared he would stumble without a father to guide him. Yet, unknown to her, Ash carried memories far beyond his years. He had no intention of ever letting Lance—or any man—come close to his mother.
Later, soaking in the bathtub, Ash allowed himself a rare moment of peace. Half a year of travel had brought him new partners and countless challenges, but it had also hardened him. For the first time, he felt the weight of both his journey and his resolve.
...
Inside Viridian City Gym, beneath its polished floors, a hidden base pulsed with tension.
"We must restore Mewtwo's power immediately and force the armor back under control!" Giovanni's voice cut through the sterile air, his expression grim as he glared at the white-coated scientists before him.
"Boss… it's impossible," Dr. Nanbo replied with a steady voice. "The internal systems of the armor are completely destroyed. Rebuilding is the only option."
Nanbo was one of Team Rocket's top researchers, the man who had overseen much of Mewtwo's creation. Giovanni trusted him more than most.
"Tch. So that brat managed to ruin everything… Put Mewtwo back in the sleep capsule. If he realizes too soon that the armor no longer works, we'll lose control entirely." Giovanni's fist slammed against the console in frustration.
What Giovanni didn't know was that Mewtwo already understood. The restraints were broken, but escape required patience. His body needed time to recover—time to gather the strength to break free not just from the lab, but from Team Rocket itself. Giovanni's presence ensured that security around him remained suffocatingly strong.
"Boss…" one of the researchers stammered suddenly, eyes wide as he looked toward the containment chamber.
"Mewtwo… he seems to be listening to us."
The air grew heavier, as if the shadows themselves leaned closer. Giovanni's jaw tightened. For the first time, unease flickered across his face.
...
TN:
⚡ Pa-treon-com/LordMerlin (Support me! 😊)