It was early morning when Ash quietly left while his friends were still asleep.
He didn't like the feeling of leaving others behind — especially not without a word.
Of course, the most important thing was that he didn't know what to say to Cynthia, nor how to face his feelings toward Sabrina. Even Suzie's place in his heart was uncertain.
Such confusion was inevitable for someone truly sincere. Even honest men, when faced with tangled emotions, find themselves uncertain — no amount of training can prepare them for it.
For Cynthia and the others, his departure might last just a few days.
But for Ash, it could mean a year, three years… or even forever.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
High above the endless sky, Ash moved alone — each step resonating softly beneath his feet.
It was the Moon Step, a technique allowing him to walk on air itself. The destination agreed upon with Mewtwo was far, far away.
Even at full speed, it was impossible to reach within three days by flight alone.
Three Days Later – Quartz Plateau, Indigo Conference Arena
Narrator:
"Every Trainer in the Kanto Region should already know about the Mewtwo Incident.
According to the latest reports, Ash Ketchum has set out for the agreed location to face Mewtwo.We are now broadcasting this live via satellite — a moment that may decide the fate of humanity and Pokémon alike."
The stadium was packed with Trainers from every corner of the region.
The giant screen, normally used to display battles, had been replaced by a satellite feed.
The image showed Ash, his steps echoing softly across the sky, heading toward destiny itself.
"Please don't be alarmed," the commentator continued.
"According to verified information from Professor Samuel Oak and Masaki Oak, the Trainer Ash Ketchum possesses latent psychic ability. Many of you may have heard about this before."
Seeing Ash walking calmly through the clouds, the crowd gasped in amazement.
The explanation came quickly — his power, though human, rivaled that of Pokémon.
"No wonder the Pokémon known as Mewtwo took an interest in him."
"So that's why! Ash really is on another level."
"He has to win — for us, for Pokémon, and to bring down Team Rocket once and for all!"
The Mewtwo crisis had shaken the world. Even other regions tuned in, their eyes fixed on the broadcast.
If Ash failed, the devastation wouldn't stop with Kanto. Mewtwo's wrath could engulf every region — Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and beyond.
Though the tension was immense, Ash's heart burned with exhilaration.
"I don't know why," he muttered, his voice low against the rushing wind, "but my blood's boiling… Am I actually looking forward to fighting Mewtwo?"
Hours passed.
The sky dimmed, thunder rolled, and after nearly five hours of continuous travel, Ash finally arrived — just three thousand meters from the appointed location.
It was noon on the third day.
"Finally…" he exhaled, feeling his body tremble with exhaustion.
"I should rest and recover my Aura before the fight begins."
Dark clouds loomed above the distant island. The sea raged violently, as if nature itself awaited what was to come.
"Rain, huh?" he muttered, glancing upward as the first drops fell.
"Don't tell me this is Mewtwo's doing…"
Ignoring the downpour soaking his clothes, Ash sat cross-legged, his hands folded calmly in meditation.
It had taken him more than a day to arrive — and that was only because Mewtwo's map was vague.
The destination was clear, but the route had been… intentionally unclear.
He had wandered through Pallet Town's outskirts repeatedly, even using his Aura to sense the right direction.
That effort had drained nearly forty percent of his strength. He needed every bit of energy for what came next.
As he focused on recovery, a powerful psychic pressure swept through the air.
Moments later, Mewtwo appeared above him — silent, regal, unblinking.
There was no sneak attack.
This was a battle of honor — of equals.
Mewtwo, despite his power, respected Ash's courage to face him alone.
If Ash came without fear, then Mewtwo would not strike from the shadows.
Quartz Conference Arena — Live Broadcast
"It's Mewtwo…" the commentator whispered, his voice trembling as the legendary Pokémon filled the screen.
Every trainer held their breath.
The battle between human and Pokémon — between creation and creator — was about to begin.
"I can't tell who's stronger — Ash or Mewtwo," someone murmured in awe as the live broadcast continued.
"Damn it, one step too late!" snarled Apollo, one of Team Rocket's top executives, glaring at the massive screen.
"I didn't expect that kid to leave early."
Beside him, Lance Draconis — calm but sharp-eyed — folded his arms. "Forget it. It's too late now. Even if that boy reaches Mewtwo, it'll only lead to his death."
Both men had come under Giovanni's orders, tasked with seizing the map that Ash carried. Yet they hadn't expected him to depart two days earlier than planned. According to their calculations, he should have taken flight on the third day — but Ash had moved ahead of schedule, defying their every expectation.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Quartz Conference Arena, several scientists worked hurriedly as the image of Mewtwo loomed on the satellite feed.
"Quickly, record every movement and ability Mewtwo displays!" barked Lt. Surge, standing beside Professor Oak.
"We need to analyze it, find any possible weakness!"
The researchers obeyed immediately, scanning every frame with tense precision.
Though Surge and Oak were confident in Ash's abilities, they knew this fight was unlike any other.
Both combatants — human and Pokémon — stood at a level beyond comprehension.
High above the stormy sea, Ash sat cross-legged, eyes closed, regaining his strength through calm focus. His Aura flared faintly, wrapping him in a subtle glow. Then, sensing a surge in psychic pressure, he slowly opened his eyes.
Floating silently above him was Mewtwo — its expression unreadable, its violet eyes cold and absolute.
"Come with me," said Mewtwo, its voice echoing directly into Ash's mind.
"We will not fight here. You don't want these people watching... and I don't want interruptions."
Without waiting for a reply, Mewtwo turned and glided toward the open sea, its psychic field parting the rain around it like invisible glass.
Ash stood, tightening his gloves. "Got it," he muttered, determination sharpening his tone.
With a sharp burst of Aura beneath his feet, he launched himself after Mewtwo — each step rippling the air as he chased the legendary Pokémon across the storm-tossed waves.
Soon, the two arrived at a desolate island far from civilization — the very same place where Mewtwo had once escaped after its creation.
In the heart of the island stood a massive stone fortress — cold, ancient, and eerily silent.
Lightning flashed across its towering spires, illuminating the battleground where destiny awaited.
...
TN:
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