Just as the Team Rocket trio were about to launch their attack, an invisible psychic wave surged out from deep within the castle, striking their Magikarp submarine with pinpoint precision.
Jessie still stood there with her hands on her hips in a smug pose, James was just about to pull out a Poké Ball from his coat, and Meowth had only just unsheathed its sharp claws—
In the next second, the entire submarine was flung into the air like a toy slapped away by an invisible giant hand, crew and vessel alike.
"We haven't finished our speech yet, meow—!!!"
Meowth's miserable scream turned into a streak across the sky, disappearing like a shooting star.
"What a horrible feeling…"
The sudden scene left every Trainer present completely stunned.
The sea fell into a dead silence, broken only by the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs and a few nervous gulps from the crowd.
Some Trainers instinctively stepped back, staring warily in the direction of the castle.
"Trainers who seek to witness true power…"
A cold and authoritative voice echoed directly within everyone's minds. It felt as though it pierced straight into their souls, sending chills through every single person.
"…Come ashore."
The Trainers exchanged glances. In the end, they decided to set foot on this mysterious island.
Ash was the first to step forward, his eyes filled with both caution and determination.
Misty and Brock followed closely behind, and the other Trainers gradually came along as well.
Waiting to greet them at the dock was a Nurse Joy with a blank expression.
She wore the standard nurse uniform, but her movements were stiff and mechanical, her eyes hollow and lifeless, like a puppet under someone else's control.
"Welcome to Pokémon Castle," Nurse Joy said in a completely flat tone. "Please follow me."
She turned and began to lead the way, her steps precise, as if measured to perfection.
Ash's Aura could clearly sense that Nurse Joy was being controlled by an immensely powerful psychic force.
He quietly circulated his Aura, attempting to free her from the control, but discovered that Mewtwo's mental restraint was incredibly firm, like countless invisible threads tightly binding her consciousness.
Inside, the castle was magnificent and luxurious, yet everything about it felt eerie.
From the high vaulted ceilings hung dazzling crystal chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with exquisite reliefs depicting scenes of humans and Pokémon living together.
However, an oppressive atmosphere filled the entire space, as though even the air itself had solidified.
Along both sides of the corridor stood more Pokémon under control. Their eyes were empty, motionless like statues.
In the grand main hall, the Trainers finally met the one who had invited them—the "strongest Trainer."
When Mewtwo slowly emerged from the shadows, a wave of gasps and murmurs swept through the crowd.
"What kind of Pokémon is that?"
"I've never seen anything like it!"
"Its presence is overwhelming…"
A hint of displeasure flashed in Mewtwo's eyes. Its voice echoed directly in everyone's minds, laced with cold mockery:
"Trainers? No. I am stronger than any Trainer. You humans are nothing but weak beings who rely on Poké Balls to bind Pokémon."
"What did you say?!"
A sailor-like man roared in fury, the muscles on his face twitching with anger.
"Gyarados! Show this arrogant creature our power!"
However, the moment Gyarados burst out of its Poké Ball, it was frozen midair by an invisible force.
Mewtwo didn't even move. With just a faint glance, both Gyarados and its Trainer were hurled into the decorative pool at the center of the hall, sending up a massive splash.
"Damn it! Gyarados, use Hyper Beam!"
The man resurfaced from the water, shouting the command in rage.
A golden beam of energy gathered in Gyarados's mouth, then shot straight toward Mewtwo with a world-shattering force. Yet this powerful attack, capable of crushing solid rock, suddenly changed direction just a few meters away from Mewtwo and rebounded at an even faster speed.
Gyarados was struck by its own attack, letting out a miserable scream as it crashed heavily into the water, sending up an even larger splash.
Mewtwo watched the scene coldly, its voice filled with undisguised contempt.
"Do you see? This is the 'bond' you take such pride in? Nothing more than a relationship of command and obedience. You humans always stand behind Pokémon, letting them fight for you."
It turned toward Nurse Joy, its tone growing even colder.
"You are no longer of any use."
As its words fell, the blue glow in Nurse Joy's eyes vanished, and her body collapsed limply like a puppet with its strings cut.
Ash had been prepared. His Aura formed an invisible cushion that caught Nurse Joy, while also severing the last thread of mental control. She slowly regained consciousness, looking around in confusion, clearly having no memory of what had just happened.
"You've gone too far!"
Ash stepped forward, glaring at Mewtwo.
"Manipulating others' will so casually, is this what you call strength? Just to prove your point, you think you can trample on others' dignity without restraint?"
Mewtwo floated in midair, looking down at everyone, its voice filled with deep disappointment.
"I once chose to cooperate with humans. What I received in return was only betrayal and exploitation. Humans are the most vile creatures on this planet, greedy, selfish, destroying everything…"
Its gaze swept across the hall. Every Trainer it looked at unconsciously lowered their head.
"Look at these Pokémon. They were meant to be free, yet now they have become puppets of humans. If this continues, this planet will inevitably be destroyed by your hands."
"Pikachu!"
The Pikachu on Ash's shoulder jumped down and stood firmly in front of him, its small body straight and resolute.
"Pika pika! Pikachu!"
Pikachu waved its tiny paws, passionately expressing its thoughts. Through Aura perception, Ash clearly understood what Pikachu meant:
I chose to follow Ash because I like him. This was our shared decision! Not all Trainers are like what you say!
Mewtwo let out a cold laugh, its voice tinged with pity.
"Pathetic little one. You've already been completely brainwashed, to the point of losing the ability to think independently."
With a slight raise of its hand, a psychic blast shot straight at Pikachu.
Ash quickly pulled Pikachu into his arms, using his own body to block the attack. Although Mewtwo hadn't used its full power, the impact still made Ash feel as if his organs were trembling, a metallic sweetness rising in his throat.
"Do you see?" Mewtwo said, its tone laced with mockery. "The weaker a Pokémon is, the more it depends on humans. This is the truth behind your so-called 'bonds'—the weak seek protection, and the strong offer pity."
Ash slowly stood up, his eyes burning with anger.
"You don't understand anything!"
In the next moment, a powerful Aura gathered around him, forming a pale blue barrier with intricate patterns flowing across its surface.
"Oh?" For the first time, Mewtwo showed a hint of interest. "A human capable of wielding such power? It seems you are indeed somewhat special."
The two psychic forces clashed within the hall, sending visible ripples through the air. The Trainers retreated one after another, staring in shock at this extraordinary confrontation.
Some Pokémon began to grow restless, sensing the immense power of the two forces.
Fine beads of sweat appeared on Ash's forehead. Though his Aura was already quite strong, it still felt insufficient against a Legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo.
Cracks began to spread across the barrier, like glass on the verge of shattering.
Just as Ash was about to reach his limit, Mewtwo suddenly withdrew its power.
It looked at the panting Ash thoughtfully.
"Interesting… You are indeed different from the other humans."
...
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