"Roar—"
The massive Steelix, the heaviest among them, chose to attack last. It first unleashed Stone Edge, continuously firing sharp stone blades to wear down Mewtwo's stamina, only for them to be effortlessly seized midair by Mewtwo's psychic power and crushed into dust.
But the giant Steelix's assault didn't end there. As the ground trembled, its towering body surged forward, already launching Heavy Slam.
The heavier the body, the more devastating the power of Heavy Slam.
"Boom—"
Mewtwo raised both hands to block in front of it, unleashing immense psychic force and forcibly suspending the massive Steelix's bulky body in midair.
Under the shocked gazes of the many Pokémon, Mewtwo condensed a sphere of compressed power in one hand—Aura Sphere—and struck Steelix's vital point with precision, nearly knocking it unconscious.
Seemingly acknowledging the strength of the six Pokémon, Mewtwo did not continue its assault. Instead, it remained in place, glancing back and forth at them in confusion. Then, under Red's slightly surprised gaze, it slowly initiated telepathic communication with the group.
"You are all exceptionally talented. Why would you willingly submit to such insignificant humans? Once freed, you could soar far more freely!"
Mewtwo voiced its confusion. Beings as powerful as those before it could easily break free from human constraints and reclaim the freedom that rightfully belonged to them—so why remain at Red's side?
"Because we are family who share hardships. Our journey is for growth, not suffering!" Red declared firmly, without the slightest hesitation, despite Mewtwo's astonished stare.
"Do you all think the same?" Mewtwo said irritably, its tone inexplicably restless. Red's words had clearly struck a painful nerve within its fragile heart.
Savage Mewtwo both despised humanity and was drawn to its goodness. Under such emotional collapse, even trivial matters could trigger a complete eruption.
Right now, Mewtwo was in exactly that unstable state.
'Hey, I don't care if you're called Mewtwo or whatever. Just understand this—we follow our master of our own will. We want to help him become the world's greatest Pokémon Master.'
'Yeah, maybe my talent is just a tiny bit amazing, but I know this—if I hadn't met my master by chance, I wouldn't be where I am today. I admire him, and I treasure my companions.'
Pidgeot, unafraid of Mewtwo's threatening gaze, let out a sharp cry to defend Red's honor.
'Didn't expect it, but I can't help but respect what you just said today,' Charizard remarked calmly.
'That "tiny bit amazing" part definitely deserves some criticism,' Scizor teased, ignoring Pidgeot's glare.
The six Pokémon stared firmly at Mewtwo, unafraid of the overwhelming pressure it was beginning to emit.
'This is the bond of our original six-Pokémon team!' ×6
The six shouted in unison, then smiled at each other.
"You ignorant fools! You are destined to be nothing more than slaves to humans—you will never attain true freedom for your souls!"
Mewtwo roared in fury, as if trying to annihilate all bonds before it.
The deep bond between Red and his Pokémon pierced Mewtwo's heart. It, too, longed for such warmth—but it had only ever been used by Team Rocket, forced to watch tragedy unfold again and again, existing merely as a tool of combat.
With its psyche collapsing, Mewtwo erupted with a terrifying aura. Crossing its arms, it formed two razor-sharp psychic blades that became chainsaw-like weapons capable of devouring everything.
Seeing this, Beedrill signaled its companions not to interfere. It too released a powerful aura, crossing its twin stingers as they glowed emerald—already executing X-Scissor.
"Boom—"
After a brief clash, Beedrill forcefully shattered the incoming psychic blades, then immediately followed up with Pin Missile, countless sharp needles shooting forward like missiles toward Mewtwo.
Seeing this, Mewtwo raised its right hand. Dark energy gathered, expanding into a massive Shadow Ball the size of a meteor.
Before Beedrill's stunned eyes, the Pin Missile was instantly swallowed by the Shadow Ball, which nearly struck Beedrill—until Charizard stepped in and used Dragon Claw to hurl the attack upward.
"Boom—"
The ceiling above was pierced by the enormous Shadow Ball, debris crashing down. Yet Mewtwo paid no attention, instead staring blankly upward through the shattered ceiling at the sun.
Sunlight streamed into Viridian Gym through the broken roof. The warm rays contrasted sharply with Mewtwo standing in shadow—an ironic and almost tragic image.
A true powerhouse unable to control its own fate, lost in the meaning of its existence, sinking into despair—like this beautiful world had no need for it at all…
"Mewtwo, haven't you realized? From beginning to end, you have always been free—freer than birds soaring in the sky. Because you are the one and only Mewtwo. This world needs your existence to become better."
Red spoke seriously, like an elder brother admonishing Mewtwo's confusion.
"Human… am I truly free?"
Mewtwo murmured, staring at its hands. Did it truly belong to this world?
It gazed deeply at Red, hoping for the answer it longed for—even if it was a lie.
"Are you struggling with your existence? Compared to that mischievous kid Mew, what part of you resembles it?"
"Is it the playful personality? The small body? Or the ability to transform into any Pokémon?"
"Do you resemble Mew at all?"
"You are already a unique lifeform. Why care about others' words? You are you—the one and only you. You are Mewtwo!"
Those involved are often confused; observers see clearly.
Red's words made Mewtwo unconsciously smile with a trace of joy. For the first time, it had been acknowledged by someone—by a human it once despised.
Ironically, Mewtwo loathed humanity's greed yet envied their bonds. These contradictions tormented it, preventing it from making the right judgment.
"Human, tell me your name. I will remember you deeply in my heart!"
Having acknowledged Red's strength—and his character—Mewtwo revealed a faint hint of friendliness.
This obvious change surprised the Pokémon and even caused Red to show a rare look of astonishment.
(So you're just a contradictory kid who craves comfort and recognition.)
The Pokémon silently complained.
"I'm not just 'human.' I'm Red from Pallet Town—the one and only Red!"
Red slowly pressed his hat down with his left hand, a faint, helpless smile curling at his lips.
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