The sky over New Island Pokémon City was stained orange by the setting sun, and the trees around the training ground swayed gently in the breeze.
Ash stood at one end of the field, his determined eyes under the brim of his red cap fixed on Mewtwo opposite him. Mewtwo floated in mid-air, its purple body radiating powerful Psychic waves, with a hint of disdain and curiosity in its eyes.
"Pikachu, you rest for a bit." Ash gently patted the Pikachu on his shoulder, who somewhat reluctantly jumped onto a bench by the side of the field. "This time, let me try out a new partner."
Ash took a Poké Ball from his waist, which gleamed with a metallic luster in the setting sun. "Go, Scyther!"
A flash of white light, and a slender, bug-type Pokémon appeared on the field. Scyther's forelimbs were two sharp scythes, glinting coldly in the sunlight. It spread its translucent wings, making a crisp flapping sound, and Mewtwo's reflection appeared in its compound eyes.
"Scyther, bug-type Pokémon are strong against Psychic-type Pokémon, this is a good choice." Ash muttered to himself, then shouted loudly: "Use Fury Cutter!"
Scyther instantly turned into a green blur, its forelimbs slashing towards Mewtwo at a speed difficult for the naked eye to catch. "Swish swish" sounds of air being cut could be heard, as if countless blades were truly dancing.
A hint of surprise flashed in Mewtwo's eyes, and it quickly raised a light blue protective shield. "Bang!" Fury Cutter struck the shield, causing a ripple of energy. Fine cracks appeared in the shield, but Mewtwo quickly repaired them.
"As expected of Mewtwo, its defense is so strong." Ash gritted his teeth, "Scyther, keep attacking, don't give it a chance to breathe! Use Dragon Claw!"
Scyther's forelimbs suddenly glowed with purple dragon-type energy, slashing at Mewtwo with an even fiercer offensive. This attack was clearly more potent, directly piercing the protective shield and leaving a shallow scratch on Mewtwo's chest.
Mewtwo looked down at its wound, its eyes becoming sharp. "Human, you are stronger than I imagined." Its voice echoed directly in Ash's mind, carrying a cold resonance.
"It's not over yet!" Ash clenched his fist, "Scyther, use Fury Cutter continuously!"
However, the subsequent battle did not go smoothly. Although bug-type moves were effective against Mewtwo, Mewtwo's strength far exceeded Ash's expectations. It easily dodged most attacks, and its occasional counterattacks of Psychic left Scyther struggling to cope.
"Bang!" A Psyshock hit Scyther squarely in the chest, knocking it back several meters. Scyther knelt on one knee, its scythes supporting its body, clearly having sustained significant injuries.
Cold sweat beaded on Ash's forehead. He hadn't expected the battle to be so difficult, even with a type advantage. Mewtwo's strength was simply unfathomable.
"Give up, human." Mewtwo floated in the air, looking down at Ash, "Your Pokémon are no match for me."
Ash took a deep breath, his right hand unconsciously reaching for the pendant around his neck — a delicate golden disc with intricate patterns carved on its surface. "No, the battle has just begun."
He took off the azure flute and held it high above his head. "Ho-Oh, I need your Helping Hand!"
The disc suddenly burst into dazzling golden light, and a fiery red figure flew out from the light. Ho-Oh spread its magnificent wings, and its clear cry resounded throughout the entire Pokémon City. Its appearance raised the surrounding temperature by several degrees, and the air was filled with a sacred Aura.
"Ho-Oh?" Mewtwo's expression fluctuated for the first time, "The legendary God of Life..."
"Ho-Oh," Ash said solemnly, "This Mewtwo is a clone created by Team Rockets using Mew's genes. It needs our Helping Hand."
Upon hearing this, Ho-Oh's keen gaze turned to Mewtwo, with an added seriousness in its eyes. "So that's it... an artificial life form?"
Mewtwo was enraged by this gaze. "I don't need anyone's pity! Especially not you so-called 'legitimate' Pokémon!"
Ho-Oh ignored Mewtwo's anger and turned to Ash, saying, "Ash, let your Scyther retreat and rest, I'll take it from here."
"No," Ash shook his head, "We'll fight together. Scyther can still continue!"
Upon hearing this, Scyther struggled to stand up, its scythes crossed in front of its chest, indicating that it still had the strength to fight.
A hint of admiration flashed in Ho-Oh's eyes. "Alright, then let's do it together."
The battle resumed. Ho-Oh spread its wings and soared, spewing scorching Sacred Fire from its mouth. Mewtwo quickly dodged, while simultaneously unleashing a powerful Psyshock. Scyther, meanwhile, sought opportunities on the ground, launching Sucker Punch from time to time.
"Scyther, now! Dragon Claw!" Ash commanded, seizing the moment Mewtwo was dodging Ho-Oh's attack.
Scyther's scythes, imbued with dragon-type energy, accurately slashed Mewtwo's back. Mewtwo cried out in pain, then turned and sent Scyther flying with a Psyshock.
"Ho-Oh, catch it!" Ash shouted.
Ho-Oh quickly swooped down, catching the falling Scyther on its back. The two briefly touched in mid-air, and a faint golden light emanated from Ho-Oh, transferring some energy to Scyther.
"This is... the power of the Sacred Fire?" Ash was surprised to find that Scyther's injuries were rapidly healing.
At the same time, Ash suddenly felt a strange fluctuation in the air. He closed his eyes, releasing his Aura. A moment later, he opened his eyes and spoke to a seemingly empty corner of the field: "Come out, Mew. I know you're there."
Ripples appeared in the air, and two pink Pokémon, one large and one small, gradually materialized. The large Mew floated in the air, looking at Mewtwo with a complex expression; the smaller one timidly hid behind the large Mew, curiously observing Ash.
"Mew..." Mewtwo's expression became extremely complex upon seeing the large Mew appear, "You finally show yourself."
The large Mew did not immediately respond to Mewtwo, but instead turned to Ash, its gentle voice directly resonating in Ash's mind: "I have long heard of the Child of the Planes. I sensed your presence, so I brought my child. Mewtwo was indeed created using my genes."
Ash nodded: "I guessed as much. Team Rockets' data mentioned it."
A Yun, Hai Nan, and the others watching from the sidelines were completely stunned. A Yun rubbed her eyes, unable to believe she was seeing the legendary Ho-Oh and Mew.
"This... who exactly is this kid?" Hai Nan stammered, "He can summon Ho-Oh and even talk to Mew?"
Ash ignored their shock, focusing on his communication with Mew: "What do you plan to do with Mewtwo?"
The large Mew looked at Mewtwo, who was still battling Ho-Oh, and sighed: "I originally intended to resolve this myself, but seeing you here, I've changed my mind."
It gently pushed the small Mew hiding behind it, "I want to entrust my child to you. It will help you on your future journey, especially... in facing the impending crisis."
Upon hearing this, Ho-Oh let out a disdainful cry. "Hmph, you merely wish to curry favor with Arceus through Ash."
Mew immediately retorted: "As if you are so virtuous. Didn't you also give your offspring to Ash?"
Ho-Oh's sore spot was hit, and the flames on its wings flared up a few degrees. "That's different! I recognize Ash's character and ability!"
"I have the same reason." Mew was not to be outdone.
Ash helplessly interrupted the two legendary Pokémon's argument: "Alright, alright, this isn't the time to argue." He squatted down, looking at the small Mew at eye level, "Would you like to become my partner?"
The small Mew blinked its big eyes, then suddenly pounced into Ash's arms. A voice as gentle as a little girl's echoed in Ash's mind: "I would love to~"
Ash smiled and took out an Ultra Ball, gently touching the small Mew. A red light flashed, and the capture was successful.
"Congratulations, Ash." The large Mew said with satisfaction, "I entrust my child to you."
Meanwhile, Ho-Oh and the recovered Scyther had gradually suppressed Mewtwo. Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire and Scyther's Fury Cutter worked seamlessly together, and Mewtwo began to retreat steadily.
"Enough!" Mewtwo suddenly erupted with a powerful Psychic wave, temporarily forcing its two attackers back. "Why do you treat me this way? I only wanted to prove that clones are no worse than the originals!"
Ash stepped forward, looking directly into Mewtwo's eyes: "Mewtwo, you don't need to prove anything. Whether naturally born Pokémon or artificial Pokémon, all have value and meaning in their existence."
"Anyone can say pretty words!" Mewtwo roared, "How could you 'legitimate' Pokémon possibly understand my feelings?"
"I understand." Ash said firmly, "Because I have seen too many Pokémon hurt by humans, and too many Pokémon who hurt humans. What's important isn't your origin, but what kind of being you choose to become."
Mewtwo fell silent, the anger in its eyes gradually replaced by confusion.
Ho-Oh landed beside Ash, adding: "Ash is right. The meaning of life isn't in its origin, but in its process. Look at your cloned Pokémon, aren't they living well?"
Mew also floated over: "And, in a sense, aren't we all created by Arceus?"
Mewtwo's expression gradually softened. It looked down at its hands, seemingly pondering the meaning of these words.
Ash seized the opportunity to continue: "Mewtwo, if you are willing, I can help you and your cloned Pokémon find a safe home."
Mewtwo looked up: "What are your conditions?"
"No conditions." Ash shook his head, "Just... if you're willing, I hope you can also become my partner."
Mewtwo looked at Ash in surprise: "You... want to catch me?"
Ash nodded: "Not as a trophy, but as a partner. Just like me and Pikachu, and Scyther, and the small Mew I just caught."
Xiao You, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but murmur, still a bit jealous: "Another female Pokémon... Ash's title as a Pokémon Lady is truly well-deserved."
Brock patted her shoulder: "Don't be jealous, this is the legendary Mew."
Mewtwo pondered for a long time, then finally spoke: "I can agree to your terms, but you must first fulfill your promise to provide a suitable living environment for my clones."
Ash smiled brightly: "That's simple." He took out the azure flute again, "Arceus bestowed upon me a small world with areas suitable for Pokémon of all types to live."
He activated the azure flute, and a portal formed in the air. Through the portal, one could see diverse ecosystems: forests, lakes, volcanoes, and snowy plains, all complete, and countless Pokémon living within. It was a veritable paradise.
Mewtwo watched all this in shock: "This is... the power of the Creator God?"
"Yes." Ash nodded, "Want to go in and see?"
Mewtwo hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement. Ash led Mewtwo through the portal and they toured the wondrous small world. They walked through lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and there was even a floating island specifically designed for Psychic-type Pokémon.
"This place... is indeed perfect." Mewtwo had to admit.
"So, what's your decision?" Ash asked expectantly.
Mewtwo looked at Ash's sincere eyes and finally nodded: "I agree to become your Pokémon. But you must promise me that you will treat all cloned Pokémon well."
"I promise." Ash said solemnly.
They returned to the real world, and Ash took out an Ultra Ball. Mewtwo took one last look at the Trainers and Pokémon it had once imprisoned, especially A Yun and Hai Nan's Venusaur and Blastoise.
"I release you." Mewtwo waved its hand, and two red lights flashed, Venusaur and Blastoise reappearing before their owners.
"Venusaur!" A Yun excitedly hugged her Pokémon.
"Blastoise!" Hai Nan was also overjoyed.
Mewtwo turned to Ash: "Now, fulfill your promise."
Ash nodded, activating the azure flute again. A giant portal opened, and Mewtwo released all the cloned Pokémon it had controlled. Under Mewtwo's guidance, they orderly entered the small world.
When the last cloned Pokémon entered, Mewtwo looked at Ash: "It's my turn."
Ash gently tossed the Ultra Ball towards Mewtwo. The moment the ball touched Mewtwo, it transformed into red light and was drawn inside. The ball shook a few times on the ground, and finally, with a "ding," the capture was successful.
Ash picked up the Poké Ball, letting out a long sigh: "It worked!"
Ho-Oh nodded in satisfaction: "Well done, Ash. Your wisdom and kindness have once again created a miracle."
Mew also smiled and said: "Entrusting my child to you was indeed the correct decision."
Ash scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "This is all the result of everyone's combined efforts."
Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder, "Pika Pika! (And me!)"
Ash smiled and patted Pikachu: "Of course, I couldn't do it without you, partner."
Xiao You walked over, still a little jealous, but also happy for Ash: "Congratulations on catching another powerful Pokémon... though it's female again."
Brock patted Ash's shoulder: "Your team is getting more and more luxurious, Ho-Oh, Mew, Mewtwo... Next, are you going to catch Arceus?"
Ash quickly waved his hands: "Don't joke around!"
Everyone burst into laughter. The sun had completely set below the horizon, and stars began to twinkle in New Island's night sky. Ash looked up at the sky, his heart filled with anticipation for the future.
"Let's return to Pallet Town tomorrow." Ash said, "I want Professor Oak to meet my new partners."
Pikachu nodded happily: "Pikachu!"
And so, Ash's adventure on New Island came to an end. But he knew this was just one chapter in a grander journey. With the addition of these new partners, he was one step closer to his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.