Ashley woke up a bit disoriented at first but still felt the pain from the shocks. 'You're up.' A voice spoke. She looked over to see the creature from her dreams.  "Who...who are you?" Ashley asked hesitantly. 

 'I am Mewtwo. I was the one who saved you.' Mewtwo replied.  

"Oh...um...thank you. I owe you my life I suppose." Ashley thought.  

'No need to owe me anything. I peered into your subconscious and saw how lonely you've always been. You and I are a lot alike. Aura and Psychic. Abused, broken, and alone. But you don't have to be. Stay here with me and you won't be tormented ever again.' Mewtwo offered. Ashley actually contemplated about it. She thought long and hard at all the things the other kids told her. How she wasn't wanted, how her dad abandoned her, everything. 'Day by day you put on a brave face and try to be optimistic, and full of life. But when others have belittled you for so long it really cuts the heart. While your kindness and maternity towards Pokemon aren't exaggerated, your happiness and liveliness are just a facade to cover up the pain and grief in your heart. Do you really want to continue to live that kind of life?' He asked. 'Here you can be free from pain, from judgement of others. Out there though...it's cruel and unforgiving. They won't hesitate to kick you to the ground. They spat, mocked, and did everything to keep you down. You don't need to continue living in that type of environment.' He added and could've sworn he saw a lone tear drop from the girl.

 Ashley buried her face into Mewtwo's chest and started crying at all the painful memories. 'Cry until your heart's content. I won't let anyone harm you...not ever again.' Mewtwo assured.  Meanwhile Mew could feel all of the feelings her mistress was experiencing. Pain, sadness, a sense of longing, and security. All the mixed feelings was making Mew cry.

 "Hey Mew. What's up?" Misty asked.  'Ashley is safe...but I don't think it'll be easy to get to her.' Mew replied.  "Why's that?" Brock asked.  'Because she's on New Island...with my clone that was created by Team Rocket.' Mew replied causing the group to gasp in surprise. 'He ran away from Team Rocket, found Ashley and now they're hiding on the Island. He knows of her past.' She added further surprising the group. 'He made her an offer of staying with him and never have to suffer the torment she's endured...and she's actually thinking about it.' She finished.  "We have to get there now!" Brock exclaimed. "Can't you teleport us?" He asked.  'Oh duh. Why didn't I think of that?' Mew slapped her head. 

'Hang on everyone!' She warned. 

Next thing they knew they were in some sort of foyer with a long table and a long spiral staircase.  

"Cozy." Brock commented. "Now where is she?" He asked.

  'Up stairs.' Mew replied as Brock paled at the thought of having to climb that.  It was then that Mewtwo sensed something powerful in his home. 

'So they came.' He thought bitterly as he laid Ashley's head back on the pillow (She fell asleep at some point but Mewtwo kept cradling her). 'I won't let them take you. I won't let them abuse you any longer.' He assured as he went to confront the intruders.  Everyone was surprised to see the thing that took Ash. 'Finally we meet.' Mewtwo addressed the group. 'I know what you want Humans. I'm not going to allow her to be abused like she has been. She's almost been through two kinds of abuse. Harassment and she was almost used as a weapon by Team Rocket. I will make it my personal mission to protect her from ever being abused again...even if I have to kill you all.' He added.  

"Please Mewtwo. We're not bad people. We want to protect her just as much as you do. But keeping her in isolation isn't going to help. She needs to see the outside world whether it's dangerous or not." Lance pleaded.  'First you had the gall to come in my home and demand me to hand her over, now you're telling me what's best for her!?!' Mewtwo asked.

 Oh he was pissed. 

 "Being isolated like this is unhealthy for anyone!" Misty berated.  "If you won't hand her over then how about a wager?" Lance asked shocking his companions at the proclamation.  

'Hahahaha! Proves me right that you don't care that much for her if you're so willing to place her in a bet!' Mewtwo laughed at Lance's desperate and bold move. 'Very well. What's this wager?' He asked.  Lance shallowly swallowed. "You and me, Pokemon Battle. If I win we leave here with Ashley." Lance replied.  'Fine. But if I win you leave and never come back...and I keep her.' Mewtwo accepted. 'But to make this battle interesting I will need ALL of her Pokemon.' He added as Spearow, Pidgeotto, and Riolu looked at each other with uncertainty. 'Except Mew.' He added much to Mew's enthusiasm.  "Deal." Lance accepted the terms and shook Mewtwo's paw as they went to the battle arena part of the castle.  "Lance! Why did you do that!?! Now our chances of getting Ashley back are slim!" Misty berated.  "*Sigh* I know. But we have to try. Besides Ashley's Pokemon aren't Elite level Pokemon. This will be easy." Lance assured.  "I hope you're right. But still. Never underestimate Ashley's Pokemon. They might be at weak levels but that doesn't mean that Mewtwo won't make them better." Misty warned.  "Misty's right. Never underestimate these Pokemon. I know you don't want to hurt them, but now her fate lies with this wager." Brock agreed.  'Here we are. Take your place opposite of me.' Mewtwo instructed as the battlers stood opposite of each other on the field. 

  "I'll referee." Brock volunteered as he made his way to the sidelines. "This Pokemon Battle is between Elite Four Champion Lance versus Mewtwo. 

This will be a three on three battle with no time limit. The one who runs out of Pokemon first loses. Are those conditions acceptable?" He asked.  "Yes." Lance replied.  'Of course.' Mewtwo replied.  "Then let the battle begin!" Brock announced.  "Come on out Dragonite!" Lance called out as his Pokemon took the field.  'Spearow.' Mewtwo ordered onto the field.  As the two fight for Ashley's fate what will be the outcome? Will Lance be able to beat Mewtwo and bring Ashley safely back home? Or will Mewtwo win and keep her forever? Find out what will happen in the next chapter.