Chapter Text
Ash knew this was a stupid idea. Despite what his friends believed, the teen wasn't unaware that he could be reckless, and would charge headfirst into a situation without thought of his own personal safety, but usually, it was because he was so desperate to help. Ash had always taken after his mother in that way, never denying help to anyone who needed it. Always willing to lend a hand no matter the task as long as it lightened someone's burden. So yes, Ash knew he could get idiotically reckless when he was desperate to stop a situation and right now this was the most desperate the raven-haired male had felt in his entire 16 years of life. A massive storm ravaged the world outside the castle, pokemon and clones were fighting to kill each other around him, and at the center of it all, were two legendary Pokemon battling it out to prove which side was superior. So Ash, being the person he was, of course, ran into the battle with no thought to himself or his friend's voices screaming at him to come back. He watched as Mew and Mewtwo floated on opposite sides of the arena, each charging up for another massive attack. The very air vibrated with powerful energy that had every hair on the teen's body raising in fear, but Ash pushed on and continued running. He just wanted them to listen, to stop this pointless bloodshed.
“STOP!” He screamed as he reached the center of the field, hoping that one of the legendaries would hear him.
But his pleas fell on deaf ears.
Ash felt the two forces of psychic energy hit him simultaneously and then his whole world was nothing but torture. His flesh, his bones, even his very molecules felt like they were being burned away. The sound of muffled shouting could be heard, but Ash was unable to understand past the ringing in his ears. Enormous pressure was building in his chest and head like a balloon with too much helium reaching its limits. Ash knew he must be dying, there was no way that something this painful wasn't being followed by death. He wished for it. For the burning to stop, for his brain to not feel like it was being pressed inside of a meat grinder. Why did it hurt so much? More muffled shouting was heard around him, but this time even that felt like too much to his overstimulated senses. Ash found himself crying out before instinctively curling up in a feeble attempt to block out the world around him, but the pain did not stop. If anything it burned hotter in retaliation. Pressure continues to build, build, build. Make it stop. Make it stop! MAKE IT STOP!
Something inside his body cracked and Ash released another blood-curdling scream. Another crack, another fire set ablaze, another wave of spots in his already blurry vision. He knew he was reaching his limit. No mortal body could endure something like this for long. So he let himself be dragged further and further into darkness. Wishing he could have heard his best friend one more time, to make sure his sacrifice actually made a difference.
“Pika Pi......Ash....”
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Consciousness came back slowly to Ash. His thoughts were painfully sluggish as he reconnected with his body's senses. His mouth was dry as desert sand, his head throbbing with pain, and every muscle of his body felt rung out and weak like that of a newborn ponyta. What had happened? Why did he feel so awful? His memories felt fuzzy in his still recovering mind so Ash just lay there hoping it would all come back to him soon. He attempted to open his eyes to get his bearings, but quickly shut them with a pained hiss when the room's bright lights caused his lingering migraine to worsen.
“Ash?” a silvery voice questioned and it was only then that the teen realized that something small and warm was resting against his side. The sound of the voice was very familiar, but Ash knew that couldn't be right for obvious reasons. He once again cracked his eyes open and this time glanced down to find his best friend Pikachu cuddled up next to him, glancing up with small black eyes filled with concern. Ash tried to speak but only a garbled croak came out followed by sharp pins and needles in his throat. It felt as if he'd been screaming for hours on end with no break. The young man proceeded to cough roughly before something smooth and cold touched his forehead. Ash quickly shot his gaze up to see what it was, only to regret it instantly when his head screamed at him for the sudden movement. He released a whimper before clutching his head and curling into a fetal position in an attempt to stave off the pain. Another touch came to Ash's head, this time warm and soft, and after a moment something that felt like a cooling mist began seeping into his mind and soothing the migraine down to a manageable level. Ash released a heavy sigh of relief as he leaned further into the unknown touch.
'Drink this. It will help you recover.' A resonant voice echoed through Ash's thoughts and the young trainer furrowed his brows as something prodded at his lips. Realizing it was a straw, Ash took a long sip and almost moaned as a cool refreshing liquid cured his dry mouth and burning throat.
' Drink slowly or you'll make yourself sick.' the deep voice chastised and Ash did his best to obey since he didn't want the other person to take the drink away. Only after the straw no longer yielded anything did Ash pull his mouth away and attempt to see who was helping him. Freezing in place when his gaze fell onto a pair of lavender-colored eyes surrounding a cat-like pupil. Mewtwo stood over the teen, looking down at him with a stoic expression while holding the empty glass the other had just been drinking from.
“M....mew..two?” Ash questioned in both shock and confusion as to what was going on. Why was Mewtwo here helping him? Wasn't he just fighting Mew in an arena with dozens of other Pokemon and clones?
' It is a relief to see you awake, Ash Ketchum. I worried you may never wake after your body endured such an immensely difficult transformation.' the genetic Pokemon said, setting the empty glass down on a small table beside the bed, before turning back to the teen. 'Your friend hasn't left your side since you passed out.' Ash's mind tried to comprehend what the cloned legendary just said, but his thoughts were interrupted by the same voice from before.
“I told you, Ash is strong.” The trainer just stared gobsmacked as he witnessed his beloved partner speak actual words and not the usual Pokemon speak. What the heck was going on?!
“Pikachu, what...How are you talking like a human?!” Both Pikachu and Mewtwo stared at Ash before the electric mouse stood up and placed a comforting paw on Ash's arm.
“I'm not, Ash. I'm still speaking in my language. You just can understand me now.”
“Wh.....how?” Ash asked feeling a little off-kilter. Pikachu rubbed the back of his neck anxiously before reaching down to grab Ash's hand and lift it into the young trainer's line of sight. Ash began to ask what the other was doing before choking on the words once he actually got a look at his hand. No longer was there a five-fingered human hand covered by a green fingerless glove, but a three-fingered sandy-colored hand with round spheres at the tips. No, this wasn't his hand. Yet he could feel Pikachu's touch as the little Pokemon gripped it, could open and close the appendage with a mere thought. This was his hand, but it was NOT his.
Despite his still weakened state, Ash released a terrified shriek before jumping back in an instinctive attempt to get away from the unwanted object. He slipped off the bed and onto the floor, now catching sight of what had become of the rest of his body. Thick thighs, digitigrade legs, and a long muscular charcoal tail flailing in response to his emotional distress. Ash felt panic set in, finding it hard to breathe as he kept releasing fearful sounds. Someone was suddenly there beside him, hands grasping his head in a firm grip to force the teen to focus on Mewtwo's face. The same mist-like feeling from earlier returned and Ash's body fell limp as his mind was psychically forced into a calm state.
'You need to calm yourself. Your body is still recovering and can't handle any more stress right now. Once I release my hold on your mind I need you to just breathe for me, is that clear?' Mewtwo explained and Ash could do nothing else but nod slowly. The legendary stared at the boy for a few moments before withdrawing his powers from the other's psyche. Ash gasped as his emotions returned to him, but did as instructed and took in several deep gulps of air as he reached up to grasp Mewtwo's wrists as a way to help ground himself. The clone kept his hold on Ash's face in fear of the other collapsing to the floor and the trainer was very grateful for this. It took a while, but eventually, Ash's heart rate returned to a healthy pace and his breathing was no longer labored. Exhaustion hit the teen like a truck and he fell into Mewtwo's arms, who easily scooped the other up and redeposited them on the bed. Ash curled up sleepily, his new body instinctively wrapping his tail around him like a blanket, and Pikachu climbed in so he could lay in his trainer's arms filled with worry.
'I shall return shortly,” Mewtwo informed as he turned towards the doorway. “Rest now and we shall talk when you next awaken.' The last thing Ash saw was the legendary exiting the room before he closed his eyes and fell into a deep slumber.
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Waking up to the smell of food was definitely Ash's favorite way to wake up. He opened his eyes and found a large plate filled to the brim with berries, freshly baked bread, and a bowl of what looked to be some kind of vegetable stew. The teen found his stomach grumbling at the sight and he did his best to try and sit up on the pliable bed beneath him with his muscles still protesting heavily. Pikachu immediately climbed onto the bedside table and helped his friend by pushing the food items within their reach.
“Thanks, Pikachu.” Ash croaked as he managed to nab one of the sitrus berries stacked inside the large fruit bowl. He quickly dug his newly grown fangs into the berries' supple flesh and hummed happily at the sweet flavor. The more he of the fruit the less Ash's muscles ached and the trainer realized that if he was now a Pokemon then berries could affect his healing. The sitrus berry was eaten quickly and Ash reached for an oran berry this time. In between bites, Ash took a moment to examine his empty hand. Opening and closing the three fingers repeatedly with furrowed brows.
“This is so weird.” the transformed Pokemon whispered.
“I still think you look nice,” Pikachu assured, swiftly jumping back on the bed so that he could nuzzle his trainer affectionately. Ash gave his best buddy a small smile before petting the electric type between the ears.
“Thanks, Buddy. I appreciate it, but I'm not sure I can agree. I don't even know what I look like now.”
“Do you want me to ask Mewtwo for a mirror?” Pikachu questioned with a tilt of his head.
“Not right now. I'm not sure how many more shocks I can handle right now.” Ash admitted before thinking of something. “By the way, where are the others? Are they okay?”
“They are downstairs eating breakfast,” Pikachu answered. “Mewtwo hasn't let them know you're awake yet since he didn't want everyone to run in and overwhelm you more than necessary.”
“Why was Mewtwo the one looking after me?” Ash questioned confused before jumping when the legendary's voice suddenly spoke via telepathy.
'The reason is because I require very little sleep so it was agreed I would watch over you while the others slept.' the psychic type glanced at the food tray briefly before turning to the trainer with a frown. 'You should eat more. It will help your body recover faster.'
“It's a little hard to eat right now,” Ash confessed unhappily before yelping when his body was lifted up with an unseeable force and re-positioned to sit up with several pillows to help keep the teen in place. Then the tray flew to seat itself gently on his lap.
' That should make it easier.' Mewtwo said factually while deactivating his powers.
“Um....thanks.” the newly transformed Pokemon mumbled red-faced and then proceeded to take large spoonfuls of stew. The familiar taste of Brock's cooking had Ash's chest filling with warmth and a smile pulling at his lips. The three occupants of the room fell into silence as Ash continued to eat his fill. Honestly, it made the trainer feel a little awkward sitting here like this with Mewtwo just watching him when the last thing he remembers is the other attempting to end the world. What had he missed while he was out?
' I imagine you have questions.” Surprisingly, it was Mewtwo who was the first to speak. 'I can't promise answers, but I will do my best to try.” Ash looked at the clone in surprise before staring back down at his empty bowl in thought. He had so many questions he wanted to ask, the hard part was which ones to ask first.
“Can...can you tell me what happened after I was hit the attack. I don't remember anything after running to try and stop you and Mew's fight.” Mewtwo nodded before coming to sit on the edge of the bed.
' After you foolishly ran into the battlefield, Mew's and my attack both hit you simultaneously. You collapsed to the ground covered in magenta energy and suddenly started screaming, the sound was enough to draw our attention and once we flew over to investigate your body was already beginning to transform. Your Pikachu refused to leave your side and begged both Mew and me for help. At first, I was taken aback by them ordering me around, but then I started to notice just how devastated the little thing was at you being in pain. To see a Pokemon cry over a human finally caused me to look at this world in another light. The fact that you, a mere human, risked your life in an attempt to stop our fighting, made me realize that not all of your species is corrupted. I agreed to help, along with Mew, but despite our best effort there was nothing we could do.' As the legendary explained his story, Ash looked at him with wide eyes. So his idiotic desperate actions hadn't been in vain after all. Even if it had resulted in his body changing species he had helped Mewtwo understand his way of thinking was wrong.
“I'm glad.” Ash smiled happily. “Life is meant to be enjoyed. Not tied down by hatred.” Mewtwo stared at the other for a moment in contemplation.
' I suppose you are right. I still have much to learn about this world.” the clone's gaze wandered to the room's large windows that overlooked the sea.
“That's what makes it exciting. There's always more to learn.” Ash agreed his tail flicking happily behind him. The sight had Mewtwo cracking an amused smile, eyes shut in a complacent manner.
' You're certainly taking being turned into a Pokemon quite well. At least after your initial panic.'
“To be honest, I'll probably panic again later once it actually sinks in,” Ash admitted with a nervous laugh. “Right now I'm kind of half expecting to wake up in a hospital and find out this was all a dream. I mean it was only yesterday that my friends and I were picnicking on the beach deciding which town to stop at next.”
“Actually it was a little over a week ago.” Pikachu corrected and Ash's attention shot down to the other with shock.
“A week!? I've been passed out for a week!?”
' I wasn't exaggerating about how much trauma your body went through. It's honestly a miracle you're not insane or dead right now.' Mewtwo pointed out and this caused the teen to bury his face into his hands.
“I think I'm going to go back to panicking now.” Ash groaned, words muffled from his position.
' Perhaps your friends could help calm you this time. The two shall be coming up shortly to check on you.' Mewtwo warned standing up from the bed and levitating Ash's breakfast tray into the air.
“No, you can't leave me with Misty! She's going to kill me!” Ash whined dramatically falling back onto the bed with arms outstretched.
' You'll find that in your current form that will be much harder for her to accomplish.' Mewtwo teased and this caused the previous human to look at the other gobsmacked.
“Did you just make a joke? I was not expecting that. No, stop it! I don't want to laugh when I'm preparing to leave this world.”
' You're awfully dramatic.'
“Maybe it comes with being a Mewtwo.” Ash shot back and this had the other giving him a flat look before turning towards the exit. “No, wait, please, I'm sorry. Come back!”
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As Ash had predicted, as soon as Misty and Brock entered the room and saw their friend awake the redhead bolted over and pulled the newly turned Pokemon into a tight hug, before pulling away and punching him in the arm.
“You absolute moron! What were you thinking running into a fight between legendary Pokemon!”
“I really wasn't thinking. I just wanted them to stop.” Ash mumbled while rubbing his arm with a wince.
“Well look where that got you, Ash Ketchum! You could have died!” Misty's eyes welled with tears and the former gym leader went back to hugging the teen desperately.
“Please, don't do that again. We could have lost you.” At the sound of his friend's shaky voice and sniffles, Ash gently hugged the other back as his own eyes filled with tears.
“I'm sorry.” He apologized softly before glancing up past Misty. He found Brock sitting in the same spot Mewtwo had occupied minutes prior. The breeder-in-training gave Ash an assuring smile, his own eyes growing wet in the corners. Guilt swelled up in Ash's chest and he buried his face into Misty's shoulder, taking comfort in the familiar smell of salt water mixed with floral perfume.
“Are you feeling okay?” Misty asked as soon as she pulled away, her hands still clasped on his arms as if afraid he'd vanish in front of her. “Do you know what happened?”
“Mewtwo explained most of it I think,” Ash replied thoughtfully. “I'm guessing there's probably no way to change me back.”
“At least not in a way we're aware of.” Brock clarified dishearteningly.
“That's going to make traveling a little more difficult now, huh guys?” Ash weakly chuckled and the group went silent. No one was brave enough to voice what they all knew. Misty's grip tightened momentarily on Ash's arms and she angrily glared at the covers on the bed beneath her.
“We'll find a way,” she announced before looking her friend in the eyes, her words full of resolution. “We will find a way to change you back someday. So you can show everyone what it means to be a Pokemon master. I promise.” The former human burst into tears at his friend's pledge, a sob tearing its way up his throat as the weight of the situation hit him full force. His journey was over. Until he became human again it wasn't possible for him to continue challenging gyms, to join tournaments, to even be able to go into human civilizations without threat of capture.
“It will be okay, Ash,” Brock whispered taking the other's hand in his as the teen wailed pitifully onto Misty's shirt. “We'll be by your side, no matter what.”
“Pika Pika. (That's right.)” Pikachu, who had been watching solemnly the whole time, agreed with a sad smile. “Pika Pika Pikachu! (We're partners for life after all!)” Ash sniffled before pulling all three into a group hug. (An easy feat considering his newly acquired height.)
“I love you guys.” He cried and the four friends continued to hold each other until Ash ran out of tears.