Pokémar Episode V, A Clone's Destiny

If You Love Something

Alex

"Thunder. Alex is waking up." I hear a voice say as my eyes open. I groan as I try to sit up and get my bearings. My body aches all over and it take a fair while to collect my thoughts and remember exactly why I'm waking up on a concrete floor fully soaked in stale water.

"How do I keep finding ways to pass out..." I mutter idly before noticing Thunder rushing towards me.

"Alex!" He yells as he jumps up onto my chest.

"Oof!" I grunt from the impact. "Good to see you too, buddy. I trust it worked?"

"It did. we're all alive, the thugs are tied up and the Mew are free. Apparently that alarm you pulled summoned fire fighters who then called the police."

I stiffen a little, my body sending a jolt of pain in retort that I try and ignore. "We're sure they're the real deal, right? Not the guys on Rocket's payroll?"

"Mewtwo's keeping an eye on them. They already busted one of them for pulling a gun on us. If anyone else tries anything malicious our psychic friend will shut them down."

"Good. How's everyone else faring?"

"Ninetales and Growlithe woke up before you and are looking for pokeballs to open; you know how Team Rocket is. Sylveon's still out, but not for long I suspect. One other thing. Alex, I wanted to thank you for having faith in me."

I grin. "Of course. You've always been there for me. Regardless of time travel stupidity, that will never change." I take hold of him in a hug, one that he quickly responds to in kind. "Whatever the future looks like, I'll be right there beside you."

"You always were."

"Alex." Mewtwo calls. I turn to face him, but my gaze rests on the green-tailed clone behind them. Once again adrenaline kicks in. 

"Mewtwo! Behind you!" I yell as I dash for cover.

"Do not worry, Alex. Beta has become an ally."

"That fast? It took us weeks to get you to where you're at now."

"The sharing of memories appears to have expedited the process significantly." Beta says. "However now that Project Mewtwo breathes its last, I do wonder, what do I do after this?"

"I..." Mewtwo starts before pausing. "I never considered that. This entire time I have been focused on this as my end goal. Learning who I was, and then ending this project."

"If I may intrude," Ninetales says, stepping forward. "While the cloning project has been decommissioned, Rocket is still out there. This single victory doesn't spell their end. Perhaps that could be your next goal."

"That is," I add. "Assuming that's what you actually want."

"I am... unaccustomed... to having the luxury of choice." Beta mutters.

"It is a lot for me too." Mewtwo joins. "However Ninetales is correct. Rocket's efforts will continue. Perhaps it would be best if those efforts did not continue unchallenged. I would like to continue the fight."

"Very well. I shall join you. If for no other reason than we are brothers."

"Think you could hang around until all the legal fallout has settled? Until any changes, enforcement or reforms take place Rocket will want all our heads on a silver platter. Best we stick together to keep that from happening."