"No, I must send Starmie and others into the sea to search right now!" Misty, after hearing Lance and the others' analysis, hurriedly took out her Pokeball. Even if it was like finding a needle in a haystack, she had to try!
"No need, I'm fine." A cheerful voice called out behind Misty, and everyone quickly turned to see Ash, looking tattered, standing barefoot on the sea surface, carrying Mewtwo.
At this moment, Ash's shirt was completely torn apart, leaving only a few black lines hanging on his body, and his denim pants had turned into shorts, just a piece left on his thighs. However, his cap was perfectly intact on his head, seemingly unaffected.
Mewtwo lay motionless on Ash's shoulder, seemingly unconscious.
"Ash! Are you okay?!"
"You little brat, you worried us so much!"
"When did you get behind us?"
"..."
The chatter continued on the last small patch of the island. Except for the area where Lorelei provided enough space for several people to stand, the rest of the island had turned into debris.
This scene should have been where Ash succeeded, and everyone should have hugged him together.
Now, Ash stood on the sea surface, seemingly using special energy to stand upon it. Everyone else could only converse with Ash from the narrow standing area without being able to run over and hug him.
They were all curious about how Ash evaded that massive explosion, one that destroyed the entire island, and Ash, at the explosion's center, seemed unharmed.
At most, only his clothes were torn.
"...Actually, it's nothing much. I just had a little Aura Power left, so during the explosion, I used it to create a barrier, bringing Mewtwo around to your back, borrowing your strength to shield against the explosion's aftermath."
Ash smiled and explained to everyone. The situation wasn't as dangerous as they thought. Although the entire island was destroyed, he still had a bit of power left, more than enough to protect himself.
During the explosion, Mewtwo was directly knocked unconscious by the destructive force. That Psystrike was her last strength, and she didn't have any energy left to maintain a protective barrier.
If talking about danger, she was actually in the worst situation amid the explosion. If Ash hadn't rescued her, she might have been destroyed in the explosion.
Even if she were lucky to survive, she might have been swept away by the waves and eventually swallowed by the sea. Ash truly saved Mewtwo's life.
"Anyway, it's good that everything's alright. Thanks to you, Ash, or else, even if we could contend with Mewtwo, we would have all been done for if things developed to that point," Lance gratefully thanked Ash.
Judging from the previous attack Mewtwo unleashed, even if the entire Elite Four confronted it with all their Pokemon, it could barely resist, but ultimately, they would be destroyed in the explosion's aftermath.
They didn't have the robust physical constitution of Ash and Mewtwo. Once caught in the explosion, it would undoubtedly be certain death.
No one expected Mewtwo would go for such a self-destructive strategy, clearly ready to go down together!
"I'm not that powerful, Mr. Lance~~" Ash humbly responded, but his face couldn't hide his smile, his nose almost elongated with pride.
Being praised by the head of the Elite Four, the Johto Champion, Lance, gave Ash immense satisfaction, though he regretted that Lance praised his combat skills. If only someday his Pokemon could earn similar admiration from Lance… there's still a long way to go.
"Oh, right, Mr. Lance and everyone, I want to ask you all something." After the smile, Ash's expression turned serious, making a sincere request to Lance and the Elite Four.
"No need to ask in such a formal way. Just say it. With your contributions, even if it's the stars in the sky, Lance can try to get them for you," Bruno responded heartily.
Next to him, Lance rolled his eyes. Seriously, asking him to fetch stars? You agree so readily, why not you fetch the stars?
But he understood Bruno was speaking figuratively. Indeed, Ash's contributions deserved any reasonable request from the league. Maybe asking for the stars or the moon was exaggerated, but if feasible, the league would indeed make an effort for him.
"I want to take Mewtwo back to Pallet Town, have a good talk with her, and after resolving her issues, let her leave freely. Is that okay?" Ash made his request, which completely surprised the Elite Four.
They didn't expect Ash's request wouldn't benefit himself but was for Mewtwo instead.
To talk with Mewtwo and then set her free... Does this kid really have no greed at all?
Despite Mewtwo being knocked out by Ash, her power is undeniably overwhelming against the Elite Four. None of the Elite Four of Kanto could stand against her alone unless all four fought together.
If it weren't for such formidable power, would Lance say Mewtwo was dangerous? A power even Giovanni feared but desperately sought to wield!