Chapter 49: Giovanni Vs Julian (2)

Giovanni exclaimed with fervor, "BEHOLD MY GREATEST CREATION!"

Julian's eyes remained fixed on the magnificent creature that emerged from the chamber. It was none other than Mewtwo, a Pokémon born from the DNA extracted from a single strand of Mew's delicate eyelash. Created with the intent of surpassing Mew in every conceivable aspect, this experiment had straddled the line between success and failure, leaving its true nature shrouded in mystery.

Julian's voice was hushed, filled with empathy. "Mewtwo was designed to eclipse Mew in strength, but the process of extracting a single strand of DNA and manipulating it through scientific means has left this Pokémon in front of me scarred with trauma. Even though they achieved success in creating it, it remains an imperfect being compared to Mew. It has sacrificed rationality, versatility, and, most crucially, its own sense of purpose. Lost in a labyrinth of its thoughts, it doesn't comprehend the reason for its existence. It was forged solely as a weapon for Giovanni, and it's my duty to help it."

Giovanni proclaimed with unwavering confidence, "The Pokémon before you stands as the mightiest creature to have ever graced existence. None can surpass it, for it is the ultimate lifeform."

Julian regarded Giovanni with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "You, sir, are truly lost in your delusions. What good is a Pokémon's strength if it lacks control over its own emotions? It becomes nothing more than a brute force, a barbarian devoid of finesse or purpose."

Giovanni's surprise was palpable as he observed Julian's lack of reaction upon seeing Mewtwo. His shock deepened when Julian made the assertion about Mewtwo's emotions.

Giovanni inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity, "How did you come to know this?"

Julian responded calmly, "I know quite a bit about you, Giovanni, or should I address you as the leader of the infamous criminal organization, Team Rocket?"

Giovanni froze in place, his astonishment evident, as he hadn't anticipated Julian knowing his true identity. His trembling finger pointed directly at Julian.

Giovanni stammered, "You! Who are you?"

Julian responded with unwavering determination, "My identity isn't what matters right now. What's crucial is liberating Mewtwo from your grasp."

Giovanni's bewilderment grew, and he questioned, "How? How do you even know its name?"

Julian remained resolute. "As I mentioned, I'm well-informed about your actions, including the methods you employed to create Mewtwo and your attempts to eliminate those who opposed you."

Giovanni found himself in a state of disbelief, grappling with the fact that his most closely guarded secret, known to only a select few within his inner circle, had been unveiled by a stranger he had just met that day. He began to sift through the myriad possibilities, trying to fathom how Julian could have unraveled his deepest secret. Then, after a considerable amount of contemplation, it hit him like a bolt of lightning.

He recollected the incident that had transpired months ago on Cinnabar Island. Giovanni had dispatched his elite force, the Matrix, in pursuit of John, the Team Rocket scientist who had managed to slip through his grasp. When they located and interrogated John, he claimed that someone had stolen the entire trove of information concerning Project Mewtwo. Giovanni had dismissed John's assertions at the time, dismissing them as improbable. Why would someone infiltrate a dilapidated, abandoned mansion, and even if they did, why would they pilfer data related to a project they likely knew nothing about? Giovanni had initially suspected an insider within his inner circle, but this theory had been disproven. Now, everything became startlingly clear to him.

Giovanni's accusatory tone reverberated through the room. "You! It was you who infiltrated Cinnabar Island and pilfered my research from that wretched old man! How dare you attempt to obstruct the greatness of Team Rocket!"

Julian retorted with fiery conviction, "Your so-called 'glories' mean nothing. Team Rocket's abhorrent actions, including the torture and killing of Pokémon for senseless experiments, have cost the lives of countless innocent people. Do you believe I'm unaware of the fate that befell the scientists involved in Mewtwo's creation? With the exception of a fortunate few, the rest likely met their demise or now languish in some wretched cell."

Giovanni scoffed, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Ha! I possess the power to do as I please, and you, do you fancy yourself a hero, seeking revenge for those you believe have been wronged by us?"

Julian's voice held a somber undertone as he responded, "You're mistaken, Giovanni. I don't claim to be a hero, and I've taken lives myself. However, I've never condoned the senseless loss of innocent lives. It sickens me to witness such cruelty, and that's precisely why I'm here—to liberate that weapon you've created. Your unbridled greed has blinded you to the potential disaster it could bring."

Giovanni sneered, his confidence unshaken. "Hmph, do you honestly believe you stand a chance? You're the one who's deluded if you think you can successfully challenge a Pokémon designed to surpass even the legendary Mew itself."

Julian retorted with a hint of amusement, "It's easy to make claims, Giovanni, but have you ever truly witnessed the power of a Mew? Have you glimpsed its true potential? You boldly declare that your creation surpasses it in strength. Keep dreaming while I strive to bring you back to reality."

To the surprise of both Giovanni and Julian, an unexpected guest had silently infiltrated the building—Mew. The moment Mew entered the room, it sensed the presence of Mewtwo, its psychic abilities attuned to the aura of the clone. Mew, despite its typically friendly nature, could immediately discern the difference and the underlying artificiality within Mewtwo's life force. Its eyes, which were usually warm and inviting, turned cold as they locked onto Mewtwo.

Mew felt a surge of disdain for this imitation of its own species, an inferior creation. It contemplated erasing this existence before it, ready to take matters into its own hands. However, Mew also trusted Julian's judgment implicitly. Having observed him for some time, it knew he would make the right decision. Thus, it held back its actions, eager to witness what the clone of its species could truly accomplish.

Giovanni's voice dripped with confidence as he declared, "Enough talk. Let's see how you fare against Mewtwo. Haha, feel free to use as many Pokémon as you wish."

Julian responded with a sly smile, "Heh, I don't need my entire team to defeat you. Just one will suffice. Return, Infernape."

Julian withdrew Infernape into its Pokéball, signaling the beginning of the showdown.

Giovanni chuckled with a hint of mockery, "Hahaha, aren't you going to unleash your Infernape, or have you already conceded defeat?"

Julian paid no heed to Giovanni's taunts and remained focused on his decision.

"Go, Gengar!" he exclaimed, sending out his Pokémon of choice.

As Gengar materialized on the battlefield, its mischievous gaze swept across the room, taking in the sight of Mewtwo and then shifting upward to focus on Giovanni and his infamous hairstyle. A wicked grin spread across Gengar's spectral face, and it began to laugh uproariously, pointing a ghostly finger at Giovanni.

"GAGAGAGAGAGAGA!" Gengar cackled, thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Giovanni's initial confusion morphed into a dumbfounded realization as he watched Gengar's mocking laughter. Then, in a sudden moment of clarity, he placed his hand atop his head, where his signature wig usually sat. His eyes widened in embarrassment as he felt the absence of his hairpiece. The recollection of his boastful posturing in front of Julian, while sporting such a ludicrous hairstyle, hit him like a ton of bricks. Giovanni was left red-faced and flustered, a rare moment of vulnerability exposed.

Giovanni seethed with anger. "How dare you laugh at me, you wretch!"

Unfazed by Giovanni's anger, Gengar responded with a mischievous flourish. It raised a spectral hand, mimicking the motion of a trimmer, and pretended to shave a line right down the middle of its own head. With an impish grin, it directed its gaze squarely at Giovanni, silently challenging him with an expression that seemed to say, "What are you going to do about it?"

Giovanni's eyes widened as he made the connection between Gengar's actions and the embarrassing incident from the previous day. Realization washed over him like a cold wave, and he seethed with anger.

"It was you!" Giovanni exclaimed, his voice dripping with fury. "You're the one responsible for this humiliation and the great loss I suffered."

Giovanni glared at Gengar, his body trembling not only with rage but also with the lingering embarrassment of his hair mishap.

Gengar continued to laugh unabated, thoroughly amused by Giovanni's predicament. Julian, unable to do anything but shake his head, watched the situation unfold with a mix of resignation and concern.

Giovanni's fury reached its zenith, and he screamed in a fit of rage, "I AM GOING TO END YOU! BOTH OF YOU!"

Giovanni swiftly issued a command, "Mewtwo, use Psycho Cut!"

Giovanni, consumed by his anger, momentarily forgot his psychic connection with Mewtwo and opted for a vocal command, driven by his desire to vanquish Julian.

Julian swiftly reacted, shouting, "Gengar, dodge!"

Gengar responded promptly, evading the incoming Psycho Cut attack. The powerful psychic strike struck the floor instead, shattering it into pieces.

Julian maintained his composure, knowing that Mewtwo's attacks were marked by raw power rather than precision. He recognized that even a single hit from one of those attacks could inflict significant damage on Gengar.

"Go for it!" Julian commanded, determination in his voice. "Attack with multiple Shadow Balls!"

Gengar ascended into the air, its spectral form emanating an eerie, ghostly aura that sent chills down the spine of anyone who beheld it. With a swift, fluid motion, Gengar conjured multiple Shadow Balls, each brimming with ominous power. These ethereal spheres coalesced into a swirling ring of darkness that enveloped Gengar.

In a calculated display of precision, Gengar unleashed the Shadow Balls, propelling them towards Mewtwo like a rapid-fire barrage from a machine gun. The attack was a formidable and awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Giovanni, realizing the impending onslaught, shouted in urgency, "Mewtwo, use Barrier!"

Mewtwo, like a puppet following Giovanni's commands, created a protective Barrier to shield itself from the incoming Shadow Balls. However, as the relentless assault continued, the Barrier began to weaken and crack, unable to withstand the relentless barrage. Finally, it shattered like fragile glass under the unrelenting assault of the Shadow Balls.

Mewtwo was sent tumbling backward from the sheer force of the attack, but it rose to its feet without displaying any outward signs of pain or emotion. It appeared unfazed, its stoic demeanor giving no indication of the injuries it had sustained throughout the onslaught.

Unbeknownst to all present, Gengar's powerful assault had inflicted a hairline crack on the back of the helmet Mewtwo wore, a detail that remained unnoticed for the time being.

Giovanni barked a command, his voice filled with determination, "Use Psyshock!"

Mewtwo swiftly obeyed, releasing a powerful Psyshock attack that expanded in a wide range, enveloping Gengar in its psychic onslaught. Caught by surprise, Gengar had no chance to escape as it was struck by the force of the Psyshock, sending it tumbling backward and inflicting substantial damage.

Despite the punishing blow it had just endured, Gengar showed remarkable resilience. It rose to its feet once more, ready to continue the battle.

Giovanni couldn't resist the urge to boast, declaring with pride, "See, this is the power of my greatest creation."

Julian, however, was having none of it. He retorted without hesitation, "Stop spewing nonsense. My Gengar inflicted more damage on it earlier."

Giovanni fell silent, a sudden realization washing over him. He had been too preoccupied with showing off in front of Julian to consider the consequences of his actions. Anger simmered within him, but at the same time, he regained his composure, recognizing his earlier folly.

Giovanni muttered in self-reproach, "How foolish of me to command Mewtwo with my voice."

He swiftly issued another command, his voice tinged with determination, "Mewtwo, use Thunderbolt!"

Mewtwo responded immediately, releasing a potent Thunderbolt that crackled with electricity, aimed squarely at Gengar.

Anticipating the incoming attack, Julian acted swiftly, shouting, "Gengar, dodge it, and from now on, stay close to the ground, don't float too high!"

Gengar, soaring in the air, deftly dodged the incoming Thunderbolt by swiftly descending toward the ground.

Julian observed the change in Giovanni's approach and mused, "Looks like the fool finally came to his senses and is using telepathy with Mewtwo. This just got more challenging."

Julian commanded, "Gengar, use multiple Shadow Balls to distract them and then get behind Mewtwo. Follow up with a Sucker Punch!"

As Julian's command rang out, Gengar conjured a smaller but equally menacing set of Shadow Balls. These ethereal spheres revolved around Gengar at incredible speed, forming a formidable ring that concealed their reduced numbers from their opponents' view.

Giovanni, visibly irritated by the recurring attack, muttered in frustration, "Che, this attack again."

He swiftly issued a counter-command, "Mewtwo, use Barrier and manipulate gravity to slow down those Shadow Balls!"

Mewtwo, obedient to Giovanni's command, manipulated gravity to slow down the approaching Shadow Balls. The two of them focused intently on the slowed projectiles, believing that they had successfully thwarted the assault. However, they were in for a surprise.

Amidst the chaos of the slowed Shadow Balls, Gengar seized the opportunity to execute its plan. In the blink of an eye, it disappeared from its original position. Giovanni and Mewtwo were so fixated on the dwindling Shadow Balls and the Barrier that protected them that they failed to notice Gengar's vanishing act. As the final Shadow Ball struck the Barrier and shattered it, Giovanni's self-satisfied smirk was short-lived when he realized that Gengar had mysteriously vanished from the battlefield.

Giovanni, surprised by the sudden disappearance of Gengar, said in bewilderment, "Not good"

Giovanni's realization came a moment too late, and before he could relay any instructions to Mewtwo, Gengar reappeared right behind Mewtwo. With a ferocious, destructive Sucker Punch, Gengar struck Mewtwo squarely in the back, sending the psychic Pokémon hurtling toward the ground. Mewtwo rolled uncontrollably, ultimately crashing into a nearby wall with a resounding impact.

The force of the powerful dark-type move was evident to all witnesses on the battlefield, as Mewtwo struggled to regain its footing. What remained unnoticed amidst the dust and debris was the telltale evidence of damage—several cracks in Mewtwo's back armor, hidden from view by the settling dust.

Giovanni stood in shock, unable to comprehend what he had just witnessed—his most formidable creation had been smacked aside like a mere plaything.

In his state of disbelief, Giovanni stammered, "How is this possible?"

Julian's response was tinged with a hint of exasperation. "Are you truly so obtuse as to ask such a foolish question? Despite Mewtwo's raw power, it lacks battle experience, its moves are unrefined, and, most importantly, it's merely a puppet with no independent thought. How can it hope to stand against a seasoned opponent in a real battle?"

As Julian's words sank in, Giovanni finally recognized the depth of his oversight. He had arrogantly dismissed the possibility of Mewtwo's vulnerabilities, counting solely on its psychic prowess to overpower any adversary. Now, faced with a situation where Mewtwo was outmatched, he found himself at a loss for what to do next.

Giovanni's resolve remained unshaken despite the setback. He declared with determination, "Hmph, this is only the beginning. I'll demonstrate the true power of Mewtwo."

Mewtwo, after briefly flinching, floated back toward its initial position. However, something felt different about it this time.

Julian, attuned to the subtle energies of the battle, sensed a change. It was subtle, but he could discern that Mewtwo was gradually gaining control over the machinery that bound it.

Julian mused inwardly, his eyes locked onto Mewtwo. "Just a little longer, and it will be free from Giovanni's control. But once that happens, things might get even more challenging. Mewtwo could go berserk after being liberated. Only time will reveal what awaits us."

Julian then issued a command, his voice filled with determination, "Gengar, get ready. The real battle is about to begin."

Gengar responded with unwavering focus, its normally mischievous eyes now cold and determined as it fixed its gaze on Mewtwo.