Till There Was You
Chapter Five


“Created by humans,” Renamon said. “What do you mean?”

“Some years ago,” Mewtwo explained. “There once existed a laboratory which excelled in genetic experimentation. The scientists were charged with the task of creating the strongest Pokemon of all time. Using the DNA of an ancient Pokemon, they succeeded in creating one.”

“You,” Renamon said.

“Yes,” Mewtwo replied. “That lab was my birth place.” He gazed out over the dark waters, memories of his past circulating through his mind. “When I awoke from my sleep, I had no knowledge of who I was, or what I was. The scientists told me my name and why they had created me: To be a the most superior Pokemon who ever lived and to satisfy their scientific curiosity. Such notions angered me and...I used my power to destroy everything and everyone.”

“You...killed the scientists,” Renamon asked.

“Yes, I did,” Mewtwo said. “It was then, in the aftermath of the destruction, that I met him. The man who had engineered and financed the lab. His name was Giovanni.”

“Giovanni? You mentioned that name before,” Renamon said. “Isn't he the leader of Team Rocket?”

“That's right,” Mewtwo replied. “He was responsible for my creation. And things only got worse following our meeting.”

Renamon listened as Mewtwo told her of his alliance with Giovanni and eventually breaking away from him. Then he told her of how he rebuilt the lab into his own fortress and creating an army of Pokemon clones. From there, he told her of his encounter with the Pokemon Trainers and of one particular trainer who had changed his point of view regarding humanity.

“Eventually, I met up with Giovanni again,” Mewtwo continued. “He nearly captured me, but with help from that same trainer from before, we were able to stop him.”

“And is he still trying to capture you,” Renamon asked.

“No,” Mewtwo replied. “After our last meeting, I used my power to erase any knowledge of my existence from his mind. As far as he knows, I never existed.”

“So, only that trainer and his friends know of your existence,” Renamon asked.

“As well as Lina,” Mewtwo said. “For the most part I have kept to myself, rarely ever revealing myself to others.”

“I don't blame you,” Renamon said. “Considering how crazy these trainers get when they see rare or unknown Pokemon, I can well understand. I'm not a Pokemon and yet they were going out of their way to capture me. Are they always that enthusiastic?”

“Pokemon Trainers seek to capture every Pokemon they can,” Mewtwo said. “They live for the challenge. So, naturally, they're especially enthusiastic when they encounter Pokemon they have yet to see.”

“And do they really expect to catch every single one,” Renamon asked incredulously. “That's insane if they think that. Especially if that includes the Legendary Pokemon.”

Mewtwo shrugged. “If pursuing Pokemon is what they wish to do, then so be it. Though, like you, I feel it's a foolish endeavor. Hundreds of Pokemon have been found, and new ones are still being discovered all the time. Who can say what others might be out there? Which reminds me, your world, the Digital World? How many Digimon are there?”

“Too many to list,” she replied. “Much like Pokemon, Digimon come in many shapes and sizes. From tiny baby Digimon, to gigantic Digimon. And, as I mentioned before, there are various levels of power we can achieve. Lina told me that Pokemon evolve. We Digimon are capable of evolution ourselves. As it is, I am currently in the Rookie stage. Were I to Digivolve, I would reach Champion Level, then from there Ultimate. And, finally, there is Mega Level, the strongest of the levels.”

“What prompts Digivolution,” Mewtwo asked.

“I'm not sure,” Renamon replied. “For some, it occurs naturally, while others manage it through battle and sheer force of will or various circumstances. And often times, Digimon can alternate between their different levels.”

“So it's not permanent,” Mewtwo asked.

“Not all the time,” Renamon said. “Some remain as they are, but for the most part, we can control it. I take it from your question that Pokemon evolution is permanent?”

“That's right,” Mewtwo said.

“What about you, Mewtwo,” Renamon asked. “Did you ever evolve? Are you capable of evolving?”

“I've never evolved,” Mewtwo replied. “This is how I've always been. As for evolving, I don't think so. Not all Pokemon evolve, and as far as I know, I don't. Well, that's not entirely true. There is another form of evolution. It's called Mega Evolution. In a way, it's similar to Digivolution. It's a temporary transformation, one that boosts a Pokemon's power and skills exponentially.”

“And you're capable of such a thing,” Renamon asked.

Mewtwo nodded. “I never realized I was capable of it until sometime ago. I'm not sure how I managed it, but it happened. And recently, I acquired another form as well as the first one. I wonder if it has something to do with my genetic structure.” He glanced at Renamon. “What about you, Renamon? Can you Digivolve?”

“I can go as high as Champion and Ultimate Level,” Renamon replied.

“And what about Mega,” he asked.

“No. Unfortunately I have yet to achieve that level of power,” Renamon said. “But perhaps someday...”

“I wouldn't mind seeing it,” Mewtwo said. “Your Digivolving, I mean.”

“Maybe at some point I could show you,” Renamon said. “The problem with Digivolving is that it takes a lot of energy to maintain and can leave a Digimon weakened afterwards. It's often best to save it for a battle.”

“Why didn't you use it when we fought,” Mewtwo asked. “It probably would have given you an advantage.”

Renamon shrugged. “I almost considered it. But that was when you paralyzed me with your power. Besides, I don't think it would have made a difference. Your psychic abilities are stronger than I had thought.”

“Perhaps,” Mewtwo conceded. “But then, I have no idea how strong your other forms might be. You might have been able to break free of my psychic hold.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Renamon said. “It doesn't matter. I have no intention of fighting you again. Especially since you're guiding me to Sinnoh. Anyway, I think I'll head back inside and get some more sleep.” She stopped at the edge and glanced back at him. “Good night, Mewtwo.” With that, she jumped over the edge, disappearing into the night.

Mewtwo stood there for a few more moments and then floated down, following her back to the room to get some more sleep himself.


The Digital World...

“This is the spot, right here.”

Gatomon indicated the spot where the strange vortex had appeared. Towering over her was a massive lion-like Digimon named Leomon. The Champion Level lion Digimon stooped down to inspect the spot Gatomon had shown him. Nothing seemed out of place, and yet, something felt off about this particular spot.

“And you say it just appeared out of nowhere,” Leomon asked.

Gatomon nodded. “We had just arrived here and then it just appeared. Renamon got pulled in and I haven't seen any trace of her since.”

Leomon stood up, surveying the area. The news of Renamon's disappearance disturbed him. Especially since this mysterious vortex was involved.

“I don't like this,” he said. “This isn't the first one I've heard about.”

“What,” Gatomon exclaimed.

“Several other Digimon have told me they've seen strange vortexes appearing across the Digital World,” Leomon explained.

“But...what are they,” Gatomon asked. “Where do they come from? And, more importantly, where do they lead to?”

“I'm not certain,” Leomon replied. “My biggest concern is what this means for all of us. These vortexes could be dangerous for our world. We need to find out what's causing them.” He glanced at Gatomon. “Don't worry, Gatomon. With any luck, we might also discover what became of Renamon.”

Gatomon nodded. “I hope so. I just hope wherever she is, she's alright.”



The Ocean Liner-Three days later...

Renamon sat on the highest point of the ship, watching the passengers on the deck below. Many of them were lounging in deck chairs while others swam in a large pool. Several of the passengers were also trainers accompanied by their Pokemon partners.

“I still don't understand why these Pokemon allow themselves to be captured and treated like pets,” she muttered. “They have power and yet they go along with it like it's nothing. Have they no pride?”

“It's not as complex as you think.”

Renamon glanced up to see Mewtwo standing next to her.

“I didn't understand at first myself,” Mewtwo continued. “But it seems these trainers earn a Pokemon's respect when captured. Over time, a deep bond forms between them. I've seen it many times.”

“Bond or not, I would never let a human enslave me,” Renamon said.

“While I have a better understanding of it, I wouldn't want to be caught by a trainer either,” Mewtwo concurred. “Still, I wonder what it must be like? To have such deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Sometimes...being alone...” He trailed off, gazing down on the trainers and their Pokemon.

Renamon followed his gaze. Some of the trainers were having fun with the Pokemon, laughing and smiling, their partners just as happy. Renamon still didn't like the notion of trainers capturing them, but, like Mewtwo, she couldn't help but wonder what it must be like.


A little while later, both Renamon and Mewtwo had returned to their suite. Using his psychic power, Mewtwo had ordered room service and now they were both enjoying lunch together.

“You know,” Renamon said, taking a bite of the food, “I almost feel guilty. I mean, we stowed away, we commandeered an empty suite and now we're taking advantage of the service.”

Mewtwo chuckled. “So would you prefer we hide out below-deck and just scrounge for food?”

Renamon smirked. “I said almost. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.”

“I know,” Mewtwo replied. “To be honest, I've actually enjoyed this voyage.”

“I'll admit it's been fun,” Renamon said. “You certainly had the right idea for traveling.”

“Well, let's enjoy it while we can,” Mewtwo said. “We'll arrive in Sinnoh in two days.”

“Right,” Renamon said. “Just...two more days.”

“Are you alright,” Mewtwo asked.

“Oh, fine,” Renamon said. “We're just that much closer to getting me back to the Digital World.”

“Hm. Yes, I suppose we are,” he replied.

They both fell silent. The rest of the meal was spent quietly with both Digimon and Pokemon lost in their own thoughts.


The following evening, Renamon was dozing in the suite when she heard something outside. Climbing out of bed, she opened the door and peered outside. She saw lights and heard music. Stealthily, she snuck out of the suite and crept towards the source of the commotion. Looking around the corner, she saw the deck was awash in lights and there was a band playing music. Passengers crowded the deck, all dressed in fine clothing. Keeping out of sight, Renamon made her way towards the lido deck and climbed up onto the top of the observation deck. Up here, she could watch without being seen.

Now that she was at a better vantage point she noticed that buffet tables lined the deck and some passengers were helping themselves to some refreshments.

“Must be some kind of party,” she surmised.

“So you decided to come out and see, too.”

Renamon looked up to see Mewtwo hovering in the air just above her. He floated down and stood next to her, his eyes on the festivities below.

“Just what's going on,” Renamon asked.

“It's a party as you suspected,” Mewtwo said. “This cruise line usually holds one before reaching it's destination.”

Down below, the passengers started to gather in the center of the deck. Men paired up with women and then they began dancing together. Renamon watched, captivated by the dance. She noticed how the men held their dance partners close as they moved in time with the music. Some, she noticed seemed closer than others, their holds almost...intimate. Then she saw one couple break away from the group to go stand by the railing. The two stood there in the moonlight and then they kissed. Renamon watched them, intrigued by this tender moment the two shared.

“It would seem those two are in love,” Mewtwo commented.

“Wha-What,” Renamon said, her concentration on the couple broken.

“Those two by the railing,” Mewtwo said. “They are in love. That's what people do when they love each other.”

“I-I know,” she stammered, blushing slightly. “It's just...I've never seen such public displays of affections before.” Nor had she ever experienced them either. She wondered what it was like. “You know, I've never been to a party before. Watching these people dance and enjoy themselves, it's a new feeling for me.”

“That makes two of us,” Mewtwo replied. “I've never enjoyed a party myself. Nor have I ever danced.”

“Really,” Renamon said. “Well, then...”

She approached him and took his hands in her's. Placing them just above her hip she held his other hand upwards. Mewtwo stared at her in surprise.

“Now, just follow my lead,” she said.

They began moving, slowly, each feeling out the other's movements.

“How do you know how to dance,” he asked.

“Believe it or not, from fighting,” Renamon replied. “My movements in battle are much like dancing. Stepping, moving your feet just right, it's all the same on some level.”

“I see,” Mewtwo said, moving along with her.

Renamon found she was actually enjoying this. At first she had just meant to teach Mewtwo how to dance, but now, it felt good. She felt warm and comfortable in his arms. She'd never felt this way before about anyone or anything.

Mewtwo felt his heart beating furiously in his chest. He hadn't expected Renamon to dance with him. What's more, they were awfully close to one another. He couldn't explain it, but it felt wonderful. It felt...right.

“You know, Mewtwo,” Renamon spoke up. “I was thinking...I was pretty mean and rude to you before. After all you did to help me and even now, you're still helping me, all I could do was let my stupid pride get the better of me. And, for that, I'm really sorry. I appreciate everything you've done for me. Thank you.”

Mewtwo smiled. “For what it's worth, I took no offense. I know a thing or two about stubborn pride myself. I still don't know what prompted me to help you, but I don't regret it. I'll stick with you until the end.”

Renamon smiled. She felt warmed by his words and conviction. She couldn't explain it, but, she was really glad to have him here. She stared into his eyes. They seemed softer than when they had first met. She moved in closer, lost in his gaze...

Down below, the music came to a halt and the passengers began applauding. The sound was enough to break the spell. Renamon released her grip and stood back. She stood there, her cheeks flushed pink. Mewtwo also looked a bit flustered himself.

“Um, maybe we should...call it a night,” she said, avoiding eye contact.

“Perhaps you're right,” Mewtwo agreed. “Thank you for the dance, Renamon.”

“Anytime,” she said.



Back in the suite, the lights were out and the room was quiet. Renamon lay in bed, facing towards the wall. Across from her, in the other bed, Mewtwo was sound asleep. As she lay there in the dark room, her thoughts wandered back to the dance they had shared and how close they had been. She couldn't believe how close they had come to...

Was she starting to develop feelings for him? Was she falling for him?

“No,” she whispered. “I...I can't be. I have to get back home. My place is in the Digital World. I don't belong here. I don't belong with...”

Are you so sure? Or are you just in denial?

Her inner voice! Why did it have to taunt her so much? And to make matters worse, she knew it was right. What could she do?


Across from Renamon, Mewtwo was in fact still awake. Like his Digimon companion, his mind was also in turmoil. He could sense her confusion and restlessness and it mirrored his own. He didn't know how to deal with this. Never before had he ever felt this way. It was a new sensation for him. But how could he follow through with it? After all, he was helping Renamon in her search for a way home. And if she found it, she'd leave...and he'd never see her again. He would have helped her, just as he promised. So why did that fill him with such sorrow?


End of Chapter Five...