Chapter 878: Mewtwo's Journey Across Time and Space (Part 2)
Cynthia caught the skepticism and shock flickering within Mewtwo's gaze.
Without hesitation.
She lifted the ribbon held between her fingers, recounting the story between herself and Kazuya: "This was the very first gift Kazuya gave me, back when he was still a Riolu..."
However.
Just as she began to speak.
Mewtwo raised His hand to cut her short: "I believe you."
His dark pupils stared quietly into Cynthia's eyes.
He detected not the slightest hint of deceit in her gaze.
Furthermore.
He sensed an immensely potent, unmistakably familiar Aura flowing within Cynthia's body.
That specific Aura...
Belonged to none other than Kazuya!
Looking once more upon that weathered gray ribbon, Mewtwo felt overwhelmed by profound emotion.
Everything seemed guided by the threads of destiny.
Within that turbulent vortex of time and space, a keepsake tied to Kazuya had guided Him directly to the person bound to Kazuya's soul.
"Can you tell me about Kazuya now?"
A faint plea crept into Cynthia's voice.
The aloof, esteemed Champion of Sinnoh.
Only exposed such vulnerability when it concerned Kazuya.
"It is a long story; I will summarize the essentials..."
Mewtwo nodded heavily.
Following that.
He laid out the major events since His first meeting with Kazuya, explaining the present state of the first world and what it meant to Kazuya.
Hearing how every companion around Kazuya had fallen one by one.
Cynthia could not hold back her tears.
As if she were genuinely enduring the agony and sorrow Kazuya had shouldered during those hours.
Perhaps she truly could feel it.
After all, Cynthia's heart remained with Kazuya.
Though separated by vast expanses of time and space, that shared grief resonated directly into Cynthia's soul.
"Space itself has been severed. Kazuya cannot use the Power of Space to flee, forced into battle against Shadow, Arceus, and Their legions."
"Even when the two of us stood together, our chances were razor-thin. Now that I have tumbled through a space-time rift into this realm, I do not know how Kazuya can possibly survive alone."
"Thus, I must return to his side at once to stand with him in battle."
"Even if victory remains beyond our reach."
"At the very least, as his companion, I will die beside him."
"After all..."
"He is someone who fears loneliness deeply."
Mewtwo lowered His head, His fists clenched white.
"Understood. Let us go find him. I am coming as well."
Cynthia stood up.
Wiping away her tears with a brisk swipe of her sleeve, she turned immediately to gather her provisions.
"You intend to go as well?"
Mewtwo's eyes widened, His tone stern: "That battlefield is no place for mortals. Going there is nothing short of throwing your life away; you will only cause Kazuya greater distress."
His reprimand was sharp.
Yet it was born out of concern for both Kazuya and Cynthia.
It had to be spoken.
Cynthia looked back, her eyes rimmed with red: "My Lucario... he was never a child given to weeping. He is strong, stronger even than I..."
"Yet you tell me he has wept time and again."
"He must have been cornered into absolute, helpless despair."
"...If I cannot stand by his side when he is in agony."
"Then what right do I have to call myself his partner?"
"I cannot waste another second lingering here!"
Cynthia wiped her eyes, yet fresh tears slipped past her fingers.
"...I understand."
Mewtwo opened His jaws, then paused.
Feeling the unbreakable resolve radiating from Cynthia.
He gave a solemn nod.
"I will do everything in My power to safeguard your life, ensuring you reach that world unharmed."
Mewtwo swore the oath.
He would protect Kazuya's most treasured partner.
"Thank you. But don't worry, I am strong."
A resolute smile graced Cynthia's lips as her fingers brushed against the six Poké Balls resting at her waist. "Besides, everyone is here to fight alongside me."
The moment her words fell.
Garchomp, Milotic, Roserade, Gastrodon, Spiritomb, Togekiss.
Six Pokémon manifested beside Cynthia with unwavering gazes, sharing her exact determination.
Kazuya was their cherished family.
They would never allow him to face the dark alone.
No matter who barred their path.
Be it that foul Shadow, or the creator deity Arceus.
They would fight beside Kazuya to their dying breath.
They had journeyed through life and death together countless times.
Death itself...
Held no terror in their eyes.
Nothing could bend their will.
No matter what awaited them ahead.
They would cross the abyss to stand at Kazuya's side.
No one could halt their march.
"..."
Mewtwo observed the six Pokémon, parted His lips in silence, and gave an approving nod.
These six were not overwhelmingly mighty.
At least from His current vantage point.
Aside from Garchomp.
The remaining five sat around the mid-to-high Champion tier.
Yet they were far from weak.
While inadequate against first-tier deities.
They were more than capable of handling second-tier deities and Mythical Pokémon.
On that desperate battlefield, they would provide meaningful support—a vital source of aid.
Kazuya, it seems that in this world, you still have plenty of trustworthy companions.
Mewtwo's heart settled with purpose.
Immediately after, a brilliant spark ignited in His eyes.
Indeed!
The world they hailed from.
Had been drained of every scrap of usable strength.
Which was why their circumstances had turned so profoundly hopeless.
Yet this reality was different.
This realm had never been tainted by dark energy; vast numbers of mighty Pokémon and deities still thrived here.
Seeking help from every single one was impractical given their lack of time, nor would it proceed smoothly.
Those "gods" were either hidden away or indifferent to mortal plights; locating them was an ordeal, and securing their cooperation was harder still.
Yet gathering the companions Kazuya once walked beside.
Posed far fewer obstacles.
Mewtwo believed.
With Kazuya's character and capabilities.
He was bound to have forged deep bonds with extraordinary allies in this world.
Allies who would leap into the breach to fight for Kazuya without hesitation.
"Cynthia! I have an idea."
"Tell me on the road. We track down Celebi first; I must return to my original era."
Cynthia swung open her wardrobe, pulling out the tailored black coat she wore most often. "I won't merely fight beside Kazuya."
"I intend to help Kazuya win this war."
"Our strength alone is insufficient."
"I need to rally greater reinforcements."
"I know Mother and Mother Wolf will never sit idly by; after all, Lucario is their beloved child as well."
As it turned out.
Cynthia and Mewtwo shared the exact same thought.
Hearing her words.
The corners of Mewtwo's mouth curved upward.
It seemed He would not have to wander aimlessly like a headless fly seeking aid.
Cynthia had shared a long path with Kazuya.
She knew precisely where his greatest allies dwelt.
The two wasted no time.
Departing Cameron Palace that very afternoon.
Queen Ilene wished to mobilize an army to assist her elder sister Cynthia in rescuing her beloved across realms.
Yet Cynthia gently declined the offer.
In the end.
Beneath Queen Ilene's reluctant, lingering gaze.
Cynthia donned her signature black coat, stepping forward alongside Mewtwo onto the path leading back to Kazuya.
"Wait for me, Kazuya."
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