o-o-o- Chapter 10: Mew –o-o-o

My wings were getting tired.

About three hours ago, I left with Froslass and Mewtwo on a quest to help Mewtwo's teammates. Apparently, their team had been on a really difficult ('practically impossible for other Pokemon', according to Mewtwo) quest a few days ago when they got ambushed by a group of Houndooms and some Spiritombs. Usually, we'd have been able to fend them off without a problem, but my dear friend was taken by surprise by a powerful Fire Blast, as well as a Shadow Ball. Right now, they are waiting for aid at the heart of this dungeon... Mewtwo had explained earlier.

When we entered the dungeon, I was suddenly very thankful that our trio consisted of Pokemon that could float or levitate. This was because the Cryptic Cavern was made up of really narrow pathways, with a deep abyss on both sides, and frozen stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Somewhere down below, I could see some things that were shining in the darkness of the abyss. As we went lower and lower, I found that they were small, glowing crystals, and they lit up the paths of the cavern.

Every now and then, we came across some Houndoom and Spiritomb (well, also some Shuppet and Duskulls) Mewtwo defeated them all with a vengeance. I didn't need some sort of empathy link with him to figure out that he was still mad about them hurting his 'dear friend', whoever that was. I figured that if a Pokemon as distant as Mewtwo could call one a 'dear friend', then they must be really really dear.

Anyway, we made a lot of progress in the three hours we've had. Although it was mostly Mewtwo who fended off the wild Pokemon, and Froslass and I simply followed behind him.

After a while, I started to feel my wings ache. "How long until we get there, Mewtwo?" I asked.

Not even sparing me a glance, he mentally told me, A few more floors down, Time Guardian.

"You said that 13 floors earlier…" I muttered to myself, even though I was pretty sure he heard me. Froslass simply glanced behind at me and offered a sympathetic smile. Seeing as I had nothing else to do, I flew a little faster to keep in pace with the Ice Type.

'So…' I said, telepathically, 'do you know his teammates?'

Froslass nodded. "Yes… Well, one of them, anyway. I worked with them once before."

'I see. By the way, how do you know how to heal others?' I flushed a bit, 'I mean, not that I think it's weird or anything, but I just don't understand how ice can heal…'

"It is fine, Celebi. Everyone, including myself, does not truly comprehend it, actually," she said. "Although, in my opinion, I believe it is more because of ice's ability to numb and ease the pain rather than to actually heal, unlike how you Grass-types work."

'But your powers still heal? As in, heal like how Grass-types heal?'

"Yes. But only for certain Pokemon and sometimes, on certain circumstances." Froslass gave me a discreet smile.

I tilted my head to the side. 'What do you mean?'

"I am not quite sure, honestly. I only know that normal – and that includes a 99.9% majority – of Pokemon are not affected by my abilities. There are those, such as Mewtwo and his dear friend, as well as some others, who adapt and are able to heal with my assistance," she explained.

I simply nodded instead of offering a mental response. We went down two more floors and I noticed that the crystals lining the cave walls were starting to increase in both size and number. I figured we were getting near.

We kept going until we finally reached a cavern where the pathway began to lead up to a central platform, which was surrounded by large jagged crystals, and in the abyssal distance, there were specks of light glittering faintly.

I noticed a faint glow from the central platform, and I could tell it was different from the other lights in the cave. Apparently, so did Mewtwo and Froslass. Mewtwo tensed and suddenly flew up to the platform, leaving me and Froslass a bit shocked but we followed quickly nonetheless. I don't know if I'd have rather taken my time or not going up if I knew what was going to happen. When we reached the central platform, Mewtwo was there, kneeling beside a small form, who was responsible for the strange glow. For some reason, I recognized the presence. It's quite hard for me to explain this to you, really, but I shall try my best. The feeling was like knowing, somewhere in the deepest recesses of your mind, probably since your mother told you long ago, that you had a third degree cousin somewhere out there. Barely aware of each other, you live your life until you cross paths. It's stranger only for the reason that I know who this was before I've ever even met her. Yes, her.

You see, lying there, curled up like a fetus and giving off a faint glow, was none other than Mew.

The problem? She was dying.

NO! No, no, no, no, no! Mewtwo's voice rang in my head, causing me to wince. She can't be dying! She can't!

Froslass sounded calm when she spoke, but looking at her told me just how rattled she was by the whole situation. "Mewtwo, please, calm down – I don't know but we might – "

MIGHT!? The Psychic Pokemon roared, and I swear, if he keeps this up, I will never be able to use Telepathy again. You two are healers in your own right, you have the power! You're the best in your field! You HAVE to save her! As irked as I was by his bossiness, I could practically hear his heart breaking as he tried to convince us. But… there's nothing we can do. Nothing.

Maybe it's because I'm a Legendary Pokemon, that's why I know. Or maybe it's because time is my specialty. Or maybe, just maybe, she wanted me to know. With an exasperated sigh, I glanced at Froslass and asked her for help. With a slight nod, she went forward and tried to calm the distressed Mewtwo. I tried my best to block out his voice in my head and focus. I fluttered towards the little pink Pokemon who was sleeping… resting. I barely noticed, but the ground below us started pulsing with slight glowing waves. The pulse waves filled the entire cavern, making it seem like ripple marks. Froslass and Mewtwo were silent behind me, but I could sense their psyche, tense and waiting. My antennae stood rigid, allowing me to take in all that I was perceiving. I placed my hands on the hand and the pulse got stronger. I closed my eyes and reached out, touching her forehead with a finger.

It was dark. So very very dark. I could see light from the corner of my eye and when I turned, she was there. 'Mew?' I called. No response. She flew farther away, facing me, and I tried to follow. I could barely make out the light behind her but I continued. 'Mew, please! I need to talk to you!' She kept flying and I had no choice but to follow. 'Mew! It's about Mewtwo!'

That made her stop. Her bright, glowing blue eyes, filled with so much power and understanding that I knew I stood no chance if I tried to fight her, stared in my own green orbs. I'm a half-Psychic type. I knew what she was doing. And so I did the same. I didn't back down from her challenge as we stared into each other's eyes, looking deeper into each other's soul. From that brief interaction, I found out more about her than I could have by spending a lifetime with her. I knew her origins, created by Arceus long, long ago; before time was even frozen. I knew her past, her role as the guardian of the Grass Cornet. I knew her capabilities, which far exceeded my own. I knew her history with Mewtwo, how they formed their team. I knew how scared she really was, how vulnerable. And I knew she didn't have long. Maybe it was because we're both Legendary Pokemon. Or maybe it was because we were both Psychic. Or maybe it was because we were both girls, and pink and we just, I don't know, clicked.

Time Guardian Celebi, huh… she spoke. Her blue orbs blinked. You're not half bad. Smitten, but not bad. I swear she was smirking under that cute and innocent façade of hers while I was flushing.

'Listen, I'm not here to talk about my love life, I'm here to – '

-To try and save me and my fading soul before I die, yes, I know.

I could only blink, and this time, Mew offered me a small smile, one that held too much emotion for me to comprehend.

Look, Celebi, I need a favor.

I was wary. 'What is it?' Mew's little façade was good. If it weren't for our odd connection, I wouldn't have thought how anxious she was feeling.

Pass a message on for my dearest Mewtwo, please. He really needs to understand this, but he can't. Not right now, at least.

'Why can't he?' I asked. This was getting confusing. And we were losing time. I could already feel her start to fade.

Oh, look, I'm fading.. she laughed humorlessly. Anyway, did you see the whole cavern on your way?

'Yeah…why?'

Good. I believe you noticed the glowing lights that illuminated your path. You might be thinking, 'oh what pretty lights' but have you thought of where they came from? No, you haven't, don't answer that. Those lights, weak and dwindling as they are, are the only things that keep this dungeon, and all the Pokemon in and around it, alive. Those lights represent the life of this environment, this community, here in Cryptic Cavern. There's a reason why it's called 'cryptic', you know.

I tried not to roll my eyes. 'And that would be?' Mew leaned forward, beckoning me to do so, and she whispered in my ear, almost conspiringly, This whole place is ALIVE and it's kept alive by the psyche of its residences.

Well, that was quite the secret. And that's not all. It's dying, because of the frozen time problem and all. But I'm going to save it.

I could tell where this was going. 'What?! And risk your own life? You can't! What about Mewtwo?'

She laughed. My life is nothing compared to what I would be doing for this place. And I can. Mewtwo doesn't understand. He cares, I know. But this is for the best. When we first entered this dungeon, we were hoping that the 'cryptic' part of the whole dungeon would be something we could use to save this planet. Then, we were ambushed and Mewtwo left to find aid. Me and some of our other companions –

'Wait, what companions?'

Two Deoxys. But nevermind, I told them to leave, that's why they aren't here. Mind you, it took a lot of convincing before they left since they are very close to Mewtwo and I. Moving on, we stayed here to rest when I began to sort of hear the cavern. It spoke to me, and I don't know why. It helped me understand what was happening and I decided to use my power to save this place.

'B-but… but..!' I tried to argue, 'But you wouldn't need to sacrifice yourself like this! Just wait a bit more! I'm sure my friends will find a way to save this planet!'

Ah yes, your beloved Grovyle and dear little Leonna, correct? Oh, and that Riolu, Liam, no? Mew's eyes softened. Yes… I'm sure they'll be able to do something. But this place won't be able to hold out for that long. I have to do this Celebi.

'But what about Mewtwo? Wouldn't you be leaving him all alone if you sacrificed yourself?' I asked.

Mew smiled sadly. I would be, wouldn't I? That's why I'm asking you to relay this message. Tell him that, even if he thinks I'm gone, I'm not. My essence will be joined with the dungeon, so technically speaking, I'd still be here. Then there's also the alternative talk that I'll be in his heart and what not, but don't try it; he wouldn't believe you. But death… I like to think it's not really the end. Who knows what Arceus is gonna do to me after this? He'll probably make me stay with Giratina for a while or something… And besides, I'm the one dying, not him, so tell him he shouldn't waste the rest of his life mourning. I obviously don't want him to. Keep moving forward, I always say! I couldn't help the small smile that broke out on my face, and Mew smiled at me sincerely. Lastly, please tell him that I love him. Not in the romantic sense, like you and your Grass-type lover, but in our sense. I don't know how to explain it but Mewtwo and I are connected in this seriously complicated way that, as you can see, is too hard to grasp.

'I… I see…'

So will you do it? Will you pass on my message? Mew's long tail wiggled excitedly.

I looked up into her bright blue orbs, which were now so full of despair, hopelessness, pity, love and so much more. It would be hard, but I knew the weight of the task. 'I will.'

Mew grinned and hugged me and I hugged her back. Thank you…

Only when she let go did I realize how much time we really took. She was fading already, and practically transparent! 'Mew!' I squeaked, slightly panicked, causing her to laugh. Calm down, Celebi. I'll be fine. Now get back out there and do me another favor.

I frowned. 'What now?'

The image of her smile, her fading body, and her bright blue eyes will be forever etched into my memory. Live on.