Chapter 71 Ilex Forest, The Time Tunnel

Chapter 71 Ilex Forest, The Time Tunnel

"Come back, Volcarona," Bugsy said as he recalled Volcarona. "As expected, we're still slightly lacking. You've trained your Pheromosa very well. This is the proof of defeating me—the Hive Badge."

Ron healed Pheromosa, accepted the badge, and smiled, "Thanks, Bugsy. Let's battle again sometime."

"Definitely," Bugsy replied, shaking Ron's hand.

Ron left Azalea Gym, ready to head toward Ilex Forest. Whether he could keep Celebi or not would depend on this trip.

At this moment, Celebi emerged from the Ultra Ball and flew onto Ron's shoulder, complaining about not being allowed out earlier. Ron gently tapped Celebi's small head with his finger and smiled, "Sorry, some situations aren't suitable for you. I'll buy you something tasty later."

Only then did Celebi forgive Ron, humming happily, feeling great as it sensed that it was close to home.

After buying some snacks that Celebi liked in Azalea Town, Ron and Celebi sped toward Ilex Forest.

Deep within Ilex Forest, inside a simple small shrine, strange fluctuations of time distorted a small space. Five Celebi appeared in the forest depths. Three appeared old and aged, radiating profound depth, while the other two younger ones waited anxiously.

"Hehe. Such good luck. Five of them appeared at once," said an aged voice, and a man wearing a black cloak and a peculiar ice mask appeared before the five Celebi.

The five Celebi calmly observed the newcomer, unsure of his intentions.

"You're not afraid of me?" The masked man laughed. "As expected of mythical Pokémon. But I hope you'll remain this calm in a moment. Do it!"

"Yes!" countless voices echoed from the forest.

Then, several large pieces of equipment—twenty-four in total—were pushed forward, encircling the area. Once activated, invisible waves spread throughout the space, and the five Celebi instantly paled: they could no longer use their powers!

"Surprised? These machines are the culmination of years of effort, specifically made to neutralize your abilities," the masked man said. "All my waiting has finally paid off!"

Saying this, the masked man took out two peculiar Poké Balls. If Ash had been here, he would've exclaimed immediately—they were two GS Balls!

"After searching for so many years, I finally found feathers of Lugia and Ho-Oh. Poké Balls woven from both feathers—the Time-Capture Balls—you can't resist them now!" the masked man shouted, throwing the two GS Balls toward the five Celebi.

"Pheromosa, stop them!" Ron shouted.

Pheromosa descended from above, swiftly kicking away the two GS Balls, then stood protectively before the five Celebi, facing the masked man.

"Hehe, you've finally arrived. Do you really think I didn't prepare a backup plan? My men discovered you long ago," the masked man sneered.

Suddenly, a Delibird swiftly flew toward an older Celebi, then took out two GS Balls from its pouch, capturing one older and one younger Celebi instantly.

"Oh no!" Ron cried. Dragonite landed with Ron, but it was already too late to stop this. Delibird had rushed from behind Pheromosa, who hadn't been able to stop it. Thankfully, Ron had switched Gyarados with Dragonite earlier; otherwise, not just two but all five Celebi would've been captured.

After placing the two GS Balls into its pouch, Delibird was recalled into a Poké Ball by the masked man. When it reappeared, the two GS Balls containing the Celebi were already in his hands.

The masked man glanced at the small Celebi on Ron's shoulder and laughed, "Kid, you're luckier than me, able to obtain a Celebi. But you can't stop me now! Celebi, open the Time Tunnel and take me to the past!"

One GS Ball was placed into a device, and energy continuously flowed into the machine. Ron shouted, "Pheromosa, Dragonite, destroy that machine!"

"Don't act rashly!" the masked man held up the other GS Ball. "I still have a hostage. I can't guarantee its safety."

Ron immediately halted Pheromosa and Dragonite; he couldn't bear that responsibility. Ron shouted, "Pryce, stop this obsession! Even if you can go back in time, what can you change?!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," the masked man—Pryce—replied coldly.

As they spoke, a Time Tunnel formed. Pryce laughed loudly and said, "Finally, I've succeeded! Wait for me, I'm coming!" With that, he raised the GS Ball high and jumped into the Time Tunnel.

Immediately, Ron commanded, "Pheromosa, Dragonite, destroy the machines! Gengar, Chansey, subdue these people. Celebi, please help too. This time, we can't inform the Pokémon League. Pryce is obsessive but hasn't reached madness yet. I'll go bring him back."

Pheromosa and Dragonite swiftly destroyed the machines. With their powers restored, the Celebi called the forest Pokémon to their aid. It took only ten minutes to subdue Pryce's men.

After breaking the GS Ball, the old Celebi fell weakly to the ground. The young Celebi anxiously called out, urging Ron to save its parent.

Looking at the disappeared Time Tunnel, Ron asked the remaining Celebi, "Can anyone here open the Time Tunnel again? I'll go after Pryce and the captured Celebi."

The two older Celebi sighed and communicated telepathically, "Young man, we entrust this to you. Our power can't excessively interfere with time. Only one Celebi can enter the Time Tunnel at a time. If we enter, it could cause a time disruption."

The young Celebi flew forward, patting its small chest confidently and cried out.

"No, you're not fully trained yet. It's highly likely you'll both get stuck in another time," one of the younger Celebi telepathically said.

"No, let it try," said another older Celebi. "After rescuing them, we'll intervene ourselves. At most, they'll wait a month. But from their perspective, they'll only wait one minute before we set out to bring them back to this exact time. They'll be safe."

"Then let's not hesitate. Believe in my Celebi this once. It has grown up!" Ron shouted.

While the younger Celebi hesitated, the two older Celebi had already opened the Time Tunnel together. Seeing the strange, swirling passage, Ron quickly recalled his Pokémon, sorted his belongings, and holding Celebi tightly, rushed into the Time Tunnel.

As the tunnel closed, one older Celebi said, "Whether they succeed or not, we will enter the tunnel in one minute. We'll observe from another time first to ensure it's safe, then we'll enter to bring them back."

"I'll gather some clan members to help search," said the younger Celebi anxiously. "I hope that child will be alright."

"He's a good trainer. That child won't suffer with him," replied an older Celebi.

"I agree," said the other older Celebi.

The younger Celebi supported the weakened older Celebi, opened another Time Tunnel, and entered it to find their clan members.

The two older Celebi waited until exactly one minute had passed, then opened the Time Tunnel once more, entering it to begin their search.