Chapter 58: Encounter with Celebi!

"Sceptile, use Leaf Blade! Charizard, use Slash to help us cut through these thorns," Ash commanded, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Sceptile!" "Roar!" Sceptile's sharp leaves glowed a vibrant green as it swung them in precise arcs, slicing through the thick vines with ease. Charizard's powerful claws slashed the tougher thorns, its roar echoing through the dense forest. Their combined efforts made quick work of the immediate obstacles. Not to be outdone, Brock stepped forward. "Scyther, use Fury Cutter repeatedly to clear the path ahead!" Scyther's blades gleamed as it lunged into action, carving through the stubborn growths with rapid, rhythmic movements. The Pokémon's speed and precision impressed Solana, who relied on her Capture Styler to track their destination. "Alright, Linoone, I'm counting on you as well!" Solana called to her temporary allies, directing the wild Pokémon to assist. Ash watched silently but attentively. He had sensed a unique energy guiding them, and now he realized Solana's chosen path aligned perfectly with the location his Aura powers had pinpointed. Trusting her judgment, he decided to follow without interfering. Meanwhile, Pikachu, darting ahead of the group, pushed through the thickest of the thorny vines. At last, it arrived in a small clearing where an injured Celebi lay sprawled on the ground. "Pika! Pikachu!" (Celebi! Do you remember me? Are you alright?) Pikachu's ears drooped in concern as it approached the weakened Pokémon. Celebi's glowing aura was faint, its once vibrant green hue now pale. Pikachu remembered meeting Celebi years ago when Ash, Brock, and Misty were traveling through the Johto region. Back then, they had encountered Celebi while protecting a forest, even meeting a young Professor Oak who had traveled through time. Now, seeing Celebi in this state, Pikachu felt a pang of worry. The Time Travel Pokémon stirred weakly, managing a faint response. "Pikachu..." Celebi whispered, its voice barely audible. Pikachu sniffed the air frantically, searching for something familiar. It remembered how Ash and Brock had treated its own poisoning with Pecha Berries in the past. Soon, Pikachu's sensitive nose caught the scent of the antidote berries nearby. "Pika, Pikachu!" (Wait here, Celebi! I'll get some berries for you!) Without wasting a second, Pikachu dashed into the undergrowth, weaving through the maze of vines. It returned moments later, carrying a small bundle of Pecha Berries in its tiny paws. Setting the berries down in front of Celebi, Pikachu encouraged it softly. "Pikachu, pika!" (Eat these! They'll help neutralize the poison!) Celebi hesitated for a moment before nibbling on the berries. The sweet, soothing taste spread through its body, immediately dulling the effects of the poison. Slowly, Celebi's radiant eyes opened slightly, a faint glimmer of life returning to them. "Thank you, Pikachu," Celebi murmured, its voice still weak but full of gratitude. "I feel some relief." As Celebi regained some strength, it explained its plight. It had crossed through time to escape a powerful Poison-type Pokémon that had ambushed and injured it. Meanwhile, Team Rocket had been observing the scene from a nearby hiding spot, peering through binoculars. "Looks like we hit the jackpot!" Jessie grinned, her eyes sparkling with ambition. "Not only is Pikachu here, but that's Celebi, the Time Travel Pokémon!" James, however, looked uneasy. "Jessie, this area is restricted... Maybe we should leave before we get into trouble." "James, you fool!" Jessie snapped, smacking him lightly with the binoculars. "Do you have any idea what the boss would pay for Celebi? It's one of the rarest Pokémon ever!" Meowth chimed in, "She's got a point, Jimmy. Catchin' Celebi could make us rich and famous!" "Fine," James relented with a sigh. "But I still think this is a bad idea..." As Team Rocket schemed, Ash, Brock, Misty, and Solana finally arrived at the clearing, led by Pikachu's cries. "Celebi!" Solana gasped, recognizing the mythical Pokémon instantly. "Don't be afraid! We're here to help you!" "Wow, it really is Celebi!" Misty exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. "Do you remember us? I'm Misty!" "And I'm Brock!" The two recalled their previous encounter with Celebi and smiled warmly, hoping to reassure the injured Pokémon. Ash stepped forward, his expression serious. "Now's not the time for introductions. Celebi's hurt and poisoned. Let's treat it quickly." He noticed the Pecha Berries in front of Celebi and glanced at Pikachu with a proud smile. "Nice work, Pikachu," Ash said, patting his partner gently. Pikachu's cheeks sparked happily in response. To soothe Celebi further, Ash reached into his bag and pulled out a Soothing Bell, a small trinket he had picked up during his travels. He shook it gently, letting its soft chime fill the air. Celebi's tense body relaxed slightly at the calming sound. Meanwhile, Solana and Brock carefully examined Celebi's injuries. "We need more than Pecha Berries to heal it completely," Brock noted. "It looks like it's dehydrated, and those wounds could use some herbal treatment." "Then let's find what we need," Ash said decisively. "May, Misty, let's search the area for any useful berries or herbs." Sceptile, Charizard, and Scyther continued to clear away the remaining thorns, ensuring the path remained open in case of an emergency. Linoone, still under Solana's command, sniffed the ground, searching for useful plants. But lurking in the shadows, Team Rocket prepared to strike. "Now's our chance," Jessie whispered, her grin widening. "Let's grab Celebi and Pikachu while they're distracted!" Would they succeed in their plan, or would Ash and his friends once again thwart their schemes? The forest held its breath as the next chapter of this adventure unfolded. -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals