Seeing Celebi preparing to attack, Mitchell was not surprised but happy. A smug smile appeared on his face. The hand in his pocket slowly emerged, holding a peculiar device resembling a watch.
Steven frowned upon seeing Mitchell's actions. "He's making a move! No! We can't just stand here and watch! Metagross, let's charge!"
Beside him, Phoebe shared his concern. Fearing Celebi might be harmed, she called out, "Banette, let's go too!"
Aoki stood motionless, observing the two rush forward without interference. While Mitchell believed he understood Celebi well, Aoki knew the Mythical Pokémon far better. Instead, Aoki shifted his focus to Drake's battlefield.
At that moment, Drake was commanding his six Dragon-type Pokémon in a relentless assault against Himura and Izumi. Though Mitchell's Pokémon remained to assist, without their Trainer's guidance, their combat effectiveness was limited. Despite Himura and Izumi playing their trump cards—even fielding two additional Pokémon—they could only retreat step by step under Drake's disciplined onslaught. They were barely holding their ground, unable to escape.
Suddenly, Aoki's expression shifted subtly. He exchanged a glance with Slowking beside him. The Regal Pokémon immediately understood, its psychic powers extending outward, brushing against Himura and Izumi's auras. Though repelled by their defenses, Slowking managed to glean something.
Thump—
Slowking nodded at Aoki, who smirked in response.
No longer concerned with their battle, Aoki turned his attention back to Celebi.
As expected, Celebi—though not a natural fighter—was effortlessly suppressing Mitchell's two Pokémon. Only Ninjask, relying on its Speed Boost ability, had managed to endure this long. However, the combined assault from Steven and Phoebe left Mitchell scrambling, delaying his use of the device on Celebi.
Finally, in frustration, Mitchell recalled one of his Pokémon and forcefully pinned down Metagross and Banette. Free of distractions, he activated the device, aiming it directly at Celebi, now within range due to the skirmish.
"I've got you!" Mitchell's face twisted with triumph.
The device, developed by the Hunter's Guild using stolen underground technology, emitted a powerful Bug-type shockwave designed specifically to counter Celebi. A high-pitched, buzzing resonance enveloped the Time Travel Pokémon.
Steven and Phoebe, still struggling to regain their footing, could only watch helplessly.
Seeing this, Drake attempted to intervene, but Aoki blocked him once more.
"Elite Drake," Aoki said calmly, "continue your battle without concern. The situation here is under control."
Though hesitant, Drake chose to trust him. Meanwhile, Himura and Izumi found themselves overwhelmed as Drake's Pokémon intensified their assault.
Aoki, flanked by Tyranitar and Slowking, strode toward Celebi.
Mitchell, noticing Aoki's approach, sent his remaining Pokémon to intercept.
Aoki ignored them, calling out to Celebi instead.
"Celebi, enough games. If you keep this up, you'll actually get caught." His tone carried a hint of mockery.
Snoooow—
At Aoki's words, Celebi's pained expression vanished instantly. Its large, round eyes locked onto Aoki, radiating skepticism.
Really? I'm not naïve—don't lie to me.
Mitchell's triumphant laughter died in his throat. He wasn't the only one stunned—everyone present, save Aoki, was baffled.
Had Celebi been acting this entire time?
Aoki sighed, nodding in confirmation.
Celebi stuck out its tongue playfully before its demeanor shifted. For the first time, genuine hostility flickered in its gaze as it stared at Mitchell.
Gulp.
Mitchell's throat tightened. The device in his hand was at maximum output—why wasn't it working?
Aoki scoffed. If Celebi were this easy to capture, I'd have a dozen by now.
Snoooow—LA!
Celebi's cry echoed with anger.
Suddenly, the air fractured—countless spatial rifts splitting open like stars against the night sky. Through each rift, glimpses of different landscapes flickered.
Then, one by one, Celebi emerged.
One...
Two...
Three...
Hundreds.
Thousands.
The tree hollow filled with an endless sea of Celebi, each greeting the others cheerfully before turning their attention to the original Celebi.
Snoooow!
The first Celebi pointed accusingly at Mitchell, its expression indignant.
Snoooow!!
Snoooow!!!
The chorus of cries swelled.
Even Drake, Himura, and Izumi halted their battle, staring in disbelief at the swarm of Celebi overhead.
Mitchell's face paled.
Steven and Phoebe could only watch, pity stirring in their chests.
Mitchell didn't last long—the Celebi swarmed him, tossing him between themselves like a plaything before hurling him through a rift. He vanished without a trace.
Given Celebi's nature, they wouldn't kill him outright. But exile to a barren, lifeless dimension? That was likely. Without his Pokémon, survival was doubtful.
Once justice was served, the Celebi bid farewell, each returning to their respective timelines without confusion.
Only the original Celebi remained.
Its gaze settled on Himura and Izumi.
Gulp.
The two swallowed hard, forcing shaky smiles as they recalled their Pokémon in surrender.
Celebi, ever merciful, let them go.