The boat was fast, and Liu Qing returned to Olivine City the same day he boarded it. What he did not know was that something had happened in a forest near the city. He would become embroiled in it and nearly lose his life, but it would also lay crucial groundwork for further awakening his Aura powers. Of course, all that came later. For now, let us turn to what happened in the forest.
In the forest, a masked man dressed in clothes that marked him as a villain at a glance kicked open the door of a small house. He then pinned the old man inside against the wall and gripped his chin tightly.
"Now, tell me where it is—the place in the forest where you let Celebi escape forty years ago!" Although the mask concealed his vicious expression, his tone made his wicked nature unmistakable. It also suggested that the old man was probably no saint himself. This was a "deal" between criminals.
"It belongs to me! I'll never tell anyone!" The old man was clearly making one last desperate stand, refusing to answer. It made sense: what shady character like them would not want to claim a Legendary Pokémon like Celebi and sell it for a fortune? Even if no one bought it, capturing such prey would be the crowning achievement of their lives. The Masked Man laughed in fury at his words, his sinister laughter inspiring uncontrollable fear. He roughly dragged the old man outside, then called to the Sneasel nearby, who sliced open the iron cages holding the Pokémon. Next, he took a small black ball from the clothing over his chest and pressed its button, expanding it to its full size.
"That's..." The old man looked at the strange Poké Ball in confusion.
"A