novelraw Chapter 803: Mythical Pokémon, Gathering!
Chapter 803: Mythical Pokémon, Gathering!
Chapter 803: Mythical Pokémon, Gathering!
"Steven, you're here too?"
Lu Ye said with surprise, handing over a latte coffee with Eevee flower art.
"Mhm, I came to visit and congratulate you and Champion Bamboo Lan," Steven said with a smile.
"Are you sure it's not to see Princess Diancie and little cutie Jirachi?" Lu Ye half-joked.
There was a bond between Jirachi and Steven, after all, Teacher Lu's first encounter with Jirachi had also been witnessed by Steven.
Moreover, Jirachi was a Pokémon with the dual Steel and Psychic typing, falling within the compatibility range of 'Steel-type Champion' Steven.
Princess Diancie didn't even need mentioning... when they met Diancie, it was the first time Teacher Lu had seen Steven lose his composure.
Facing the question, the blue-haired man took a sip of coffee and answered generously:
"That consideration is included as well."
As expected of you, mineral-obsessed miscalculator!
"You've arrived just in time for the gathering," Lu Ye said. "It's being held in the courtyard. When you go over, don't be surprised."
Steven was slightly curious.
A surprising gathering?
Having teamed up with Teacher Lu several times and witnessed many Legendary Pokémon, Steven's will was like steel.
Nothing could cause waves in Steven's state of mind—except minerals.
But soon, Steven's blue eyes went vacant, shocked and feeling somewhat absurd.
A courtyard full of Mythical Pokémon!?
Was this courtyard real, and not some kind of virtual projection technology!?
Jirachi resembled a little yellow star, the yellow ribbon-like cape on its back swaying up and down with the swing.
Little Hoopa gripped the swing ropes with both hands, squinting as it swung: "Hoopa is going to take off!"
Togepi, Victini, and Mew, three little ones gathered together, sitting on the ground playing cards.
Clearly, the invincible Victory Star couldn't boost gambling skills or luck. Togepi quickly ran out of cards, and little V and Mew simultaneously let out frustrated cries.
Marshadow held a broom, eyes shining brightly, inspired by Darkrai, helping to sweep the courtyard.
Celebi circled around the World Tree, sprinkling sparkling light, seeming very interested in this tree.
The sunlight was bright. Under the tree shade sat a small white table covered with a tablecloth, on it a pot of herbal tea, various desserts in delicate containers, and white porcelain tea sets.
Cynthia sat on a chair, smiling, discussing something with Diancie beside her.
Princess Diancie's etiquette was elegant, smiling faintly with pursed lips, the red gem on her forehead refracting sunlight.
Meloetta also sat on a chair, the emerald on her forehead sparkling, resting her chin on her hand with a smile, quietly watching the sunlit green grass.
Any Trainer seeing this scene would feel deeply shocked.
Mythical Pokémon, synonymous with 'rare' and 'mysterious,' were actually living in a sunlit courtyard, and in such numbers, all different!
Steven stood in the shadow under the eaves, stopping to gaze, not disturbing the peace under this sunlight.
"It's a wonderful scene, isn't it."
Lu Ye walked out from the front hall, crossing his arms, leaning against the doorframe, gazing alongside the blue-haired man.
The black-haired young man's lips curved upward, admiring the smiles of the Pokémon and Mengmengda.
The loneliness inherent to those Mythical Pokémon melted away like snow in the sunlight.
"Don't worry about anything, be free and unrestrained, live under the sunlight, play with everyone."
Lu Ye said:
"This is Jirachi's wish... and also the wish of many Pokémon and Trainers."
"It's because of you."
Steven was deeply moved, pausing before speaking:
"It's because of your efforts, Teacher Lu, that these Mythical Pokémon can make friends and live carefreely in the courtyard."
Lu Ye chuckled softly and said, "Aren't you going to greet Diancie?"
"No need, I don't want to break the harmony."
The spring light was gentle and warm. The blue-haired man wore a vest, a suit jacket draped over his arm.
"But Diancie is coming over," Lu Ye said.
Steven looked in the direction indicated.
Seeing Princess Diancie walking gracefully from the green grass as if tiptoeing, smiling with pursed lips:
"Good day, Mr. Lu Ye, Mr. Steven~"
Steven revealed a smile, nodding: "Good day, Princess Diancie."
"Steven!"
Jirachi also recognized this old friend, floating before Steven, reaching out: "Hug!"
Steven picked up Jirachi, his movements gentle as if picking up his own daughter, saying softly:
"It's been a long time, Jirachi."
"I only slept for a little while~" Jirachi emphasized again.
"Haha, that's true too," Steven laughed heartily.
Jirachi lay in Steven's arms, seeming somewhat tired, yet feeling familiar closeness, gradually closing its eyes.
Lu Ye called softly: "Jirachi?"
"Hmm?" Jirachi opened its eyes drowsily, "Is there still more delicious food?"
Lu Ye reached out, gently stroking Jirachi's head, saying:
"Do you have any other wishes? Speak them freely, Steven will help you fulfill them!"
Steven glanced at Teacher Lu, didn't say anything, just nodded seriously to Jirachi.
A promise from Steven Stone, a man's commitment.
Jirachi's smile flowed, floating up again, looking back at the sunlit courtyard, gently shaking its head.
Mew could occasionally leave the World Tree, Princess Diancie could walk out of the Diamond Country, Meloetta and Victini could even travel with Teacher Lu.
But Jirachi was different—it had to return to the comet, otherwise there would be irreversible consequences.
"I am already... very happy," Jirachi said. "I just... want to sleep now..."
Jirachi's eyes drooped, then it perked up again, black eyes sparkling brightly.
"Thank you, Steven, Lu Ye!"
"I'm very happy... and, I've made many good friends!" Jirachi said happily with a laugh.
Steven felt slightly dazed, suddenly understanding Teacher Lu's intention.
Inviting Mythical Pokémon to visit the courtyard, letting them meet each other, become companions, so they wouldn't be lonely anymore.
Different from inviting Legendary Pokémon to assist.
These Mythical Pokémon symbolized not the Trainer's strength, but the Trainer's unique gentleness.
"Jirachi," Lu Ye said softly, "I want to ask you to fulfill my wish."
Jirachi floated up energetically, saying loudly:
"No problem!"
The 'True Eye' on Jirachi's abdomen gradually opened. Legend said only by wishing to the 'True Eye' could the wish truly come true, then transform into a 'Wish Tag' stuck on Jirachi's forehead, appearing as written text.
"Lu Ye, what is your wish!" Jirachi asked.
Lu Ye's gaze was profound, saying seriously:
"I want you... to stay... stay in our courtyard with everyone."
Under the tree shade, Darkrai felt moved, opened its eyes, looking toward Lu Ye's direction.
He might not be an outstanding Trainer... but he was definitely an outstanding cook, outstanding enough to take care of a courtyard full of Mythical Pokémon.
Darkrai closed its eyes again, humming the melody of Oración, lips curving upward.
But at least... just as Alicia accepted me, I accept this Trainer.
Jirachi stared blankly at Lu Ye.
For thousands of years, it had always been humans making wishes to it.
But as long as it could help others fulfill wishes, Jirachi would also feel happiness and joy.
No one had ever... fulfilled a wish for Jirachi.
Nor had anyone ever used a wish on Jirachi, wishing for it to stay...
"But, but this is Lu Ye's wish, not mine!" Jirachi said anxiously, not knowing how to argue.
"I know, this is my wish," Lu Ye said with a smile.
Jirachi's eyes flickered, gradually reddening, calming its breathing, saying softly:
"This wish... I can't fulfill it..."
"All of us, together, will help you fulfill this wish!" Lu Ye said.
Unnoticed when, Mythical Pokémon surrounded Jirachi, with friendly smiles.
"When you wander among the stars, Hoopa's rings can find you and bring you back to the courtyard to rest..."
"When you wake up a thousand years later and don't see any familiar faces, Celebi can also accompany you..."
"And Mew... even if Steven and I leave, you can go find Mew at any time, because you are good friends." Lu Ye turned his head: "Right?"
"Mew~~ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ*)" Mew circled once in the air, tail gently touching Jirachi's small hand, revealing a sly smile.
Lu Ye continued: "I'm not asking to capture you, but rather... at any time, you can stay at this café. Even after a thousand years, there will still be Mythical Pokémon, there will still be everyone to accompany you."
Under the sunlight, Jirachi looked around at Mew, little Hoopa, Celebi, and other Pokémon, slightly dazed.
"And, the most important point."
Lu Ye said smilingly:
"I hope you and everyone can attend my wedding, Jirachi."
"Everyone..."
Jirachi's eyes reddened, then it smiled brightly, saying loudly:
"Everyone, play together!"
...
That night, Miare City welcomed a rare clear night sky.
The mist dispersed. Citizens looked up at the sky, shocked to discover stars, taking photos one after another.
Seeing stars in Miare City was already an earth-shattering major event.
Jirachi's energy was about to run out. Steven, Lu Ye, and Cynthia headed to the city outskirts.
According to Molayne's speculation, late at night, Jirachi's comet would pass over Miare City, but it wouldn't be visible to the naked eye, and that would also be the moment Jirachi returned.
Long grass surged in the wilderness, night hung low, a tree's dark silhouette swayed in the wind in the distance.
Jirachi led everyone, floating at the very front, the marks under its eyes like eternal tear stains.
"Right here..." Steven closed his PokéNav, looking up at the sky, whispering, "Where the comet passes."
Jirachi's yellow ribbons swayed in the wind. Compared to last time's farewell, its eyes now held reluctance and attachment.
Forming bonds meant risking tears... but looking up at that shining star in the night sky would also bring happiness.
Lu Ye stopped walking. Little Hoopa beside him looked utterly dejected.
Teacher Lu spoke:
"Goodbye, Jirachi."
"We'll definitely meet again!" little Hoopa suddenly said.
Jirachi nodded gently, laughing cheerfully:
"Mhm... because, I can stay in the courtyard, and, I want to attend the wedding!"
"By then, little Hoopa will help bring the meteorites from the starry sky back to the courtyard."
Lu Ye glanced sideways at Cynthia, saying: "And by then, Bamboo Lan and I will definitely find a way to wake you up early."
Cynthia smiled gently: "Regarding cosmic energy, from what I know, Galar has many records."
"By then..." Jirachi's gaze was hopeful, slightly brightening, "By then, play with everyone again!"
Wanting Jirachi to stay—even little V's Infinite Energy couldn't achieve that.
But as long as they could replenish Jirachi's 「cosmic energy」, it wouldn't need to return to the meteorite to sleep for a thousand years, and could even stay in the courtyard like other Mythical Pokémon.
And now... Jirachi needed to return to the starry sky, take a little nap.
Strong winds swept through, dispersing the dark clouds covering the wilderness sky, revealing flickering stars.
Hazily, there was a hovering comet, descending a pillar of light, enveloping Jirachi.
Jirachi's energy was exhausted, and it had played with the Mythical Pokémon all day, like a child, closing its eyes tiredly, a smile still lingering at the corner of its mouth.
In the pillar of light gathering starlight, Jirachi slowly floated upward, the 'True Eye' on its chest gradually opening.
It was said that wishing to the 'True Eye' could achieve a true wish.
Little Hoopa closed its eyes, whispering softly:
"I hope there's still a chance to play with Jirachi..."
"Gengarrr..." Haunter also clasped its hands, closing its crimson eyes.
Lu Ye gazed at Jirachi, feeling a sense of loss, yet surging with new motivation.
Mere 「cosmic energy」... at worst, go find Eternatus and pluck some wool.
After all, Eternatus also originated from space, meteorite fragments were called 'Wishing Stars' by people, and its energy was enough to support the Dynamax of the entire Galar region!
Jirachi rose toward the comet with the pillar of light, starlight scattering across the entire wilderness, brilliant and radiant.
Lu Ye looked at the starry sky, unconsciously remembering the night he proposed to Bamboo Lan, then feeling somewhat lost because of Jirachi's departure.
But precisely because there was parting, there would be future reunions.
"Let's go," Lu Ye turned around. "Back to the café, research information!"
Buzz—
Steven looked down at his PokéNav, having just received a message, a photo showing Red's group who had just arrived in Alola.
Ash: [Photo]
Seemingly because they hadn't gone out for a long time, the three in the photo appeared somewhat flustered.
Green looked exhausted, Red carrying a suitcase, Pikachu hanging on his chest, looking up while dozing off, the girl closing her eyes with a sigh.
"Teacher Lu..."
Steven said thoughtfully:
"Champion Red and Champion Green seem to have arrived in Alola..."