The dense clouds parted as a white streak of air trailed through the sky.
A shark-shaped Pokémon stretched its wings beneath the heavens, resembling a jet plane.
"Garchomp!" Sapphire and Ruby exclaimed in unison.
"That's the Champion from the Sinnoh Region, Cynthia."
Steven, wearing a vest with his jacket draped over his arm, gazed into the distance. "A scholar worthy of respect."
The sound of rushing wind grew louder as the gale howled, prompting Ruby to shield Sapphire.
"Rooaarrr!"
Garchomp hovered above the rocky peak, startling countless birds into flight.
Lu Ye looked up to see a blonde woman standing on Garchomp's back.
Her black trench coat fluttered in the wind, her wide black pants flaring, revealing her smooth, fair ankles.
With a soft tap, Cynthia leapt down gracefully, her high heels landing steadily on the gravel.
"I'm not too late, am I?" She pressed down her wind-tossed golden hair, smiling.
Lu Ye froze briefly before smiling back. "For camping, you've arrived just in time."
"I just finished a match at the Battle Castle," Cynthia explained, gently patting Eevee's little head. "It took quite a while to get here from Unova."
"Eevee! o(´^｀)o" Eevee flicked its tail lightly.
Lu Ye blinked.
She came all the way from Unova just to join me for camping?
Wait… isn't flying on Garchomp terrifying for her?
"Allow me to make introductions," Steven said, presenting the Hoenn juniors.
"Cynthia! Can I have your autograph?" Sapphire's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Of course," Cynthia said with a soft smile. "I've heard about you two—brilliant trainers making waves in Hoenn."
The foolish couple scratched their heads shyly, their movements strangely synchronized.
"I didn't expect Steven to join a camping trip," Cynthia teased, lips curving. "I thought your only interest was rocks."
Lu Ye crossed his arms.
To be fair… meteorites are rocks. And Jirachi is Steel-type—it's a perfect match for Steven!
Steven coughed awkwardly. "This trip involves another matter as well…"
He briefly explained the ritual surrounding Jirachi. Cynthia nodded occasionally in understanding.
Meanwhile, the couple whispered to each other:
"Ruby, who do you think is stronger, Cynthia or Steven?"
"I don't know… Maybe Teacher Lu?"
"Huh? Why would you say that?"
"Think about it. Steven's passion is geology, Cynthia's also a mythology scholar, and Teacher Lu—"
Ruby crossed his arms, nodding with his eyes closed. "He's a breeder, a coordinator… just seems more well-rounded."
"That's so convincing!" Sapphire's eyes lit up. "Ruby, you're amazing!"
"Piece of cake," Ruby said, waving nonchalantly while secretly thinking: 'If my Pokéblock skills can't match Teacher Lu's, it actually makes sense now.'
"So, this is the meteorite?"
After hearing the details, Cynthia looked at the stone in Sapphire's arms and murmured,
"A Pokémon born from a stone… life is truly miraculous."
"We may not witness Jirachi today," Steven said, glancing at the overcast sky with a faint smile. "But camping can still continue."
"Hm?" Lu Ye quickly surveyed the area.
There were three tents in total. Ruby and Sapphire would obviously share one.
That means I'll just have to share a tent with Cynthia!
"Cynthia, let's share a tent!" Sapphire exclaimed, grabbing her hand. "I have so many questions to ask you!"
Lu Ye's heart sank.
Young lady, you're blocking my chances!
"Of course," Cynthia replied with a gentle smile. "But for tactics… Teacher Lu is more knowledgeable. You can ask him."
"Teacher Lu… is good at tactics too?" Sapphire blinked.
Fifteen-year-old Ruby, barely reaching Lu Ye's shoulder, suddenly realized, "Teacher Lu, that's why you're raising new Pokémon!"
Lu Ye's expression grew strange.
"I just posted some game guides…"
"And used Perish Song tactics to beat me in a simulation," Cynthia added with a nod.
"Pfft—" The couple gasped audibly.
There was no longer any need to debate which champion was strongest.
Defeating Sinnoh's Champion… and Cynthia admitted it herself!
Steven inspected the meteorite and then announced, "Tonight, I'll share a tent with Ruby. What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"There's a festival nearby," Ruby grinned. "I plan to check it out with Sapphire."
Cynthia glanced at Lu Ye and sighed lightly.
"I thought Teacher Lu invited me for a vacation… Turns out it's to escort Jirachi's meteorite."
Lu Ye paused before replying with conviction, "No, I invited you to celebrate Qixi Festival!"
Steven looked surprised.
Their relationship… could it really be what I think?
Cynthia chuckled. "In any case, it's a special occasion. Camping together will be a memorable experience."
"I was going to invite only you," Lu Ye lamented. "But somehow, all these people showed up…"
Steven cleared his throat and swiftly retreated into the tent. "Ruby, Sapphire! Help me pack up the dishes!"
"Okay!" Sapphire handed the meteorite to Cynthia. "Please look after this for me!"
Cynthia accepted the meteorite with a small nod.
Silence fell, broken only by the murmur of the stream and the rustling forest.
Sitting on the same rock, Lu Ye caught a faint scent from Cynthia.
"Teacher Lu," Cynthia asked softly, "do you hear something?"
Lu Ye blinked. "You heard Jirachi too?"
"That earlier sound? Hmm… I can't be certain."
Lu Ye's expression grew complicated.
So I'm the only one who didn't hear it?
Jirachi, do you have something against me?!
"I can only stay for three days," Cynthia said, resting her hand on her slender neck. "After that, I need to return to Sinnoh to study the ancient text on the tablets."
"I could help with that," Lu Ye said suddenly.
"You're coming to the Yamana Lab?" Cynthia looked surprised before smiling. "I almost forgot; Professor Yamana did invite you."
Although most knowledge in this world was accessible, Lu Ye's status as a transmigrator gave him unique advantages.
For instance, knowledge of Alcremie's 63 evolution methods and Gigantamax transformations, of which fewer than 30 were currently discovered.
This could actually make for a publishable research topic.
"I don't plan on visiting Sinnoh anytime soon," Lu Ye said after a moment. "The earliest would be next year."
"Oh…" Cynthia murmured softly, "What a pity."
---
At the tent's entrance, three heads peeked out in a vertical line: Sapphire, Ruby, and Steven.
"What are they talking about?" Sapphire asked.
"Darn it, I can't hear!" Ruby complained.
"Shh!" Steven gestured for silence.
Nearby, Eevee trotted to the stream for a drink.
Suddenly, it froze, its fur standing on end as its ears shot up.
Danger Sense!
Reflected in the clear water was a graceful Glaceon sneaking up behind it.
Using its icy blue fur, it gently tapped Eevee's neck.
"Eevee?!" Eevee's face turned crimson as it let out an adorable cry.
Cynthia leaned against the rock, stroking the meteorite in her lap. Her golden hair fell over her left eye.
Lu Ye admired Cynthia's profile before smiling.
"According to myth, only those with pure hearts can hear Jirachi's call. It seems Jirachi really likes you."
"I didn't expect you to know so much about mythology."
"My favorite subjects are myths and legends, especially the Sinnoh dragons of time and space!"
"Really?" Cynthia's deep eyes sparkled. "Me too!"
Suddenly, Cynthia lowered her voice. "The sound is back… do you hear it?"
Lu Ye froze.
Is my heart so impure that I can't hear it?!
"Y-yeah, I hear it," he coughed awkwardly, thinking, Noctowl sure is noisy tonight.
"Maybe we really will see Jirachi," Cynthia said with a soft smile. "By the way, what's this Qixi Festival you mentioned?"
"It's a Donghuang tradition where men and women exchange gifts!" Lu Ye declared confidently.
"So… what gift did you prepare?"
"Haunter!" Haunter nudged Lu Ye's side.
Lu Ye turned, his eyes lighting up. "Oh, you got it?"
"Haunter!" Haunter licked his cheek triumphantly.
Taking the harmonica from Haunter's hand, Lu Ye examined its finely crafted body with a matte sheen.
"This is my gift for you," he said softly.
The harmonica's melody flowed through the night, clear and serene, carrying the tune of Castle in the Sky.
By the firelight, Lu Ye's handsome face was illuminated. All the Pokémon lay down, captivated by the music.
Steven, Ruby, and Sapphire emerged from the tent, gazing at the clearing sky with a sense of calm.
---
As the melody faded, scattered applause broke the silence.
"Roar!" Tropius let out a low cry, lowering its long neck to nuzzle Lu Ye, its eyes shimmering with emotion.
"That was beautiful…" Cynthia whispered. "Did you compose it?"
Lu Ye's expression didn't waver. "It's for you."
Cynthia smiled gently, her eyes shimmering faintly. She said nothing more.
Unnoticed by all, the meteorite in Cynthia's hands began to glow faintly.
The sky cleared completely, revealing a comet trailing a luminous green tail, descending slowly.
Lu Ye suddenly heard a childlike, frightened voice:
[M-mister?]
Huh? Was that Jirachi's telepathy?
Before Lu Ye could respond, the voice faded.
The meteorite suddenly emitted a dazzling light. Rings of radiance rippled outward, illuminating the area.
"Eevee!"
Eevee bared its teeth, leaping in front of Lu Ye protectively, only to be gently lifted by the scruff.
"It's fine," Lu Ye reassured with a smile. "Just a mischievous little one."
Cynthia placed the meteorite on the ground as its light intensified.
"It's true…" Steven murmured. "The Mossdeep Observatory's discovery was real."
"Is this the legendary Jirachi?!" Sapphire cheered. "Ruby, record this quickly!"
Ruby adjusted his glasses, already holding his Pokédex.
The radiant light faded, revealing Jirachi, the Wishing Pokémon, awakening groggily.
Ruby's Pokédex announced mechanically: [Jirachi, the Wishing Pokémon. Data unknown.]
Lu Ye also took out his system's Pokédex.
[Jirachi, Steel + Psychic
Ability: Serene Grace
Moves: Cosmic Power, Future Sight, Meteor Mash, Rest, Doom Desire…]
For once, his system's Pokédex surpassed Professor Oak's!
"Little one," Steven said, crouching to Jirachi's level, smiling. "I'm Steven. It's nice to meet you."
Jirachi floated up, blinking its large dark eyes, then happily hugged Steven's chest.
[Steven! Steven!] Jirachi's childish telepathic voice echoed in everyone's minds.
Lu Ye's expression grew strange.
Steven's charm is maxed out. Even mythical Steel-types fall for him instantly!
When it was Lu Ye's turn to introduce himself, Jirachi turned its head away.
Lu Ye: ???
Alright, maybe my heart's a bit dirty, but could you cut me some slack?!
"It seems Teacher Lu's melody awakened it," Steven said, cradling the pouting Jirachi.
Cynthia glanced at Lu Ye, smirking. "A pure-hearted song?"
Lu Ye coughed awkwardly. "Exactly."
In the Wishing Star of Seven Nights movie, Jirachi was awakened by May's singing.
In this world, it turned out to be Lu Ye who awakened it.
"Impressive, Teacher Lu," Lu Ye praised himself with a pat on the shoulder.
Running into a mythical Pokémon during a simple trip—who else but me?
[Steven, let's play together!]
Jirachi clung to Steven like a child, refusing to let go.
Steven sighed helplessly.
Ruby nudged Steven with a smirk. "Steven, who knew you'd make such a good dad!"
Steven's calm smile remained as he replied, "When we return, I'll ask Wallace to double your training regimen."
Ruby paled immediately.
Sapphire asked curiously, "I heard Jirachi can grant wishes, right? Can we make one too?"
"I'll explain," Lu Ye interjected.
"To make a wish to Jirachi, there are three conditions:
First, Jirachi only awakens during a comet's fall. Second, it grants wishes using the 'True Eye' on its abdomen. And third, the most important—"
Lu Ye's tone grew serious.
"Wishing requires equivalent exchange. If you're unwilling to lose something, don't make a wish lightly."
Cynthia looked at Lu Ye in surprise.
It seems Teacher Lu wasn't bluffing about his knowledge of mythology.
"Anyway… my mission is to return it safely to the stars."
Steven looked at Jirachi and smiled. "You wanted to play, right? Go ahead and enjoy yourself with everyone."
Jirachi, shy at first, glanced around before smiling cutely. But when it looked at Lu Ye, it turned away again.
Lu Ye froze.
I'm just as handsome as Steven… why the favoritism?!
Glancing at the golden Berry in his system's inventory, Lu Ye muttered, "Looks like I'll have to sweeten the deal…"