"Wait a moment, since we finally found Jirachi, let's take some photos as keepsakes, alright?" Link suggested with a smile, showing no signs of distress over being unable to awaken Jirachi.
"Yes, even though we can't make wishes, it's still a Legendary Pokemon. Getting a group photo together would be great," Linden's initially disheartened expression brightened instantly.
Kalia had no objections either, and soon all four entered one by one to pose for photographs.
After taking the pictures, Link said, "Well, I should head off now. Goodbye, Link."
With that, Link and Lester mounted their flying-type Pokémon and soared away, seemingly departing for good.
"Oh no, I forgot to ask my cousin for help! He has a Rock-type Pokémon; he could have easily sealed the gap quickly." Linden smacked his forehead, regretting the oversight.
"Don't worry, let's take our time," Kalia responded nonchalantly, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something about Link seemed off.
It seemed that Link had specifically come to the eastern mountains for Jirachi and even brought along Linden. Yet upon discovering Jirachi, they appeared unusually calm—something felt off about this.
After much effort from both Kalia's group and their Pokemon, the gap was finally sealed, albeit somewhat hastily. While rough around the edges, it effectively concealed the interior, ensuring Jirachi's presence remained hidden.
"Linden, if your cousin learns about Jirachi's location, do you think he might return and try to forcefully awaken it?" Kalia suddenly asked, as this scenario seemed highly plausible.
Many people go their entire lives without ever encountering a Legendary Pokemon, let alone one capable of granting wishes. Kalia found it hard to believe that Link would simply act as if nothing significant happened. Additionally, there was also the Trainer from the Ellie region who might return after they leave, potentially with harmful intentions towards Jirachi.
"My cousin wouldn't do something like that, right?" Linden hesitated, acknowledging that while he often followed Link since childhood, it didn't mean he was unaware of his true nature.
Link had always been ambitious, and even Linden found it hard to believe that his cousin would calmly leave after encountering Jirachi.
"How about we conduct an experiment? We'll depart now, but stay nearby on this mountain, and see if your cousin returns. What do you think?" Kalia suggested, eager to test her theory.
"Alright, let's give it a try. However, I doubt my cousin will come back," Linden said, though deep down, he knew there was a high chance his cousin would return.
He wasn't naive; previously, Link casually mentioned Jirachi being in the eastern mountain range and used the prospect of curing his fear of heights as bait for the adventure. It likely meant they were intended to search for Jirachi all along. He couldn't imagine his cousin having no interest in such a legendary creature.
Lian chuckled inwardly, confident that both individuals would indeed return. When they did, it would be quite a show. Especially intriguing would be how Linden reacts when witnessing Link directly using Brionne's song to awaken Jirachi right before their eyes.
After a brief moment, Lian flew away with the two companions, circling around and then landing behind a nearby peak.
Kalia and Linden hid behind a large rock, patiently waiting for time to pass.
"If Jirachi doesn't appear by tonight, we'll continue our adventure," Kalia said. It was just past noon, with bright sunlight shining down. If there's no sign of Link by evening, the experiment would be considered unsuccessful.
Time passed swiftly, and Lian kept only his head visible, watching the peak where Jirachi lay dormant.
The wait felt long, but for Kalia and Linden, it resembled a game, keeping them engaged.
However, Lian found himself growing drowsy and eventually drifted off to sleep, confident that Link would show up unless he could remarkably suppress his curiosity until tomorrow.
But that seemed highly unlikely, as not only did Link know about Jirachi, but also Kalia and Linden were aware. To prevent others from discovering Jirachi, Link wouldn't delay much longer.
Minutes turned into hours.
"They've left."
In the distance, Link's voice echoed as he returned riding Swanna alongside Lester. After observing from afar and confirming no one remained on the peak, they cautiously approached.
Soon, both landed near the slumbering Jirachi, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.
"Ah...," Linden nearly gasped in surprise.
His cousin had indeed returned, and without anyone else, just the two of them, looking quite excited yet cautious, as if sneaking around like thieves.
"Now do you believe it? Your cousin knows how to awaken Jirachi but didn't tell you, clearly intending to make his own wish," Kalia said.
"I should have guessed earlier," Linden chuckled bitterly.
"Do we stop him or observe how your cousin awakens Jirachi?" Kalia asked. She remained indifferent, actually curious to see Link's approach before potentially intervening later.
"Let's follow your lead," Linden replied.
He always trusted Kalia's guidance; thanks to her help, he had overcome his fear of heights, eliminating the need for a wish to resolve it.
Kalia nodded slightly, expressing no objection, and continued watching Link closely.
At that moment, Link and Lester began commanding their Pokemon to break apart the rocks covering the entrance.
In no time, the gap reappeared, revealing Jirachi inside.
"Haha!" Link burst out laughing, visibly ecstatic and even started dancing spontaneously.
"Let's hurry up!" Lester urged impatiently, eager to make his wish.
After completing his dance, Link hummed a tune while retrieving a Poké Ball—the very same one containing Linden's Brionne.
With a pop, the Poké Ball opened, releasing Brionne onto the ground. Confused, it looked around before focusing on Link.
From a distance, Linden noticed his Brionne being summoned, feeling puzzled. Was having a Brionne necessary for awakening Jirachi and making wishes? It seemed that Link borrowed Brionne not for the Grand Festival preparations but solely to awaken Jirachi from the start.
Anger surfaced on Linden's face as he realized Link had deceived him twice: once by luring him into the eastern mountain range, and again by taking his Brionne under false pretenses.
"Brionne, use Sing," Link commanded assertively.
Feeling fearful, Brionne hesitated after leaving its owner's side to face the unfamiliar Link, resisting her commands.
"Use Sing!" Link demanded with more urgency.
The only sound-based move Brionne possessed was Sing. Unless Linden could give the command, which was clearly impossible.
Brionne wanted to refuse, but the menacing gaze of a nearby black Gliscor forced it to comply, daring not to resist.
Ultimately, Brionne obediently performed Sing, filling the air with gentle and melodious notes.