Chapter 252:
"Hm…?" (Another shiny shooting star…?)
The Alolan Vulpix, who had been nibbling on Energy Cubes, suddenly noticed the world around her brighten. She blinked and murmured softly to herself.
She remembered the last time a meteor shower came—Hayashi Kaede had told them Jirachi's story.
He had said that after seven days, Jirachi would fall asleep.
After seven days…
Alolan Vulpix silently repeated the words in her mind.
Then it struck her—today was the seventh day!
She froze for a moment before hurriedly looking toward Jirachi.
Right now, Jirachi was happily chugging down a bottle of Berry Juice.
But something about it seemed different.
On Jirachi's stomach, a faint light shimmered—something there looked as though it was about to open. Yet Jirachi's expression was cheerful as ever.
Alolan Vulpix grew anxious. She quickly ran to Hayashi Kaede, nudging his hand with her paw. "Vulpix?" (What day is it today?)
Hayashi Kaede immediately understood her meaning.
Overhead, the Millennium Comet streaked across the heavens, illuminating the night sky. The once-dim outskirts of the town now shone like a starry summer evening.
Many townsfolk came out of their homes, eyes filled with awe as they watched the dazzling light trail sweep across the sky.
Aogiri Town wasn't a large city—it lacked skyscrapers and glowing billboards—so when the comet passed overhead, nearly everyone could see it clearly.
"Another shooting star, huh?"
A parent out shopping with their child looked up, surprised. Lifting the child into their arms, they pointed toward the glittering sky.
"Penny, look! See the shooting star? It can make wishes come true. If you have one, whisper it in your heart."
"Will it really come true?"
The little boy blinked, eyes wide and full of wonder.
"As long as you work hard for your wish, it will" his mother replied gently.
The boy closed his eyes and made a wish—to one day catch his own Pokémon, to work hard with them, and become a great Breeder.
Meanwhile, his mother's gaze lingered on the comet.
It was strange… it moved so slowly across the sky, far slower than a normal meteor.
But after a moment, she smiled faintly, dismissed the thought, and carried her child home.
Back in the garden—
Seeing Alolan Vulpix's anxious face, Hayashi Kaede patted her head gently. "It's the seventh day."
"Vulpix?!" (The seventh day?!)
Alolan Vulpix's eyes widened in disbelief. "Vulpix?!" (Already?!)
It didn't feel like seven days had passed at all!
"Vulpix…!"
She turned toward Jirachi, her voice trembling. "Vulpix…?" (Then Jirachi will fall asleep today… huh?)
But midway through her question, she stopped.
Because although Jirachi floated in the air, its face showed no trace of sorrow. Instead—it looked happier than ever.
Why?
If it was about to sleep for a thousand years, why was it smiling so brightly?
The comet's light caught the attention of nearly every Pokémon in the Berry Plantation. At first, they didn't quite understand what was happening.
But soon, word spread among them—this was the sign that Jirachi would soon enter its long slumber.
"Mew…"
Mew floated beside Jirachi. Though it wished it could shield its friend from the comet's light, it understood Jirachi's duty—and so, it simply hovered quietly, watching.
"Blaziken…?" (Sleeping that long… means no Kaede's cooking for ages?)
Blaziken froze, the rice ball in its hand halfway to its mouth.
It couldn't imagine going even one day without Hayashi Kaede's meals. A thousand years? That was unthinkable.
"Alcremie?" (Is Jirachi going to sleep?)
"Alcremie…!" (So soon? How did it come so fast?)
The Alcremie huddled together, chattering nervously. Their delicate voices trembled with worry as they looked up at the sky.
They were especially sensitive to emotions—and having already experienced one farewell, this moment felt even heavier.
The Eevees exchanged silent looks before turning their gaze skyward.
Except for Little Nine, their very first gifts had been the personalized dolls Jirachi had made for them.
Almost every Pokémon present—except Mew—had received a gift from Jirachi. Even Salamence had one.
And now, this kind and cheerful friend who could grant wishes was about to fall into a deep sleep.
As Jirachi slowly began to ascend into the air…
"Steenee…"
Steenee walked up to Hayashi Kaede, tugging gently at his sleeve. Her eyes shimmered with reluctance.
"Vulpix…?" (Does it really have to sleep?)
Alolan Vulpix, perched on the dining table, looked up at him pleadingly.
"It's not a matter of wanting or not wanting" Hayashi Kaede said softly. He set the puzzled Sprigatito on the table and lifted Alolan Vulpix into his arms. "This is Jirachi's own choice. See the comet in the sky?"
"Vulpix…?" (The comet…?)
"That comet carries boundless vitality" Hayashi Kaede explained. "Jirachi will absorb that energy and channel it back into the earth, making this world more vibrant and alive."
"Vulpix…?" (But… a thousand years is so long…)
Alolan Vulpix's voice quivered as she looked up at Jirachi.
She didn't even know if she could live that long herself.
By now, the True Eye on Jirachi's chest had fully opened.
The comet's brilliance grew stronger and stronger, stretching across the sky like a bridge between worlds. Its radiance bathed Jirachi in a gentle golden glow.
"It's alright" Hayashi Kaede said, smiling faintly. "It won't be a thousand years."
He stroked Alolan Vulpix's fur and looked around. All eyes—Pokémon eyes—were fixed on him and Jirachi.
"Just one year" he said softly. "Jirachi only needs to sleep for one year before waking up. And during that time, it might visit everyone's dreams—so don't be surprised if you see it there."
"Vulpix?!"
Alolan Vulpix was the first to react, her eyes lighting up. "Vulpix…!" (Really? Only one year?!)
"Really." Hayashi Kaede nodded with a smile.
"Vulpix…!" (One year!)
She let out a long sigh of relief, her tails waving happily.
The other Pokémon around her did the same, their tension easing.
A thousand years would have been far too long—but one year? For many of them, that would pass like a single peaceful nap.