Chapter 153

A dense sea of clouds cut across a white airstream.

A Pokémon, reminiscent of a shark, spread its wings under the sky, resembling a jet plane.

"Garchomp!" Sapphire and Ruby exclaimed in unison.

"That's the Champion from the Sinnoh Region," Steven remarked, wearing a vest and with his suit jacket draped over his arms. He gazed towards the distant figure. "A respected scholar, indeed."

The sound of the rushing wind grew louder, and the wind roared as Ruby shielded Sapphire with his body.

"Kaao——!"

Garchomp hovered in the sky above the rocky peak, causing countless birds to scatter in the wake of its flight.

Luke looked up and spotted the blonde woman standing on Garchomp's back. Her black trench coat billowed in the wind, revealing her smooth white ankles beneath her straight black wide-leg pants.

With a graceful leap, Cynthia descended lightly from Garchomp, her high heels landing steadily on the gravel.

"I'm not late," Cynthia said with a faint smile, pushing back her golden hair that swayed in the night wind.

Luke was momentarily stunned, his smile spreading. "What a coincidence to find you here while camping."

"I just finished a game at the Battle Chateau," Cynthia explained, reaching out to pat Eevee's head. "It took me some time to get here from Unova."

"Vui~! o(´^｀)o," Eevee responded, wagging its tail slightly.

Teacher Luke was slightly taken aback. Cynthia had come all the way from Unova just to camp with him? He wondered if she was afraid of heights while riding Garchomp.

"Let me introduce you," Steven said as he introduced Hoenn's younger generation.

"Cynthia, big sister! I want an autograph!" Sapphire's eyes sparkled.

"Ah, of course," Cynthia replied with a slight smile. "I've heard about you two, the talented Trainers shining in Hoenn."

The Silly Couple sheepishly scratched their heads, their actions surprisingly synchronized.

"I didn't expect Mr. Steven to join us camping," Cynthia commented. "I thought you were only interested in rocks."

Luke wrapped his arms around himself. In a way, a Meteorite was also a type of rock, and Jirachi was a Steel-type Pokémon, so it was a fitting connection for Steven.

Steven cleared his throat. "Actually, I'm here for another reason..."

Steven went on to explain the Jirachi ceremony, and Cynthia listened attentively, occasionally nodding in agreement.

During this exchange, the Silly Couple whispered to each other:

"Ruby, do you think Cynthia, the big sister, is stronger than Mr. Steven?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe Teacher Luke is even stronger?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Think about it. Mr. Steven is into geology, and Cynthia is a legendary Pokémon scholar. But Teacher Luke..." Ruby leaned back and closed his eyes as he nodded. "As a Coordinator, Breeder, and possibly even a master chef, he's a well-rounded individual."

Sapphire, impressed, remarked, "Your analysis makes sense, Ruby!"

The two friends agreed that Teacher Luke was the most comprehensive of them all.

"In any case," Ruby added, "Pokéblock craftsmanship-wise, Teacher Luke is unmatched, even by Mr. Steven."

Cynthia examined the Meteorite closely after hearing the entire story, muttering to herself, "Pokémon can be born from stones... life is truly fascinating."

"It seems there won't be a chance to witness Jirachi tonight," Steven said, looking up at the sky. He smiled slightly. "But the camping trip can still continue."

"En?" Teacher Luke is aware of the element.

Looking around all around, there are a total of three tents.

Ruby and Sapphire must sleep together.

Then I have to reluctantly, with Cynthia live in a tent!

"Cynthia elder sister! Let's sleep together at night!" Sapphire grabbed Cynthia's hand and smiled hehe, "I have a lot of questions I want to ask you!"

Luke's heart was shocked.

Little girl, your path is narrow!

"Of course." Cynthia slightly smiled, "But as for tactics…Teacher Luke will know a little bit better, you can ask him."

"Teacher Luke…is also good at tactics?" Sapphire blinked.

Ruby, who was only fifteen years old and was as tall as Teacher Luke's shoulders, suddenly said: "Teacher Luke, no wonder you start breeding a new Pokémon!"

Luke looked weird.

"I just…posted a few game guides."

"Well…During the simulation battle, he also used Perish Song tactics to win against me." Cynthia nodded.

"Hiss——" Silly Couple took a breath.

There is no need to entangle the three Champions who are stronger.

Victory against Sinnoh Champion…this is Cynthia's personal admission!

Steven confirmed the Meteorite status, opened the mouth and said:

"So, I will have a tent with Ruby tonight… Do you have any arrangements for tomorrow?"

"I heard there's a celebration nearby," Ruby replied with a smile. "I'm planning to go shopping with Sapphire."

Cynthia looked at Luke and shook her head in amusement. "I thought Teacher Luke invited me on this trip to explore... I didn't expect it was to escort Jirachi."

Luke held his arms tightly around himself, trying to explain, "No, I invited you to celebrate the Qixi Festival!"

Steven's eyes showed a hint of surprise. The relationship between them... was it what he thought?

Cynthia, with a faint smile, responded, "In any case, it's a special holiday, and camping together will be a cherished memory."

Luke sighed, "I only wanted to have some alone time with you... but it seems the more, the merrier."

Steven gave a dry cough and excused himself to go into the tent. "Ruby, Sapphire, help me pack up the tableware!"

"Sure thing!" Sapphire handed the Meteorite to Cynthia. "Please take care of this!"

Cynthia took the Meteorite and nodded slightly.

...

A sudden silence enveloped the surroundings, with only the sound of running water and rustling leaves in the jungle.

Sitting side by side on a rock, they could smell the faint fragrance of Cynthia.

At that moment, Cynthia whispered, "Teacher Luke... do you hear that sound?"

Luke paused for a moment. "You heard Jirachi's voice too?"

"The one just now? Hmm... I can't be sure," Cynthia replied cautiously.

Teacher Luke's expression became complicated. Was he the only one who didn't hear the sound? Did Jirachi have something against him?

"I can only stay for three days," Cynthia sighed, gently caressing her snow-white neck. "I need to return to Sinnoh to study the ancient inscriptions on the tablets."

"I can actually help you with that," Luke suddenly offered.

"Are you planning to visit Rowan Laboratory?" Cynthia asked with a slight start, a smile forming on her lips. "I almost forgot, Professor Rowan invited you as well."

While most of this world's knowledge has been revealed to Luke, he still possesses certain advantages as a transmigrator. For instance, when it comes to Alcremie's 63 methods of evolution and Gigantamax, fewer than 30 have been discovered so far. It appears that this information could make for an interesting research topic.

"I don't currently have any plans to come to Sinnoh," Luke pondered for a moment. "At the earliest, it would have to be next year."

"Ah," Cynthia sighed softly. In one word, she expressed her disappointment.

Behind the tent's curtain, there were three figures from top to bottom: Sapphire, Ruby, and Steven.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Sapphire inquired.

"Ugh, I can't hear a thing!" Ruby grumbled.

"Shh!" Steven signaled for them to be quiet.

The silence in the surroundings remained undisturbed.

Eevee obediently hopped aside and began drinking from the stream. Suddenly, Eevee stiffened, its ears perking up with anticipation. Through the crystal-clear reflection on the water's surface, an elegant Glaceon slowly emerged from behind, its ice-blue fur gently brushing against Eevee's neck.

"Vui~?!" Eevee's face turned crimson as it emitted an adorable growl.

...

Cynthia leaned against a rock, her head bowed as she stroked the Jirachi Meteorite. Her blonde hair hung down, covering her left eye.

Luke also took a seat on a nearby rock, admiring Cynthia's profile. He smiled slightly and said, "In myths and legends, only those with pure hearts can respond to Jirachi's call. It seems that Jirachi is quite fond of you."

"I didn't expect you to have an interest in mythology," Cynthia responded.

"My favorite legends are those of Sinnoh's Space-Time Duo," Luke confessed.

"Really?" Cynthia's deep pupils sparkled. "I share your interest."

At that moment, Cynthia whispered, "The sound is back... Did you hear it?"

Teacher Luke was taken aback. Was his heart truly impure, causing him not to hear it?

"I heard it, I heard it," Luke hastily replied with a dry cough, realizing that Noctowl was actually quite cheerful.

"Perhaps, I might really get to see Jirachi," Cynthia said with a slight smile before suddenly asking, "What did you mean by the Qixi Festival you mentioned?"

"It's the Chinese Qixi Festival, a holiday where men and women express their affection for each other. It's an Eastern tradition!" Luke explained earnestly.

"So... What kind of gift did you prepare?" Cynthia inquired.

"Jie jie~!" At that moment, Haunter poked Luke in the side.

Luke turned to look at him, his eyes filled with excitement. "Oh, did you bring something?"

"Jie jie~!" Haunter triumphantly licked Luke's cheek.

Luke took the harmonica from Haunter's hands. It was exquisitely crafted, with a matte finish. He picked it up and, after a brief moment of contemplation, began to play. The music flowed from the harmonica, serene and enchanting. It wasn't enhanced by any system ability, but Luke's own skill was sufficient to capture the essence of the melody.

Before his transmigration, it had another name: "City in the Sky."

The atmosphere was hushed, and the campfire cast a warm glow on Teacher Luke's striking visage.

All the Pokémon remained seated, attentively listening to the performance.

Steven and his companions stepped out of the tent, gazing up at the gradually clearing night sky, their emotions inexplicably soothed.

Ruby and Sapphire exchanged glances, their cheeks tinged with a blush.

The song concluded with sporadic applause.

A low growl emerged from Tropius, its long neck bending down as it affectionately nuzzled Teacher Luke, a hint of tears shimmering in its eyes.

Cynthia remarked softly, "That was beautiful. Did you compose it?"

Teacher Luke's expression remained calm despite the warmth coursing through him. "It's a gift for you."

Cynthia smiled faintly, a subtle gleam in her lovely eyes, but she remained silent.

Unbeknownst to anyone, as the music of "City of Sky" played on, the Meteorite held by Cynthia began to emit a faint glow.

The night sky gradually cleared, revealing a comet with a long tail, its fluorescent green hue slowly descending from the pristine night sky. It almost appeared stationary, as astronomical observations could extend for hours with the naked eye.

Suddenly, Teacher Luke heard a childish voice, looking rather startled.

"Mud... Mud trench?"

Huh? Was this Jirachi's telepathy?

Teacher Luke felt a twinge of curiosity and was about to respond, but his voice seemed to vanish into thin air.

He glanced at the Meteorite in Cynthia's hand, a wry smile forming on his lips. "Honestly, I'm not a bad person!"

At that moment, the Meteorite burst with dazzling radiance, emitting vibrant beams of light.

"Vui~!"

Eevee bared its teeth and leaped to protect Luke, but Luke effortlessly raised his neck.

"It's alright," Luke assured with a gentle smile. "It's just a mischievous little one."

Cynthia carefully placed the Meteorite on the ground, and it emitted a radiant glow.

Steven mumbled, "The discovery at the Space Center... it was true after all."

"The legendary Jirachi?" Sapphire cheered. "Fantastic! Ruby, quickly record it!"

Ruby pushed up his glasses and promptly retrieved his Pokédex.

The brilliant light gradually receded like the ebbing tide, and the Wish Pokemon emerged from the Meteorite.

Resembling a star, Jirachi bore a wish tag on its body and blinked its eyes as it awakened from its trance.

At the same time, Ruby's Pokémon Pokédex announced mechanically, "Jirachi, the Wish Pokémon. Data unavailable."

Luke, on the other hand, produced his ancestral system Pokédex.

[Jirachi, Steel and Psychic type

Characteristic Trait: Serene Grace

Moves: Cosmic Power, Future Sight, Meteor Mash, Rest, Doom Desire...]

System Pokédex versus Professor Oak's Pokédex...

This time, the usually silent system finally chimed in.

[?]

"Little one," Steven leaned over and addressed the adorable Jirachi, his smile warm. "I'm Steven. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Jirachi floated gently, blinked its dark eyes, and then happily embraced Steven's chest.

Everyone exchanged perplexed glances, their hearts suddenly filled with a youthful charm.

Telepathy echoed simultaneously in everyone's hearts, resembling the tender sound of young love.

[Steven, Steven!]

Luke sported an odd expression.

As expected of someone with maximum charm, a Steel-type Legendary Pokémon had taken an instant liking to Steven.

As everyone introduced themselves, Jirachi turned its head away when it came to Teacher Luke.

Luke?

Despite his perceived impurity, he hoped for a chance too!

Steven hugged the sulking Jirachi, offering a gentle smile. "It appears that Teacher Luke's song awakened it."

Cynthia gazed at Luke and gently pursed her lips. "The purity of a soulful melody?"

Luke cleared his throat. "Indeed."

In the theatrical version of "Jirachi: Wish Maker," Jirachi was awakened by May's song. Unexpectedly, in this world, it was Teacher Luke's song that had stirred Jirachi from its slumber.

"You truly are something, Teacher Luke!" Luke patted himself on the back. "You come across a Legendary Pokémon even when you're just out for a stroll. Not everyone can claim that!"

"Steven, let's play together!" Jirachi, like an endearing child, clung to Steven's chest.

Steven appeared somewhat helpless.

Ruby nudged Steven and teased, "Steven-san, it seems you might have fatherly potential after all!"

Steven responded with a calm smile, but his words sent a chill down Ruby's spine.

"After I return, I'll speak to Wallace and suggest doubling your training regimen."

Ruby's expression changed slightly.

Sapphire, with a curious expression, asked, "I've heard that Jirachi can grant people's wishes, is that true?"

"Mr. Steven, can we make a wish too?"

"Allow me to clarify," Luke began. "To make a wish to Jirachi, there are three conditions."

"Firstly, Jirachi will only awaken when a comet is falling. Secondly, Jirachi uses its 'Eye of Truth' in its belly to fulfill people's wishes."

"Lastly, and most importantly," Teacher Luke emphasized, "the fundamental principle of making a wish involves equivalent exchange. If you don't want to lose something, it's better to think twice before making a wish."

Cynthia regarded Luke with surprise. It seemed that Teacher Luke's knowledge of mythology was not to be underestimated.

"In summary, my task is to safely return Jirachi to the stars."

Steven looked down at Jirachi, a gentle smile on his face. "Don't you want to join the others and play?"

Jirachi timidly raised its head, looking around, before finally revealing a lovely smile.

However, when it came to Teacher Luke, its expression changed immediately.

Luke was momentarily perplexed.

Aren't I as handsome as Steven? Is there a difference?

Casting his eyes towards the golden Razz Berry in his system backpack, Teacher Luke muttered, "It's time to stock up on more medicine..."