Chapter 154

On Wednesday, August 26th, a comet graced the night sky, casting its emerald green tail, while the moon added a touch of its own radiance.

"Steven, let's play together!" Jirachi floated happily, its Telepathy echoing as its eyes formed crescents.

"Jie jie~!" Haunter laughed mischievously, shocking everyone as it extended its hand to pinch Jirachi's cheek.

"Jie jie~! o(*≧▽≦)ツ" (So soft!)

Luke was taken aback. Haunter dared to pinch the face of a Legendary Pokémon!

Jirachi tilted its head, its ribbon hanging down, and then it smiled.

"Everyone, let's play together!" it said.

"Jirachi is very easy to get along with," Sapphire said with a slight smile. "I find it much more pleasant than those two big ones, and it has a better temper!"

"Jirachi can only recover after a thousand years of sleep, and be awake for 7 day," Steven remarked, leaning over to gently pat Jirachi's head. "In terms of temperament, it's just like a child."

"Huh?" Jirachi tilted its head, as if not understanding what everyone was saying, but it immediately smiled innocently.

"In terms of astronomical predictions, the comet will last for 24 hours," Ruby noted as he checked his phone and gazed at the sky. "Although it's regrettable... it won't last too long."

"Hey! So fast?" Sapphire pouted, taking Jirachi into his arms and rubbing its cheeks back and forth. "It's so cute!"

"Separation isn't important; what matters is the encounter itself," Cynthia said with a gentle smile. "It's nice to have good memories."

Good memories? Luke recalled the fireworks on the Bund and unconsciously glanced at Cynthia.

Her profile was partially obscured by her blonde hair, but she turned her head and smiled lightly at Teacher Luke.

While Jirachi and the Pokémon played together, their joyful laughter filled the air. The night sky gradually lightened, signaling the approach of early morning.

Teacher Luke let out a yawn. "Don't you want to attend the celebration tomorrow? You should get some rest."

Steven nodded, looking at Jirachi and smiling. "It's time to rest, little one."

Jirachi lowered its head, looking somewhat forlorn, and stretched out its hand to hug Steven, who then gently picked it up.

Luke watched the scene with envy. Looking down, he saw Eevee tugging at his trouser legs.

"You too?" Luke was slightly startled.

"Vui~…"

Eevee lowered its head, whimpering softly. Suddenly, it yelped and was lifted up by Teacher Luke.

"Let's go," Luke said. "Haunter, recall Squirtle from the river. It's time to rest."

Eevee looked up, blinked, and seemed lost in thought.

The sky was vast, the air clear, the summer night serene, and the stream murmuring. Pokémon from the group huddled together, snoring intermittently.

Luke couldn't sleep and decided to join Steven and Ruby in the neighboring tent.

Jirachi cheered and flew around. "Fight Landlord, Fight Landlord!" it exclaimed.

"Mr. Steven! We've played ten rounds; do you want to continue?" Ruby shouted.

"I'll continue after I win back my losses," Steven calmly replied.

Luke's mouth twitched. He was relieved that Gold wasn't there; otherwise, the two might stay up all night.

It was already three o'clock in the morning. The little Pokémon had already fallen into a deep sleep, and Steven and Ruby were also asleep.

Luke walked out of the tent and saw Jirachi emitting a faint light, hovering beneath the stars. Cynthia, dressed in light casual attire, sat on a stone, humming an out-of-tune melody.

Hearing his footsteps, Cynthia turned her head, and a rare blush colored her cheeks. "The tune just now... was quite nice."

"I composed it for you, after all," Luke said with a grin. "You were off-key earlier. Let me play it again for you."

Cynthia pursed her lips and nodded.

The night was as cool as water, and the harmonica produced soothing, melodious sounds, akin to the wind blowing across the open countryside.

Jirachi, hidden in the shadows, blinked its eyes slightly as it listened to the tune.

"This one... isn't as annoying," Jirachi thought to itself.

"Is this a Valentine's Day gift in return?" Cynthia suddenly asked.

Luke's eyes widened, and he stared at Cynthia, momentarily losing his ability to speak.

She... knows it's Valentine's Day?

Cynthia stood up, called Garchomp from its Poké Ball, and whispered, "Garchomp, use Draco Meteor."

Garchomp nonchalantly glanced at Teacher Luke and then soared into the sky like a fighter jet, opening its mouth wide as a dazzling white light shot up into the clouds like fireworks.

With a resounding boom, the entire night sky lit up for a moment as the meteors rained down, breaking into pieces like meteorites, and the night sky blazed with fiery red.

"Jie jie~!" Haunter leaped out of its Poké Ball excitedly, while Squirtle opened its eyes wide.

Eevee stood on Teacher Luke's shoulder, wagging its tail back and forth.

Cynthia stood beneath the grand meteor shower, her back to the fiery sky, as she brushed her blonde hair behind her ears and smiled gently. "This is for you."

Teacher Luke took a sharp breath.

The next moment, Luke's eyes shrank, and he stammered, "So, why... is the Draco Meteor heading this way!"

Cynthia was taken aback. "Huh?"

Jirachi suddenly flew up, its long satin ribbon flowing, and with a dazzling burst of light, the Meteorite disappeared into the night sky.

"Where did you send it?" Luke was surprised.

"To the sea, the sea!" Jirachi replied excitedly in a childlike voice.

Teacher Luke relaxed. "I see, you were just playing a joke."

Cynthia seemed a bit apologetic. "Milotic and Mirror Coat."

Teacher Luke's expression changed slightly. Was this how a Champion joked?

With a sigh, Teacher Luke raised his voice. "I've received the gift in return. Let's get some rest; there's a celebration tomorrow."

Cynthia nodded, smiling faintly. "Alright."

Exhausted, Teacher Luke returned to the tent. He was about to sleep with Eevee, but he suddenly felt something unfamiliar in his arms.

Luke looked down. "Huh? Jirachi?"

"Rest..." Jirachi made a sleepy sound, its head drooping from time to time as it drifted off to sleep.

Teacher Luke and Eevee exchanged puzzled glances.

It was just the "City of Sky" song; could it really have raised Jirachi's favorability level this quickly?

"Vui~! (｀目´)ﾉ" Eevee, irritated, pulled Jirachi away, set it aside, and snuggled comfortably into Luke's arms.

Luke and Jirachi stared in disbelief. After all, Jirachi was a Legendary Pokémon; how could Eevee be so rude?

"Alright, go find Steven," Luke instructed, patting Jirachi's little head. "Here, you can rest early."

Jirachi tilted its head, cautiously taking a Golden Razz Berry before delicately licking it with its tiny tongue.

Jirachi: ('▽`〃)

Luke smiled slightly. Jirachi could only recover for seven days after a thousand years. Compared to Pokémon, human beings had very limited power. However, when humans and Pokémon met, they could form a unique bond, which was the charm of the Pokémon world.

"Vui~!" Eevee snuggled into Luke's arms, poked its head out, and puffed its cheeks in annoyance.

...

As the first light of dawn graced the sky, Sapphire exclaimed, "Teacher Luke, wake up! Let's go to the celebration!"

Luke reluctantly got out of bed, groaning, "The celebrations in Orient are the same whether in the morning or evening. They're always crowded."

"No, they're not!" Sapphire replied indignantly. "I compared notes with Ruby. This is a multi-Alliance event to commemorate the astronomical phenomenon. We might even get to see rare Solrock and Lunatone!"

Cynthia considered for a moment before saying, "I won't be going; it would be too conspicuous."

Everyone nodded in agreement. At least Mr. Steven could disguise himself by wearing sunglasses and a hat, but Cynthia's long golden hair... There was no way to hide it!

"Will you join us tonight?" Luke inquired further.

"Of course," Cynthia replied, gently poking Jirachi's cheek with a smile. "After all, our little friend is going home tonight."

Jirachi tilted its head before levitating into the air, its long satin ribbon flowing as it cheered, "[Let's play together, let's play together!]"

"Mr. Steven, is it really okay to let Jirachi go with you?" Luke expressed concern.

"Leave it to me!" Ruby chimed in proudly. "When it comes to Pokémon disguises, I'm an expert!"

Steven smiled and nodded.

Cynthia, riding atop Garchomp, added, "I'll be back tonight."

Luke inquired further, "What are your plans for today?"

"I'm going to challenge the Gym Leader," Cynthia replied with a smile.

Luke was momentarily stunned, feeling sorry for the Gym Leader who was in for a tough battle.

...

In a small town near the celebration, Drifloon floated gently in the breeze, and people and Pokémon strolled together through the open streets.

"There are several activities during the celebration," Sapphire explained as she checked her phone. "There's an Exchange Gathering, an auction, and a Battle Festival."

Luke chuckled and said, "It seems you understand Orient better than I do."

"Ruby and I have been preparing for this day for a while," Sapphire replied sweetly with a smile.

Damn it, he had just been hit with a dose of puppy love!

Steven wore sunglasses and held a disguised Jirachi in his arms.

Luke placed Eevee on his shoulder and looked at the uniformed Cynthia on the road. He couldn't help but comment, "This time, you even brought Officer Jenny along?"

"It seems she's from a different Alliance," Cynthia explained.

Steven coughed lightly. "Speaking of which, I have trouble distinguishing between Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy..."

In the morning, there was an Exchange Gathering, a place where Trainers could trade Pokémon. Many people approached Luke to trade for his Haunter, but Haunter sent them away with a menacing Lick.

"Are you certain you won't draw Officer Jenny's attention?" Luke's mouth quirked with amusement.

"Jie jie~!" Haunter playfully reached out to Squirtle, who was engaged in conversation with Officer Jenny for directions.

Luke wore a puzzled expression.

Where on earth did you pick up these peculiar behaviors?

The young couple Ruby and Sapphire had mysteriously disappeared.

Steven appeared to be a fatherly figure, guiding Jirachi around.

Luke treated the three youngsters to ice cream and then took a seat on a bench to relax.

Suddenly, an odd figure, dressed in a robe, hat, and sunglasses, staggered over.

"Eevee, huh? A rare Pokémon, nya!"

Luke was taken aback.

Why does your tone sound so strangely familiar?

A man and a woman leaned in from either side, mysteriously shaking the Poké Balls in their hands.

"Hey there, young fella, would you like to trade with us? It's a rare Pokémon!"

"Yes, it's Solrock and Lunatone, you can't purchase them with money, meow!"

A drop of cold sweat trickled down Luke's forehead.

Luke moistened his lips and cautiously inquired in a hushed voice, "Who are you...?"

As if flipping a switch, the three of them shook violently, finally giving in to the urge to tear off their clothes.

Secret Profound Truth · One second change!

"Since you have asked questions sincerely."

"Then I will tell you mercifully!"

"To protect the world from devastation ! ."

"To unite all peoples within our nation! !"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love! ."

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

The red-haired woman jumped: "Jessie!"

The blue-haired man threw the rose in his hand: "James!"

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light! Surrender now, or prepare to fight! !"

"Meowth! That's right! !"

Taking off his robe, Meowth jumped down.

"Woo~~buffet!" Wobbuffet, who was under Meowth's feet, exclaimed.

Teacher Luke awkwardly covered his face: "You guys… don't you feel ashamed?"

"To be honest, sometimes, but more often..."

James playfully scratched his head, eliciting a reprimand from Jessie.

"Stop chattering and hand over that Eevee!"

"We'll be taking all the other Pokémon here too, nya!"

Meowth licked his lips and produced a device, triggering a sudden deployment of a massive net that covered the Pokémon at the Exchange Gathering.

The crowd erupted into chaos, and Officer Jenny exclaimed, "It's Team Rocket!"

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Teacher Luke's mouth.

Why did this situation feel so familiar?

Could it be that they were after Pokémon as well as executives?

"Fortunately for you, you've encountered me..." Luke sighed.

"By the way, didn't you scout out the opposing lineup before planning this?" he asked.

"Jessie, he seems quite confident," James observed.

Jessie clenched her fist and snapped, "Stop your nonsense, kid. Hand over Eevee or face the consequences!"

"Metagross, use Meteor Mash!"

Suddenly, a pair of gleaming, white-fisted meteorites soared through the crowd, knocking even Wobbuffet, who had been resisting with Counter, off his feet.

"What an unpleasant sensation~~~!!!"

"Woo~~buffet!"

Luke watched in amazement as the trio of Team Rocket members were blasted into the sky, becoming little more than shooting stars.

Blown away in less than three seconds?!

They were more formidable than he had anticipated!

In the midst of the commotion, Steven, disguised as well, retracted his Metagross into its Poké Ball and nodded at Luke.

Meowth glanced around in panic, shivering. "I-I haven't left yet, nya!"

Luke coughed dryly.

To avoid exposing you, Meowth, I'll have to reluctantly include you in this mess!

"Haunter, use Shadow Ball!"

"Jie jie~! (ૢ˃ꌂ˂⁎)"

"It's so annoying, nya~~~!!!"

Luke muttered to himself while gazing at the distant stars.

"Using two-dimensional effects in a three-dimensional world... is this really acceptable?"

[Ding! Achievement Unlocked: 'Team Rocket Trio Encounter'

Achievement Reward: James's Collection*1 (Randomly includes items such as Bottle Caps, Poké Balls, etc.)]

A wry smile crept onto Luke's lips.

This reward was a bit stingy, wasn't it? A 1 in 10,000 chance of getting a Poké Ball!

Luke muttered, "Could they be any more miserly?"

[?]

Officer Jenny hurried over, concerned. "Are you alright, sir?"

"I'm fine," Luke reassured her, glancing around. Steven had already discreetly hidden Jirachi within the crowd.

He looked back at Officer Jenny and smiled faintly. "Is that a Kanto accent I detect in your speech?"

"Huh?! I've actually been working on eliminating my accent!" Officer Jenny's cheeks flushed. "Are you from Kanto too?"

"No, I'm from Magic City."

"Wait a second!" Officer Jenny's eyes widened with recognition. "Are you... Teacher Luke?"

"Are you aware of me through Nurse Joy and the others?" Luke was taken aback.

"No, no, no! It was my sisters who mentioned you," Officer Jenny clarified, her face turning even redder. "You're a pioneer in medical reform, and you deserve respect!"

Luke couldn't help but chuckle. How did I become a pioneer in medical reform? It didn't sound quite right.

"Here's my business card," Officer Jenny offered with a smile. "I'm Officer Jenny from Celadon City, and it's an honor to meet you!"

Luke accepted the business card and tucked it into his pocket. "If there's nothing else, I should be going."

Officer Jenny snapped to attention and saluted. "Take care!"

After Team Rocket's disturbance, the celebration continued as if nothing had happened.

Luke gazed towards where Team Rocket had flown off and mumbled to himself, "I believe it should be around here..."

In the forest, rustling sounds suddenly broke the silence.

The Team Rocket trio, dangling from a tree branch, sighed in unison.

"We've messed up again..."

"Jessie, we should have grabbed Eevee earlier and left!"

"Look who's talking! Weren't you the one who claimed that Eevee was too adorable and that handing it over to Master Giovanni would guarantee a promotion?" Jessie ground her teeth in frustration.

"Meowth, you got us into this mess!" James accused, pointing a finger.

"Ah? Is there something you want from me, meow?"

"Woo~~buffet!"

Luke massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Haunter, please go help them."

"Jie jie~!" Haunter carefully lowered the trio to the ground, and all three of them exclaimed simultaneously, "The kid from earlier!"

Luke sighed and retrieved his black gold certificate from his pocket. He waved it in front of them and said, "Take a good look, and tell me whose Pokémon you just tried to snatch!"

Jessie squinted and read each word aloud, "Team Rocket... Wait a minute, Executive?!"

"Come on, don't joke around! There's no way this kid is an Executive!" James protested.

"But this certificate doesn't look fake, nya..." Meowth hesitated.

"Kid, are you really an Executive?" Jessie scrutinized Luke suspiciously.

Luke grinned crookedly and pulled out his phone, saying, "Hey, Matori? We've got three dunces here... Yes, those three."

Matori took a deep breath, adjusted her glasses, and managed a slight smile. "May I use video, Teacher Luke?"

"Sure." Luke turned the phone toward the trio. "Here, tell her yourselves."

"The girl with watermelon glasses!" they all chimed in unison.

Matori's forehead veins throbbed, and she yelled, "You idiots tried to steal an Executive's Pokémon! I'm reporting this to Master Giovanni, and you can say goodbye to your paychecks!"

Before she could finish, the three were already breaking into a cold sweat.

The scene seemed to play out in their minds:

[A big hand adorned with a red agate ring slammed angrily on the sofa, and a stern voice echoed: "Jessie, James, Meowth, for your latest blunder, you're being sent to Africa!"

Boss Persian looked down at the trio with a mocking smirk.]

"No, please!"

"Captain, it's a misunderstanding, we didn't mean to!"

"Yes, nya, it was all a big misunderstanding! Jessie just got a little confused!"

"Huh? It was Meowth's idea!"

Watching the trio's near-panicked reactions, Luke cleared his throat. "Matori, I'll handle this situation here."

Matori took a deep breath and smiled politely. "The organization has already made arrangements for them. We've prepared an escape route... It's fine to let them stew for a bit. My apologies, Teacher Luke."

After hanging up, Luke couldn't help but be astonished. Even an escape route had been prepared... Giovanni clearly cared about these three.

Glancing at the trio, who were still holding their heads in frustration, Luke coughed. "Alright, I'll give you a chance to make amends. It depends on how well you perform."

"Really?" Jessie's eyes gleamed.

"You can count on us; we'll do whatever it takes!"

"We'll even say a few good words to Master Giovanni, nya~~!"

The three of them rubbed their hands together and chuckled.

Luke rubbed his temples and sighed. "It seems like you've been stuck in your positions for all these years for a reason!"

"Listen carefully. I want you to set up a stall around here, preferably an ice cream stall... one that blends in with the local scene, understood?"

"But... we already have enough funds for the operation. Why do we need to set up a stall?" James scratched his head.

Meowth leaped up and smacked James on the head. "Don't worry, it's on us, meow!"

"I have one more condition," Luke added.

He wagged his finger and smiled mischievously. "I'll be taking 50% of the proceeds from all your stalls starting now!"

The trio exchanged glances, then huddled together and whispered.

"This Executive must be strapped for cash."

"He's got more money than us!"

"This must be a test! It's the perfect opportunity to show our loyalty to Master Giovanni, meow!"

"Meowth's got a point, and times are tough in the industry. Only 50% is..."

The three straightened up, patted their chests, and declared, "No problem, it's a deal!"