Chapter 0803: Mythical Pokémon, Grand Gathering!(Two-in-One)

“Steven, you’re here too?”

Natsume’s tone was surprised as he handed over a latte with an Eevee art design on the foam.

“Mm, I came to visit, and to congratulate you and Champion Cynthia,” Steven replied with a smile.

“Are you sure you’re not really here for Princess Diancie and our little star, Jirachi?” Natsume teased.

There was a bond between Jirachi and Steven—after all, Steven was present the very first time Natsume met Jirachi.

Besides, Jirachi is Steel and Psychic dual-type, placing it right within Steel-type Champion Steven’s specialty.

Not to mention Princess Diancie… The first time Natsume saw Steven lose his cool was during his first encounter with Diancie.

Facing the question, the blue-haired man took a sip of coffee and replied candidly,

“That was also in my calculations.”

As expected from you, master of the ores!

“You’ve arrived just in time for the party,” Natsume said. “The party’s out in the garden, so don’t be too shocked when you see it.”

Steven’s curiosity was piqued.

A shocking party?

After adventuring together many times and seeing so many legendary Pokémon, Steven’s composure was as unflappable as Kurt’s.

Nothing could rattle Steven—except ores.

But soon enough, Steven’s blue eyes lost focus, and he could only stand there, utterly stunned.

A whole garden of Mythical Pokémon!?

Is this garden even real? Or is this some kind of advanced holographic projection?!

Jirachi, a little yellow star with a cape-like yellow ribbon, was swinging gently on the playground swing.

Hoopa was gripping the ropes, eyes narrowed in bliss: “Hoopa’s going to fly high!”

Togepi, Victini, and Mew—three little ones—sat together playing cards on the grass.

Clearly, even the Victory Star can’t increase gambling luck. Togepi quickly ran out of cards, and both Victini and Mew made comically frustrated noises.

Marshadow, broom in hand and eyes bright, was inspired by Darkrai to help clean the garden.

Celebi circled the Tree of Beginning, sprinkling tiny gems of light, seemingly fascinated by the ancient tree.

In the sunny shade sat a small white table with an embroidered tablecloth, a pot of herbal tea, an assortment of desserts in elegant containers, and white porcelain tea cups.

Cynthia sat smiling, engaged in conversation with Diancie by her side.

Princess Diancie’s manners were impeccable; she sipped her tea, the ruby on her forehead scattering sunlight in dazzling patterns.

Meloetta also sat at the table, her jade brow sparkling, chin in hand, smiling quietly as she gazed across the sunlit grass.

Any Trainer witnessing this scene would be deeply moved.

These rare, legendary Mythical Pokémon, symbols of secrets and wonder, were living together in a sun-washed garden—in numbers and varieties that boggled the mind!

Steven stood quietly in the shadow under the eaves, observing, unwilling to disturb such peace and sunlight.

“It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it?”

Natsume stepped out from the front hall, folding his arms and leaning against the wall, gazing alongside the blue-haired man.

The black-haired young man wore a slight smile, enjoying the laughter of Pokémon and the cuteness all around.

The loneliness innate to each Mythical Pokémon melted away in the sunlight like snow.

“There’s nothing to fear here—everyone can live freely in the sunshine, play together, and just be.”

Natsume said,

“This is Jirachi’s wish… and the wish of so many Pokémon and Trainers.”

“It’s all because of you.”

Steven was deeply touched; he paused, then spoke:

“Because of your efforts, Natsume-sensei, these Mythical Pokémon have finally found partners and are able to live worry-free in this garden.”

Natsume chuckled. “Won’t you say hello to Diancie?”

“No need. I’d rather not disturb the harmony.”

In the gentle spring light, the blue-haired man wore a vest, his suit coat slung over one arm.

“But… Diancie’s coming over,” Natsume said.

Steven looked over at the sound.

Princess Diancie walked elegantly across the grass, as if on tiptoes, a gentle smile on her lips:

“A good day to you, Mr. Natsume, Mr. Steven~”

Steven smiled and nodded, “A good day to you, Princess Diancie.”

“Steven!”

Jirachi recognized an old friend and floated over. “Hug!”

Steven picked up Jirachi, holding him as gently as if he were his own daughter, and said kindly:

“It’s been a long time, Jirachi.”

“I only slept for a little bit,” Jirachi insisted again.

“Haha, I guess you’re right.” Steven let out a hearty laugh.

Jirachi, nestled in Steven’s arms, looked tired but comforted, and his eyes slowly closed in contentment.

Natsume called softly, “Jirachi?”

“Mm?” Jirachi blinked drowsily. “Are there more treats?”

Natsume reached out and gently patted Jirachi’s head.

“Is there any other wish in your heart? Just say it—Steven will help you fulfill it!”

Steven glanced at Natsume, then seriously nodded his promise to Jirachi.

A man’s word from Steven Stone.

Jirachi smiled, floated gently free, and looked across the sunbathed garden, shaking his head.

Mew can sometimes leave the Tree of Beginning. Princess Diancie can visit from the Diamond Kingdom. Meloetta, Victini—even they can join Natsume on his travels.

But Jirachi is different—he has to return to the comet, or the consequences would be too great.

“I’m already very happy,” Jirachi said. “Right now… I just want to sleep…”

His eyelids drooped, but he rallied, black eyes shining.

“Thank you both, Steven and Natsume!”

“I’ve had so much fun—and met so many wonderful friends!” Jirachi beamed.

Steven felt a flicker in his heart as he suddenly understood Natsume’s reasoning.

Inviting Mythical Pokémon to visit the gardens and meet each other, so that none would ever have to be lonely again.

It’s not like inviting legendary Pokémon for a battle.

These Mythical Pokémon don’t symbolize a Trainer’s strength, but a Trainer’s unique tenderness.

“Jirachi,” Natsume whispered, “I’d like to ask you for a wish of my own.”

Jirachi perked up, floating high as he called out:

“No problem!”

The “True Eye” on Jirachi’s stomach slowly opened. It’s said that only when you make a wish to the True Eye does the wish truly come true—then the request appears as writing on Jirachi’s wish tag.

“Natsume, what is your wish?” Jirachi asked.

Natsume’s gaze was deep, his response earnest:

“I want you to stay… to remain here in all of our gardens.”

Beneath the trees, Darkrai was moved, opening his eyes to look Natsume’s way.

He may not be the greatest Trainer—but he was certainly the greatest chef, great enough to care for an entire garden of Mythical Pokémon.

Darkrai closed his eyes again, quietly humming “Oración,” lips curling upward.

And maybe—just like Alicia once accepted me, I accept this Trainer.

Jirachi stared at Natsume in shock.

For thousands of years, people had always asked Jirachi for wishes.

But for Jirachi, bringing happiness to others had brought him fulfillment and joy.

No one had ever fulfilled a wish for Jirachi himself.

And never had anyone wished to Jirachi, asking only for him to stay…

“But… but that’s your wish, not mine!” Jirachi protested, confused and anxious.

“I know, but it’s my wish.” Natsume smiled.

Jirachi’s eyes shimmered, filling with tears he tried to blink away. He caught his breath and whispered,

“This is one wish… I can’t grant…”

“We’ll all help you make it come true!” Natsume said.

At some point, the Mythical Pokémon had gathered around Jirachi, smiling kindly.

“When you’re wandering through the starry sky, Hoopa’s ring can bring you back here to rest in the garden…”

“When you wake a thousand years from now, even if no familiar friends are around, Celebi will be with you…”

“And there’s always Mew—even if Steven and I are gone, you’ll always be able to find Mew, because you’re best friends,” Natsume finished, turning, “Right?”

“Mew~~✧(≧▽≦*)” Mew spun through the air, her tail brushing Jirachi’s little hand as she flashed a mischievous smile.

“And I’m not asking to catch you,” Natsume continued, “I just mean—you’ll always be welcome to stay at this café. Even after a thousand years pass, there will still be Mythical Pokémon here, and there will always be friends to welcome you.”

Bathed in sunlight, Jirachi looked around at Mew, Hoopa, Celebi, and the others, dazed.

“And most of all—”

Natsume smiled.

“I hope you, and everyone here, can join my wedding, Jirachi.”

“All of you…”

Jirachi’s tears brimmed again, but then he grinned brightly and shouted:

“Let’s all play together!”

……

That night, Lumiose City enjoyed a rare, cloudless sky.

The fog lifted, and citizens looked up in wonder, seeing star after star, snapping photo after photo.

To see actual stars above Lumiose City—a true event!

Jirachi’s energy was nearly exhausted, so Steven, Natsume, and Cynthia went out toward the edge of the city.

According to Molayne’s calculations, Jirachi’s comet would pass over Lumiose City late at night, invisible to the naked eye—but that would be Jirachi’s time to return.

Long grass swayed in the wild zone; night had fallen, and the silhouette of a tree tossed against the darkness.

Jirachi led the way, levitating ahead; the marks beneath his eyes shone as if he had always been crying.

“This is the spot…” Steven closed his PokéNav, glancing skyward. “The comet’s path is right here.”

Jirachi’s yellow ribbons fluttered in the wind, and compared to his last farewell, his eyes held so much more attachment and warmth.

To form a bond is to risk tears… but looking at that shining star in the night sky also brings happiness.

Natsume stopped, Hoopa beside him heartbroken.

Natsume-sensei spoke:

“Goodbye, Jirachi.”

“We’ll definitely meet again!” Hoopa blurted.

Jirachi nodded gently, smiling brightly:

“Yes! Because I’ll be able to stay in the garden—and I’m coming to the wedding!”

“At that time, Hoopa can use his ring to bring your meteorite home from the starry sky.”

Natsume glanced over at Cynthia: “By then, Cynthia and I will have found a way to wake you up even sooner.”

Cynthia smiled warmly, “And as for cosmic energy—I know there’s plenty of studies in Galar.”

“When that time comes…” Jirachi’s eyes glimmered with hope, “we’ll all get to play together again!”

To keep Jirachi here—even Victini’s Infinity Energy could not do it.

But as long as Jirachi could be supplied with cosmic energy, he wouldn’t need to slumber a thousand years inside his meteorite; he could stay like the other Mythical Pokémon, playing in the garden.

But for now… Jirachi had to return to the starry sky, to take a well-deserved rest.

A strong wind swept through, blowing away the clouds above the wild zone, revealing twinkling stars.

A faint comet hovered briefly, sending down a single pillar of light that shone on Jirachi.

His energy spent, Jirachi had played with the other Mythical Pokémon all day, and like a tired child, closed his eyes with a small, happy smile on his lips.

Within the pillar of starlight, Jirachi slowly rose, the True Eye on his chest gradually opening.

It’s said that wishing to the True Eye lets one’s deepest wish come true.

Hoopa closed his eyes, murmuring softly:

“I hope there’s another chance to play with Jirachi…”

“Gengar…” Gengar folded his hands as well, closing his crimson eyes in prayer.

Natsume watched Jirachi, feeling both a pang of loss and a new surge of determination.

Cosmic energy… well, maybe it was time to pay Eternatus a visit.

After all, Eternatus is from space, meteorite fragments are called “Wishing Stars,” and their energy is enough to power the entire Galar Region’s Dynamax!

Jirachi rose into the sky, starlight cascading over the wildlands, illuminating everything.

Natsume looked up into the starry sky, remembering the night he proposed to Cynthia, feeling both sorrow at Jirachi’s departure and hope for a new reunion.

Because only by saying goodbye, can there be a reunion one day.

“Let’s go,” Natsume turned, “back to the café—to do some research!”

Buzz—

Steven glanced down at his PokéNav, a new photo message pinging: the group from Pallet Town had just arrived in Alola.

Yellow: [Photo]

The three looked a bit flustered, unused to travel after such a long time away.

Blue Oak looked exhausted, Red dragged the luggage, Pikachu asleep on his chest, and Green stood by with eyes closed, sighing softly.

“Natsume-sensei…”

Steven mused quietly:

“Red, the Champion, and Blue Oak, the Champion… have just arrived in Alola…”