August 26th, Wednesday.
The comet hung in the night sky, its emerald-green tail stretching long, as the moon cast its gentle glow.
[Steven, let's play!]
Jirachi floated around happily, its telepathic voice ringing out, its eyes curved into crescents.
"Haunter!"
Haunter chuckled, and to everyone's shock, reached out and pinched Jirachi's cheek.
"Haunter! o(*≧▽≦)ツ" (So soft!)
Natsume was momentarily stunned.
You dare pinch the cheek of a Legendary Pokémon, Haunter?!
Jirachi tilted its head, the ribbons on its head drooping, then smiled brightly.
[Everyone, let's play!]
"Jirachi is so easygoing," Sapphire said with a smile. "It feels much friendlier than those two big guys!"
"After sleeping for a thousand years, it can only awaken for seven short days," Steven said, bending down to gently pat Jirachi's head. "In terms of temperament, it's just a child."
"Huh?" Jirachi tilted its head, seemingly not understanding what everyone was saying, but it quickly flashed an innocent smile.
"According to astronomical predictions, the comet will last for another 24 hours," Ruby said, pulling out his mobile phone and glancing at the sky. "Though it's a pity… it seems it won't be staying much longer."
"Eh? So soon?" Sapphire pouted, hugging Jirachi tightly and rubbing her cheek against it. "It's just so cute!"
"Separation isn't important. What matters is the meeting of lives," Cynthia said with a gentle smile. "As long as we can leave with good memories."
Good memories?
Natsume thought of the fireworks on the Bund and couldn't help but glance at Cynthia.
Cynthia's profile was partially hidden by her golden hair, but she turned her head and gave Natsume a faint smile.
Jirachi played happily with the other Pokémon, their laughter filling the air.
The sky hung low, nearing midnight.
Natsume let out a yawn.
"Don't we have the festival to attend tomorrow? Let's get some rest."
Steven nodded, looking at Jirachi with a smile. "Time to rest, little one."
Jirachi pouted, reaching out to Steven for a hug, which Steven gently obliged.
Natsume watched enviously, then looked down to see Eevee tugging at his pant leg.
"You want one too?" Natsume was slightly surprised.
"Eevee…"
Eevee lowered its head, letting out a soft whimper, then suddenly squeaked as Natsume picked it up.
"Let's go," Natsume called out. "Haunter, call Squirtle back from the river. It's time to sleep!"
Eevee looked up, blinking, its thoughts unclear.
...
The night was clear and cool, the summer breeze carrying the sound of the flowing stream.
The Pokémon huddled together, their uneven snores filling the air.
Natsume couldn't sleep, so he went to the neighboring tent and started playing cards with Steven and Ruby.
Jirachi floated around cheerfully.
[Card games, card games!]
"Mr. Steven! It's been ten rounds already. Are you still playing?!" Ruby cried out in despair.
"I'll stop once I win back my losses," Steven said calmly.
Natsume's lips twitched, thinking it was a good thing Gold wasn't here, or the two would probably keep playing until dawn.
It was already 3 a.m.
The little ones were deep in sleep, and Steven and Ruby had also dozed off.
Natsume stepped out of the tent and found Jirachi glowing faintly, hovering under the starry sky.
A blonde woman in light casual clothes sat on a rock, humming a tuneless melody.
Hearing footsteps, Cynthia turned her head, a rare blush on her face. "That earlier song… it was quite nice."
"Of course, since I gave it to you," Natsume said casually as he sat down. "You were off-key earlier. Let me play it for you again."
Cynthia pursed her lips and nodded.
The night was cool, and the harmonica's soothing, crisp notes floated like a breeze across the wilderness.
Jirachi, in its drowsy state, slightly opened the eye on its belly before closing it again.
"This guy… isn't so bad after all," Jirachi thought.
"Valentine's Day… isn't it about exchanging gifts?" Cynthia suddenly asked.
Natsume's eyes widened as he stared at Cynthia, momentarily speechless.
She… knows it's Valentine's Day?
Cynthia stood up, calling out Garchomp from its Poké Ball, and said softly, "Garchomp, Draco Meteor."
Garchomp glanced at Natsume-sensei indifferently.
In the next moment, it shot into the sky like a jet, opening its mouth as a brilliant white light erupted like fireworks into the clouds.
With a loud explosion, the entire night sky lit up for a moment. Meteors rained down, shattering like meteorites, turning the sky into a fiery red.
"Haunter!" Haunter excitedly popped out of its Poké Ball, and Squirtle's eyes widened.
Eevee stood on Natsume-sensei's shoulder, wagging its tail.
Cynthia stood under the grand meteor shower, her back against the fiery sky, tucking her golden hair behind her ear as she smiled. "This is for you."
Natsume-sensei's breath hitched.
In the next moment, Natsume's pupils shrank as he stammered, "Uh… the Draco Meteor is coming this way!"
Cynthia blinked. "Huh?"
Jirachi suddenly flew up, its long ribbons fluttering as its small hands glowed brightly. The meteors in the night sky vanished.
"Where did you send them?" Natsume asked, stunned.
[The ocean, the ocean!] Jirachi answered excitedly in its childlike voice.
Natsume let out a sigh of relief.
"I was just trying to make a joke," Cynthia said, slightly embarrassed. "Milotic has Mirror Coat, after all."
Natsume-sensei's expression changed.
Is this how you Champions joke around?!
Regaining his composure, Natsume sighed. "I've received your gift. Let's get some rest. We have the festival tomorrow."
Cynthia nodded with a smile. "Alright."
Exhausted, Natsume-sensei returned to the tent, ready to sleep with Eevee in his arms, when an unfamiliar sensation suddenly snuggled into him.
Natsume looked down. "Huh? Jirachi?"
[Sleep…] Jirachi let out a sleepy murmur, its head occasionally drooping before it fell asleep.
Natsume-sensei & Eevee: ???
Just one song of "Castle in the Sky," and its affection level shot up this fast?!
"Eevee!" (｀皿??)??
Eevee angrily pulled Jirachi down, tossed it aside, and snuggled comfortably into Natsume's arms.
Natsume & Jirachi: ???
Jirachi is a Mythical Pokémon, you know. How come everyone's so bold around it?
"Alright, go find Steven."
Natsume patted Jirachi's little head and smiled. "Here, take this. Go to sleep."
Jirachi tilted its head, carefully taking the Golden Razz Berry and giving it a small lick.
Jirachi: (′▽`〃)
Natsume smiled softly.
A Jirachi that awakens for only seven days every thousand years… Compared to Pokémon, human power is indeed too small.
But as long as humans and Pokémon meet, bonds are formed. That's the charm of the Pokémon world.
"Eevee!"
Eevee curled up in Natsume's arms, poking its head out and puffing its cheeks in annoyance.
...
At dawn, an energetic Sapphire shouted, "Natsume-sensei, get up! Let's go to the festival!"
Natsume dragged his tired body out of bed, groaning, "Touran's festivals are always crowded no matter when you go."
"It's different!" Sapphire pouted. "Ruby and I checked. This is a multi-league event to commemorate the astronomical spectacle. We might even see rare Solrock and Lunatone!"
Cynthia thought for a moment. "I won't go. It's too conspicuous."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Mr. Steven could at least disguise himself with sunglasses and a hat.
But Sister Cynthia's golden hair… there's no hiding that!
"Will you come back tonight?" Natsume asked.
"Of course," Cynthia said, poking Jirachi's cheek with a smile. "After all, the little one is going home soon."
Jirachi tilted its head, then levitated, cheering, [Let's play, let's play!]
"Mr. Steven… is it really okay to bring Jirachi along?" Natsume asked, concerned.
"Leave it to me!" Ruby said proudly. "When it comes to Pokémon disguises, I'm an expert!"
Steven nodded with a smile.
Cynthia mounted Garchomp. "I'll be back tonight."
"What are your plans for today?" Natsume asked.
"Challenging a Gym Leader," Cynthia said with a bright smile.
Natsume was momentarily stunned, silently mourning for the unnamed Gym Leader.
...
The festival was held in a nearby small town.
The streets were decorated with lanterns, and Drifloon floated in the breeze as people and Pokémon walked side by side.
The festival was held in a nearby small town.
The streets were decorated with lanterns, and Drifloon floated in the breeze as people and Pokémon walked side by side.
"There are several events at the festival," Sapphire said, scrolling through her mobile phone. "A trade fair, an auction, a battle tournament…"
"How do you know more about this than me, a Touran local?" Natsume complained.
"Ruby and I have been preparing for this date for a long time!" Sapphire said with a sweet smile.
Ugh, another unexpected dose of dog food!
Steven, wearing sunglasses, held a disguised Jirachi in his arms.
Natsume, with Eevee on his shoulder, glanced at the uniformed ladies on the street and asked in surprise, "Did they even bring in Jennys for this?"
"Seems like they're from other leagues," Steven said, clearing his throat. "Speaking of which, it's hard to tell Jennys and Joys apart…"
The morning was the trade fair, where Trainers could exchange Pokémon.
Many people approached Natsume with offers to trade for Haunter, but Haunter licked them one by one, leaving them paralyzed.
"Are you sure this won't attract the Jennys?" Natsume asked, his lips twitching.
"Haunter!" Haunter pointed at Squirtle, who was asking a Jenny for directions.
Natsume's expression turned strange.
Where did you all learn these tricks?!
Ruby and Sapphire had disappeared somewhere.
Steven, looking like a doting father, wandered around with Jirachi.
Natsume bought ice cream for the three little ones and sat on a bench to rest.
Then, a strange man in a robe, wearing a hat and sunglasses, stumbled over.
"An Eevee, huh? That's a rare Pokémon, meow!"
Natsume was momentarily stunned.
Your tone… why does it sound so familiar?
A man and a woman approached from either side, mysteriously shaking their Poké Balls.
"Hey, kid, want to trade? We've got some rare Pokémon here!"
"Yeah, Solrock and Lunatone! The kind you can't buy with money!"
A drop of cold sweat rolled down Natsume's forehead.
Natsume licked his lips and tentatively asked in a low voice, "Who… are you?"
It was like pressing a switch.
The three of them trembled violently, unable to hold back any longer, and with a 'whoosh,' they tore off their clothes.
Secret Technique: Instant Costume Change!
"Since you asked so sincerely."
"Then we'll tell you generously!"
"To protect the universe from destruction."
"To uphold the peace of the world!"
"Following the path of love and truth."
"Charming and delightful villains!"
The red-haired woman leaped into the air: "Jessie!"
The blue-haired man tossed a rose: "James!"
"We are Team Rocket, soaring through the galaxy! A white hole, a white tomorrow awaits us!"
"That's right, meow!"
The strange man tore off his robe, and Meowth jumped down.
"So~nansu!" Wobbuffet, standing under Meowth, shouted loudly.
Natsume covered his face in embarrassment. "Don't you… feel ashamed?"
"Honestly, sometimes we do, but after so many times…"
James scratched his head awkwardly, only to be punched in the face by Jessie.
"Enough nonsense! Hand over that Eevee!"
"And we'll take the other Pokémon here too, meow!"
Meowth licked its lips, pulling out a device and pressing a button. A large net suddenly fell from the sky, trapping the Pokémon at the trade fair.
The crowd erupted in chaos as a Jenny shouted, "It's Team Rocket!"
Natsume's lips twitched.
Dammit, why does this feel so familiar?!
You're trying to steal Pokémon from an Executive?!
"Lucky for you, you ran into me…" Natsume sighed.
"By the way, do you even check your opponent's team composition before making plans?"
"Jessie, he seems pretty confident…" James whispered.
Jessie's temple twitched as she clenched her fist. "Enough talk, kid! Hand over that Eevee, or we'll make you regret it!"
"Metagross, Meteor Mash!"
From the crowd, a pair of glowing white fists suddenly shot out, sending even Wobbuffet, who had tanked Giratina, flying.
"What a terrible feeling~~~~!!"
"So~nansu!"
Natsume watched the trio turn into stars, his expression strange.
They got blasted off in less than three seconds?!
This feels way too familiar!
Looking into the crowd, Steven, still in disguise, recalled his ordinary Metagross and nodded at Natsume.
Meowth looked around, trembling. "I… I'm still here, meow!"
Natsume coughed lightly.
To avoid exposure, you'll have to take one for the team, Meowth!
"Haunter, Shadow Ball!"
"Haunter! (??????????)"
"What a terrible feeling, meow~~~!!"
Watching the stars fly away, Natsume muttered, "Using 2D effects in a 3D world… is that really okay?"
[Ding! Achievement 'Encounter with Team Rocket Trio' completed. Reward: James' Collection *1 (randomly obtain bottle caps, Poké Balls, etc.)]
Natsume's lips twitched.
This thing has a one in ten thousand chance of giving a Poké Ball, right?!
Natsume: "Can you be any stingier?!"
[?]
Officer Jenny rushed over. "Are you alright, sir?"
"I'm fine," Natsume said, looking around. Steven had already disappeared into the crowd with Jirachi.
Seeing the concerned Officer Jenny, Natsume felt a sense of relief and smiled. "Your accent… are you from Kanto?"
"Eh?! I've been working on my accent!" Jenny blushed. "Are you from Kanto too?"
"Oh, I'm from Tokyo."
"Wait!" Jenny's eyes lit up. "Are you… Natsume-sensei?"
"You're a fan?" Natsume was momentarily stunned.
"No, no! My sisters, the Joys, mentioned you," Jenny said, her face red. "You're a pioneer in medical reform. It's an honor!"
Why are you blushing like that?!
And since when did I become a pioneer in medical reform? That doesn't sound very auspicious!
"Here's my business card," Jenny said with a smile. "I'm Jenny from Celadon City. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Even if you tell me which city, I wouldn't recognize it…
Natsume took the business card and stuffed it in his pocket. "If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way?"
Jenny snapped to attention and saluted. "Take care!"
The commotion caused by Team Rocket was significant, but the festival quickly resumed.
Natsume walked in the direction Team Rocket had flown off, muttering, "I remember… it should be around here…"
In the forest, there was a rustling sound.
Team Rocket trio hung from a tree branch, sighing deeply.
"We messed up again…"
"It's all Jessie's fault for wanting to steal that Eevee. We could've left earlier!"
"Huh? You're blaming me? Who was it that said Eevee was too cute and would definitely get us a promotion if we gave it to Lord Giovanni?" Jessie snapped.
"Meowth, this is all your fault!" James turned the blame.
"Huh? What did I do, meow?"
"So~nansu!"
Natsume held his forehead in frustration. "Haunter, go get them down."
"Haunter!" Haunter tossed the trio to the ground, and they all shouted in unison, "That kid from earlier!"
Natsume sighed, pulling out a black-and-gold badge from his pocket.
"Open your eyes wide and see whose Pokémon you were trying to steal!"
Jessie squinted, reading the words one by one. "Team Rocket… Executive?!"
"No way! How could there be an Executive in Touran?!" James yelled.
"But this doesn't look fake, meow…" Meowth gulped.
"Kid, I mean… are you really an Executive?" Jessie asked suspiciously.
Natsume smirked, pulling out his mobile phone. "Hey, Matori? There are three idiots here… Yeah, those three."
Matori took a deep breath, adjusted her glasses, and forced a smile. "Can you turn on the video, Natsume-sensei?"
"Sure."
Natsume turned the phone toward the trio. "Here, talk to her yourself."
"Melon-head glasses girl!" the trio shouted in unison.
Matori's veins bulged as she yelled, "You tried to steal an Executive's Pokémon, you fools! I'll report this to Lord Giovanni. You're looking at pay cuts and demotions!"
Before she finished speaking, cold sweat dripped from the trio's foreheads.
In their minds, a vivid scene played out: [A large hand adorned with a ruby ring slammed down on a couch, followed by a majesty voice booming, "Jessie, James, Meowth! For insubordination, you're being sent to Africa!"Persian looked down at the trio, letting out a mocking chuckle.]
"Nooo!!"
"Captain, this is all a big misunderstanding! We didn't mean to cross paths with the Executive!" James cried out.
"Yeah, meow! It's all a mistake! Jessie just lost her head for a moment!"
"Huh? It was Meowth's idea in the first place!"
Watching the trio on the verge of tearing into each other, Natsume cleared his throat. "Matori, let me handle this."
Matori took a deep breath and forced a smile. "The organization has already prepared an escape route for them… Let them suffer a bit. Thank you, Natsume-sensei!"
After hanging up, Natsume was stunned.
They even prepared an escape route… Giovanni really cares about these three, huh?
Glancing at the trio, who were now hugging each other and crying, Natsume coughed lightly. "Alright, I'll give you a chance to redeem yourselves. How well you do depends on your performance!"
"Really?!" Jessie's eyes lit up.
"Just give us the orders, and we'll do whatever it takes!"
"It'd be even better if you could put in a good word for us with Lord Giovanni, meow~~!"
The three rubbed their hands together in unison, chuckling mischievously.
Natsume held his forehead and sighed.
No wonder you three haven't been promoted all these years. There's a reason for it!
"Listen up. Your mission is to set up a stall nearby, preferably an ice cream stand… something that fits the local vibe. Got it?"
"But… we already have enough funding for our operations. Why set up a stall?" James scratched his head.
Meowth leaped up and bonked James on the head. "Don't worry, sir! We've got this covered, meow!"
"I have another condition," Natsume said, wagging his finger with a sly grin. "From now on, I'm taking 50% of all your stall's profits!"
The trio exchanged glances, then huddled together, whispering.
"This Executive… seems like he's really short on cash?"
"No way he's poorer than us!"
"This must be a test! A perfect opportunity to prove our loyalty to Lord Giovanni, meow!"
"Meowth's right! Besides, business isn't great these days. Even if it's just 50%…"
The three stood up in unison, pounding their chests. "No problem! Leave it to us!"
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