The night air was as cool as a gentle stream, and the Milky Way stretched majestically across the sky.
The breeze had quietly subsided.
Luke's heart stirred, and he slowly opened his eyes.
"Vui~…"
Azure eyes, reminiscent of the sky, shimmered with starlight.
A silken white ribbon extended from the bow to Luke's arm, wrapping around it snugly.
The little creature turned its head awkwardly, its cherry-colored ears twitching, and the white fluff on its body swaying in the night breeze.
"Sylveon," Cynthia softly uttered.
Luke hadn't anticipated that the evolution would take place in this particular moment. Reflecting on it, Jirachi's departure had likely moved the little creature, and the addition of the "Charm" move, a Fairy-type move, fulfilled the evolutionary conditions.
Perhaps the bow, which had been used to heal its wound, had left a deep impression.
"I can see that."
Luke smiled and reached out to caress the little creature's head, its fur unexpectedly soft.
"Well, my dear is growing up!"
"Vui~…" Sylveon half-closed its eyes, nuzzling Luke's palm contentedly.
Jirachi's departure, coupled with Eevee's evolution, left Teacher Luke with a lingering sense of loss. However, regardless of the method of evolution, the core emotions would always remain the same. This was the very essence of the bond between Teacher Luke and his Pokémon.
"Sylveon is quite unique, evolving only from Eevee with a deep connection to its Trainer," Steven remarked with a gentle smile. "It seems to have placed great trust in you, Teacher Luke."
Luke paused for a moment and then gazed down at the little creature.
Sylveon puffed up its chest, and even as it turned its head away, the ribbon still clung firmly to Luke's arm.
Luke couldn't help but chuckle. This little one certainly had quite the attitude!
Cynthia extended her hand to her Garchomp and smiled. "It's a wonderful thing to meet and bond with Pokémon."
Click— Garchomp narrowed its eyes and lowered its head obediently.
"I told you so; Teacher Luke must be a Coordinator!" Ruby whispered.
"You goofball, don't say such ominous things!"
Sapphire, wiping away her tears, lunged at Ruby and was warmly embraced by him.
"In any case, let's not disturb them for now," Ruby declared resolutely. "The bonds and trust... that's why Teacher Luke is so formidable, I think."
Sapphire, her teary eyes, nodded in agreement.
Though intangible, emotional energy existed in this world of Pokémon. Much like Ash, as long as you believed in and loved it, a Pokémon would respond.
Luke cradled Sylveon in his arms, contemplating.
It felt a bit odd; he couldn't carry Eevee on his shoulders anymore. But then, he wondered if Sylveon's long limbs could be wrapped around his neck like a scarf!
As he examined the little creature, Luke nodded thoughtfully.
"It seems quite doable..."
"Vui~?" Sylveon blinked its large blue eyes and tilted its head in curiosity.
"Jie jie~! Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ"
Two beams of red light were released from their Poké Balls.
Haunter and Squirtle circled Sylveon, muttering in awe, only to be met with a cold, piercing gaze that sent shivers down their spines.
Despite its newfound beauty, Sylveon's feisty nature remained unchanged!
Upon evolving, Sylveon had learned "Disarming Voice." Combined with the previously learned "Charm" and "Baby-Doll Eyes," it now possessed three Fairy-type moves.
However, due to Sylveon's "Pixilate" ability, Normal-type moves received a substantial boost, making "Disarming Voice" less powerful than "Quick Attack."
Luke stroked his chin in contemplation.
I can't help but find my Pokémon's efforts a bit peculiar.
Nevertheless, as long as they look good, it's all that matters!
The evening breeze gently rustled through the air as Luke gazed at the little one's cherry-colored ribbon with a smile.
"Anyway, I look forward to taking care of you in the future, Sylveon!"
The little creature tilted its head and responded with a sweet smile.
"Vui~!"
Unable to resist, Luke reached out and stroked her soft white fur, muttering to himself.
"It looks like I still need to have Sylveon around for that extra touch of style!"
"Vui~! (#｀д´)"
"Oh, by the way, can you please loosen the ribbon on my hand?"
"Vui~! o(´^｀)o"
...
The night sky stretched out with a vast sea of stars as Jirachi gradually faded into the comet's glow, leaving behind a sky illuminated with starlight.
Luke lay on the ground, cradling Sylveon in his arms. Haunter floated in the air, while Squirtle poked its head out from its shell.
Steven and the others joined Luke, lying on the grass, gazing up at the starry expanse.
"Those are the Ursaring and Teddiursa constellations, also known as the Big Bear constellation," Steven pointed out.
"That one is the Milotic constellation, part of the Hydra constellation..."
"Is there a Jirachi constellation, Mr. Steven?" Sapphire inquired.
"Jirachi..."
After a moment of reflection, Steven's smile grew.
"I believe that one is Jirachi."
...
[Achievement Unlocked: 'Jirachi: Wish Maker']
[Achievement Reward: Wishing Star, Jirachi's Wishing Note (commemorative items)]
Although Jirachi's departure rendered the wishing note incapable of fulfilling wishes, it now served as a keepsake of their journey.
The Dynamax Band from the Galar Region was crafted using Eternatus's meteorite as its base material. The Wishing Star provided by the system might also have connections to Jirachi and might be used in creating a Dynamax Band. However, this was more of a Galar Region matter and not immediately relevant to Teacher Luke.
Playing with the Wishing Star, Luke mused, "The Meteorites in the Pokémon world are truly extraordinary... Eternatus, Jirachi, Deoxys... it's as though they're about to play a game of mahjong!"
With another piece from 'James' Collection,' Luke decided to use a Luck Incense and draw a Luxury Ball.
The Luxury Ball, adorned with black and gold colors and sporting a matte finish, felt remarkably heavy. It was known to increase a captured Pokémon's friendliness and could also fetch a high price...
Luke couldn't help but feel perplexed.
"These items... weren't they actually stolen from James?"
[The items provided by the system are projected items, rest assured, host.]
Luke paused for a moment.
The system could even perform projection magic while safeguarding the Gong Family?
But the Luxury Ball was indeed exquisite. Luke played with it for a moment and then returned it to his system backpack. The matter was closed.
Cynthia took her Garchomp and smiled at Luke. "It was a truly delightful journey, Teacher Luke."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"By the way... Since you seem interested in Sinnoh's myths, would you like to attend the academic presentation in Canalave City next month?" Cynthia blinked.
Luke was taken aback.
Being a Pokémon enthusiast, he wasn't quite the academic type, especially when it came to presentations.
However, he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
As long as he kept silent, no one would suspect he couldn't speak!
Clearing his throat, Luke replied, "Absolutely, count me in!"
Cynthia smiled and called out, "Go, Glaceon!"
Glaceon shot an envious glance at Sylveon, then, while the little one wasn't looking, secretly licked her neck.
"Vui~?!"
Glaceon licked its paw contentedly, transformed into a red light, and returned to its Poké Ball.
"Vui~! (#｀д´)" Sylveon blushed with indignation.
Steven, riding atop the silvery-white Metagross, hovered in midair as strong jets of air burst from the ends of its arms.
"Until next time, Teacher Luke," Steven said with a warm smile.
The young couple who had accompanied them also planned to leave but were unexpectedly halted by Luke.
"Um, could you ask Tropius to give me a lift down again?"
Luke coughed dryly.
"After all, I haven't acquired a Flying-type Pokémon yet!"
The couple appeared genuinely surprised.
Indeed, Teacher Luke never fails to impress; his mode of transportation must involve Dragon-type Pokémon!