Dragon's Saliva!
The thing Ryuzi gave Natsuhiko earlier, capable of quickly healing Pokémon's injuries.
Beedrill, after eating half a piece of Dragon's Saliva, fully recovered in less than a minute, showing just how powerful it is.
And this was the only method Natsuhiko could think of to try.
He recalled Ryuzi mentioning that Dragon's Saliva could be used both internally and externally.
Perhaps, it could exert some effect on this crystal.
Because essentially, this crystal is Jirachi.
Regardless of whether it works or not, this was the last attempt; if it didn't work, Natsuhiko would be powerless.
He's not a god, his abilities are limited.
"Yujira, can you piece these shattered crystal blocks back onto the crystal?"
This was like a complicated jigsaw puzzle, each block had different gaps and fractures. To fill the crystal's cracks perfectly, there couldn't be a tiny mistake.
While Natsuhiko could do it with his abilities, it would undoubtedly cost a significant amount of time.
But since Yujira was here, there was no need to waste that time.
Given Yujira's intellect, it shouldn't be too difficult to handle.
"Yongji."
Yujira nodded without hesitation, lifted its spoon, and all the scattered crystal blocks on the ground started to float.
Its azure eyes swept across, memorizing each crystal block's unique shapes, structures, and fractures.
What would be challenging for others was not hard for it.
Quickly.
After gathering all the information, Yujira began to move.
Piece by piece, it didn't overlook even the tiniest particles, accounting for everything.
The pieces were joined onto the cracks, mending them little by little until fully repaired, leaving no visible gaps.
If it weren't for the still heavily veined cracks, one would think it was a complete crystal.
"Cha-ko-ee!"
Togetic's eyes blinked with admiration all over its face.
To it, those crystal blocks looked almost the same, all were not big enough for even one bite, yet Yujira could distinguish them and intricately restore them.
That was amazing.
Togetic looked pleased, flew next to Yujira, and patted the brown shoulder armor on its shoulder.
The little fox had finally grown up.
It was genuinely delighted.
Yujira gave it an annoyed look.
"Yongji."
'I'm the senior one here.'
Togetic put its hands on its hips, arguing,
"Cha-ko-ee!"
'I'm older than you!'
Yujira glanced at it, then at itself.
"Yongji."
'Older, where?'
Togetic's expression froze; it opened its mouth, unsure how to refute.
Older, where?
Seeing it like this, Yujira smiled victoriously.
After all, even though Abra evolved into Yujira, gaining an IQ and wisdom far beyond ordinary people, it still was a Pokémon born less than a year ago.
Yujira's smile "provoked" Togetic, which puffed its cheeks and looked to Natsuhiko for help.
Originally, Togetic was very sad, but upon seeing Natsuhiko's preparation and Yujira completing the "puzzle," it calmed down.
It knew that as long as Natsuhiko and Yujira took action, everything would be fine.
This was its trust in Natsuhiko, Yujira, and in all its companions.
Very blind trust, but it was a habit Togetic formed over this time they've spent together.
In Natsuhiko, in all companions, it had absolute trust.
So even in battle, it could fully trust them by entrusting its back to them.
But when it looked to Natsuhiko for help, Natsuhiko ignored it.
Instead, he carefully crushed the Dragon's Saliva and applied it to the crystal's cracks.
Beside him, Absol held its breath, glanced at Natsuhiko, then at the crystal, a spark in its eyes.
'Hope it works,' Natsuhiko thought silently.
To coat all the cracks and gaps, four pieces of Dragon's Saliva were used in total.
Ever since he first used it, he knew this substance must be precious; if it didn't work, it would be wasted.
'I wonder if letting Togetic lick it a bit, would it...'
Togetic: ??
After everything was done, he sat on the ground, waiting quietly.
Togetic, Yujira, Beedrill, and even Absol gathered around, staring intently at the crack.
Holding their breath and focusing.
This moment felt like time was passing very slowly, each second dragging on infinitely.
"Yongji."
'It's working.'
After a while, the meticulously observant Yujira spoke.
Indeed.
Under the watchful gazes, the milky-white Dragon's Saliva gradually faded, being absorbed.
The fine cracks slowly disappeared, reconnecting and solidifying as if restored to their original state.
"Woo."
Absol's eyes glowed with joy.
It worked!
It could feel that the energy loss from Jirachi was slowing, and the energy leakage gaps were sealed.
"It worked, but not completely, it only repaired the surface cracks; those within remained untouched.
This crystal still couldn't be moved; though better than before, if any accidents occurred, it might break again, beyond repair."
Natsuhiko timely reminded.
"Woo."
Absol nodded, it knew what Natsuhiko meant, but this was certainly the best outcome for now.
It took a long breath, sat down.
Exhausted and injured, it was very tired.
The next second.
Absol was stunned.
Staring at the hand in front of it, resting quietly was Dragon's Saliva.
Looking up at the hand's owner.
Natsuhiko.
He had a faint smile on his face, his tone calm, "You're hurt too, this should help you."
Absol hesitated a bit, having seen Dragon's Saliva's impact on the crystal, knowing its value.
"Cha-ko-ee!"
'Go ahead, Snowy, it's so tasty.'
At this time, the "Social Butterfly" Togetic flew over and embraced Absol's head.
After hesitating for a moment, Absol cast a grateful look at Natsuhiko.
This person isn't bad...Absol thought inwardly.
Swallowed the Dragon's Saliva in one bite.
Buzz――
Suddenly.
The purple crystal where Jirachi slept quivered slightly, its original purple halo became even more radiant, a beam of white light shot upward as if piercing through the thick earth, reaching the sky.
"Is it...waking up?"
"Woo." Absol shook its head.
'It's thanking you.'
"Thanking?"
Then the white light quickly contracted, and a gentle glow radiated from the crystal covering Togetic, Yujira, and Beedrill.
The three Pokémon felt enveloped in a warm embrace.
As if basking in warm sunlight.
Togetic couldn't help but moan softly.
Yujira and Beedrill were more composed, but their expressions revealed a sense of comfort.
"What is this?"
"Woo." The little ones couldn't reply, so Absol answered instead.
'A wish.'
This event evidently increased Absol's trust and friendliness toward Natsuhiko greatly; it was willing to communicate, no longer its previous cold demeanor.
Since it was willing to communicate, Natsuhiko wanted to ask some things.
Fortunately, even with Yujira in a special state, the psychic link between him and Absol wasn't severed, allowing him to understand Absol's words.
Sitting on the ground.
After some hesitation, Natsuhiko asked, "Absol, what caused Jirachi's cracks?"
'A battle, got unintentionally affected.'
"A battle? With a Trainer? Who?"
Before Absol could answer, it suddenly stood up.
Its fur bristling, it glared fiercely at the cave entrance, the blue-grey horn on its head sparkling.
Natsuhiko frowned, following Absol's gaze.
A figure emerged slowly from the dark tunnel, into Natsuhiko and Absol's view.
The face bore faint excitement and contempt, a slightly hoarse, low voice sounded, "If you're asking who did it, congratulations, you've found them."