Cracks?
A crack appeared on the crystal where Jirachi sleeps?
With a hint of caution, Absol watched as he approached a few steps closer.
The crack on the crystal was very obvious and clear, extending from the base to the top.
Besides the main crack, there were numerous fine fissures around it.
It gave the impression that it would shatter with just a slight touch.
If the entire crystal breaks, what would happen to Jirachi?
Wake up early?
Or...
If Jirachi were to awaken, with its powers and legend, and the many phenomena that might accompany its awakening, it might attract those who covet its wishing ability.
In the original story, there was someone who used Jirachi's power to create a fake Pokémon that was always criticized for its flying ability and caused widespread destruction without realizing it.
This shows that Jirachi's wishing power is also flawed, and not every wish can be fulfilled.
At least that fake Pokémon, criticized for being unable to fly, couldn't even master its signature move.
But that still doesn't stop people from being interested in Jirachi.
Moreover, Natsuhiko knew that there wasn't just one Jirachi in this world; Master Ash had encountered two.
It's just that most of the time, Jirachis remain asleep, only awakening for seven days after sleeping for a thousand years.
So in most cases, only one Jirachi appears.
Crystal...
"Wait a moment."
Natsuhiko suddenly had a thought.
"Yujira, those previous crystal blocks..."
"Yongji."
Yujira also realized, opening its palm to reveal dozens of transparent crystals of varying sizes.
Natsuhiko picked one out, carefully placing it into the crack.
Though it was a transparent white crystal block, as soon as it touched the purple crystal where Jirachi slept, it was instantly dyed purple.
"Just as I thought."
His last few doubts were also answered.
When Abra evolved into Yujira, it vaguely saw three figures.
He had already guessed who two of them were, but the final small figure that loved singing couldn't be identified based on previous information snippets.
But now, he understood.
That figure was Jirachi!
Because back then, Abra had crystal blocks that fell from Jirachi's sleeping crystal, and Abra felt these blocks might be related to psychic powers, so Natsuhiko entrusted them to it.
Looking back now, it's likely that Jirachi might have influenced Abra at that time.
Also, if Natsuhiko remembers correctly, Abra's psychic powers began fluctuating after it clashed with Solrock, which was carrying a crystal.
At that time,
Natsuhiko believed Solrock's psychic power awakened the part of Abra's psychic powers that were dormant, pushing its evolution process forward.
But thinking back now, it wasn't that simple.
'Perhaps... it was Jirachi's wishing power that fueled Abra's evolution?'
The possibility cannot be dismissed.
Back then, Abra was at the Excellence Level, and after experiencing Togepi's evolution into Togetic and gaining Senior Level strength, watching Beedrill break limits to reach Elite Level, it would be impossible to say it didn't have any thoughts.
Whether the earlier Abra or the current Yujira, both had strong wills, though it never said much, Natsuhiko, as its Trainer, was well aware.
You really think he didn't know Yujira would sneak in extra training at night after he fell asleep?
It's just that he never mentioned it, allowing Yujira's fierce nature to go unchecked.
'If back then, Abra had a strong desire to evolve, such a possibility could indeed exist.'
But just a small piece of crystal block, of course, wouldn't have the power to grant Abra's wish, even the huge crystal in front now shouldn't have it either.
However, it never intended to fulfill Abra's wish; it just gave a slight nudge, the main reason being that Abra was already on the verge of evolution.
According to this hypothesis,
Abra evolved while battling a group of Solrocks possessing these crystal blocks.
The combination of its internal changes and the activation from Jirachi's wish power led it to evolve into Yujira.
Recalling when Togetic heard Jirachi's voice?
Wasn't it just when encountering Solrock?
This suddenly connects a lot of past events.
Back then, when Abra evolved into Yujira and worked together to clear the group of Solrock, Abra discovered a mysterious presence observing them from the shadows.
The mossy footprints and the left white fur used to match Absol.
So, Absol wasn't observing them, but searching for these scattered crystal blocks?
And when they came from underwater and encountered Absol, and led them here, it was because of the crystal on Yujira?
This explanation seems plausible.
However, a succession of new doubts arose in Natsuhiko's mind.
Why did the crystal blocks burst from Jirachi's sleeping crystal fall onto Solrock?
This is a question.
Also.
What caused the cracks to appear on the crystal, and was Absol fighting in this cave with a Pokémon or a person?
Furthermore, he noticed.
Although the collected crystal blocks were dyed the same purple as the main crystal upon contact, they did not directly merge with it.
With the slightest tremor, these crystal blocks would fall off.
This means that even if these crystal blocks are found, Jirachi's sleeping crystal damage is irreversible.
"No." Natsuhiko shook his head towards Absol.
Absol naturally saw this scene too, its eyes dimming a bit.
Actually, even if reconstruction were possible, the crystals Natsuhiko collected were insufficient to completely fill the cracks on the crystal.
Not enough in number.
At least more than half of the crystal blocks are still scattered in some places within Meteor Falls.
Then Absol gave a gentle shake, and small crystal blocks of varying sizes fell through the crevices of its fur.
Natsuhiko squinted, looking at it somewhat unexpectedly.
Absol also collected quite a few.
But it was still pointless.
Jirachi's sleeping crystal couldn't be restored; even if all the lost crystal blocks were found, it'd be futile.
However...
When Jirachi communicated with Togetic, it didn't sound like it was in much trouble.
Even without repairs, if it just stayed quietly here and did not move recklessly, it should be fine, right?
Maybe Absol picked up on Natsuhiko's confusion, murmuring softly.
"Woo..."
'If not repaired, its energy will keep dissipating, and it will die in sleep, never waking up...'
"It will die..."
Even a Phantom Beast can die.
"Chaa..."
Togetic dropped its head.
Even though Jirachi's song in its head was joyful, seemingly unaware of its predicament.
But precisely because of this, Togetic felt Jirachi was so pitiful.
Sleeping for a thousand years only to wake for seven days, not even having a chance to see the world properly before falling asleep again.
Going with Natsuhiko beyond the tunnel under Dark Ruins, Togetic saw how wonderful the world was, with so many delicious, fun, and beautiful sights...
But all of this, if Jirachi can't even wake up to see it, it is truly a pity.
"Chaa."
Togetic's eyes sparkled with tears, a touch moved with a hint of plea.
Natsuhiko felt heavy-hearted, facing Togetic's pleading expression, unable to give any response.
Although he is someone driven by gains, whether Jirachi lives or dies makes little difference to him.
But undeniably, it somewhat touched him, especially under Togetic's yearning.
Moreover, Jirachi did aid Abra in its evolution.
"Repair..."
Involuntarily, various methods flashed in his mind.
Perhaps, taking it to the island to see Masha, as a fellow Phantom Beast, it might know how to fix it.
But the crystal is too fragile now; no one can guarantee it wouldn't shatter when moved or assure no accidents en route to find Masha.
If not careful, it might inadvertently expedite Jirachi's demise.
"Repair!"
Natsuhiko's eyes suddenly lit up.
He thought of a method worth trying.
He took out a small cloth bag from his pocket.