[Jirachi (Steel/Psychic)] (Mythical Pokemon)]
[Level: 70]
[Ability: Serene Grace (doubles the chance of additional effects when using moves)]
[IV's: HP (31), Attack (31), Special Attack (31), Defense (31), Special Defense (31), Speed (31)]
[Moves: Confusion, Wish, Swift, Helping Hand, Life Dew, Zen Headbutt, Gravity, Psychic, Meteor Mash, Healing Wish, Rest, Future Sight, Doom Desire]
[Held Item: None]
[(Note: When cosmic energy is completely depleted, will return to slumber cocoon and drift through space. Countdown: 6 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes)]
John stared at the perfect stats displayed on his Gameboy screen. Another legendary with flawless individual values, though after capturing Latias and Zeraora, he'd grown somewhat accustomed to such extraordinary Pokemon.
What truly caught his attention was the ominous note at the bottom of the interface.
"So it really works like the anime," John murmured, remembering Jirachi's tragic cycle from the old cartoons.
Each time Jirachi awakened, it would form precious bonds with humans and Pokemon, only to be forcibly torn away after a week when its cosmic energy depleted. The lonely Pokemon would drift through the vast emptiness of space until returning to the Pokemon world a thousand years later, when everyone it had ever known would be long gone.
At least Jirachi lost its memories with each awakening. Otherwise, the accumulating grief of countless severed friendships would make its existence pure torture.
"Since you've become my Pokemon, I'll never let you experience just seven days in this world again," John resolved quietly.
He studied the note more carefully. The key phrase was "when cosmic energy is completely depleted." Jirachi's activities were sustained by this mysterious energy, requiring it to return to space every seven days to recharge for its next millennium-long slumber.
But what if he could replenish Jirachi's cosmic energy artificially? Could he break this heartbreaking cycle forever?
"Cosmic energy..." John rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Several Pokemon immediately came to mind. Solrock and Lunatone were said to be meteorites from space, and they possessed the move Cosmic Power. There were also clearly extraterrestrial species like Minior, Elgyem, and Beheeyem.
Among legendaries, Deoxys was definitely cosmic in origin. Then there were the Alolan guardians Solgaleo and Lunala, and the mysterious light-devourer Necrozma.
While John pondered these possibilities, Jirachi had already grown curious about the sounds drifting up from downstairs. The little star Pokemon floated toward the staircase, drawn by something far more interesting than John's contemplation.
Downstairs lay John's private recreation hall, a space he typically kept off-limits to visitors.
For good reason.
"Toge-toge-pi! (I won again!)" Togepi cheered triumphantly, waving its tiny arms.
"Mew mew! (Me too! Victory!)" Mew performed a gleeful loop-de-loop in midair.
"Wobbuffet... (I lost again...)" Wobbuffet slumped dramatically, as if embracing invisible tears.
"Wobb wobb! (One more round! One more!)" it immediately perked up, ready for another game.
The three Pokemon sat in the center of the hall, each clutching a gaming controller and engaged in animated competition. On a nearby sofa, Hariyama sat knitting a sweater with reading glasses perched on his snout, looking remarkably like a doting grandmother. Delibird assisted by organizing balls of yarn, occasionally glancing up to check on the gaming tournament.
"Jira... (Hello...)" Jirachi floated down tentatively. Despite its shyness, the legendary Pokemon mustered the courage to greet the group.
Several curious faces turned toward the newcomer. None of them had encountered this strange star-headed Pokemon before.
"Togepi toge! (Come play with us!)" Togepi showed no fear of strangers, enthusiastically waving its Gameboy in welcome.
"Mew!" Mew twisted through the air and teleported behind Jirachi, gently bumping heads in the universal Pokemon greeting of friendship.
Perhaps it was the natural innocence that connected them. Jirachi, initially cautious, quickly found itself infected by the group's warmth. The novelty of the gaming controllers sealed the deal, and within minutes the wish Pokemon had integrated seamlessly into their circle.
John watched from the doorway as the little group played in harmony. Seeing Jirachi so genuinely happy, he decided not to intrude. Let them enjoy their games in peace.
This scene only strengthened his resolve. He wouldn't let political maneuvering or the approaching Master Eight tournament distract him from his new mission. Strength determined everything in this world, and after effortlessly defeating Champion Magnus, John knew few trainers posed any real threat to him.
But now he had a more important goal than tournament victories.
If Jirachi had awakened even six months earlier, John might have simply consulted with Saul and accepted the Pokemon's tragic fate. Back then, revealing Jirachi's existence would have invited champion-level trainers to attempt capture through force or politics.
Now, however, John possessed the influence and power to pursue a different path.
Step one: collaborate with Saul on cosmic energy research. The renowned Pokemon bredder/researcher would never refuse access to such extraordinary "research material" as Jirachi.
Step two: use Jirachi as bait to attract the world's leading experts in cosmic Pokemon studies. With the right moves, he could assemble an unprecedented research team.
Step three: establish his own research laboratory and bring the greatest minds under his direct command.
Jirachi's reputation as the "Wish Star" would prove irresistible to researchers and trainers alike. If foreign champions or any of the current Master Eight members dared to interfere with his plans, they'd find themselves facing not just John's team, but also his growing network of scientific allies.
"Especially if there are any existing cosmic Pokemon laboratories looking to sell," John mused. "With the right price, I might just acquire an entire research facility."
Leaving the cheerful sounds of gaming behind, John retrieved his phone and dialed his assistant.
After all, if he couldn't solve Jirachi's cosmic energy problem within the next seven days, then nothing mattered more than ensuring the lonely Pokemon experienced as much happiness as possible before returning to its thousand-year exile among the stars.
"Emerald, I need you to contact every cosmic related research laboratory, both domestic and international. Ask if they'd be interested in studying Jirachi."