Was there such a thing as fate?
Of course there was.
Before this moment, Chen Shi had firmly believed that meeting Jirachi was fate.
Think about it.
He revealed Mega Evolution.
Devon Corporation stepped in to support him, wanting to show the world that Mega Stones were under Devon's control.
A grand auction was held.
Among the items, Roxanne brought out a meteorite from her private collection.
Chen Shi happened to be invited.
With the help of his system, he recognized Jirachi hidden within.
So he bought it.
Wasn't that coincidence enough?
And then, when Jirachi awakened, it not only recognized him—
it said they had met a thousand years ago.
Wasn't that destiny?
Until Jirachi mentioned the wish he made a thousand years ago.
Only then did Chen Shi realize—
Yes, fate exists.
But more often than not, what looks like fate is carefully planned.
Like a boy who likes a girl.
He'll manufacture countless "coincidences."
The girl may sigh, "We're so fated, meeting again and again in this vast crowd."
Unaware that every encounter was deliberate.
Cynthia looked at Chen Shi, her gaze growing softer.
This was the Chen Shi she knew.
The boy she liked.
A chance to make a wish to Jirachi—
how precious was that?
Countless people would give anything for such an opportunity.
One wish could change a life.
Yet the future Chen Shi had wished for something so simple.
Not wealth.
Not power.
Just—
"Let us meet again a thousand years from now."
Chen Shi put Victini's egg away and smiled.
"Let's go home. We'll let Jirachi taste the food of a thousand years later."
The Pokémon's eyes instantly lit up.
They understood.
Tonight, they were benefitting from Jirachi's blessing.
...
"Xiao Shi! What's this? It's sweet! So tasty!"
"That's Combee Honey. If you like it, have more."
"Mm-hmm! Thank you, Xiao Shi!"
Jirachi dipped its little fingers into the honey and happily stuffed it into its mouth.
"Slow down. There's plenty."
Chen Shi gently wiped honey from the corner of its mouth and pointed to the jar beside them.
A large one, completely full.
"There's lots more."
"Everyone gets some."
He then handed Jirachi an energy cube—the same premium ones Mew loved.
Sure enough, Jirachi's eyes sparkled the moment it saw it.
"I know this! It's an energy cube! Xiao Shi gave me this before. It's super yummy!"
It happily popped the cube into its mouth.
On Chen Shi's shoulder, Mew stared at Jirachi with a resentful expression.
Aren't we friends?
How have you not recognized me yet?
To be fair, Mew's transformation was flawless.
Jirachi only felt that the Eevee looked familiar but couldn't quite remember.
And since Cynthia was present, Mew had promised to stay disguised.
If it reverted to normal form in front of others, Chen Shi had threatened to ban sweets permanently.
So it endured.
Nearby, Togekiss quietly approached Jirachi, holding something in her tiny wing.
"Chaka~"
Jirachi blinked and accepted the colorful little object.
"What's this?"
Togekiss froze, immediately glancing toward Mew to ensure it hadn't noticed.
Satisfied, she relaxed.
For some reason, she felt close to Jirachi.
So she had secretly offered one of Cynthia's candies.
Her ice cream supply had already been monopolized.
She couldn't let the "black-hearted cat" find out about this too.
"Chaka~"
Togekiss softly explained.
When Jirachi learned it was candy, it beamed sweetly.
"Thank you!"
Following Togekiss's guidance, it unwrapped the candy and popped it into its mouth.
Of course, nothing escaped Chen Shi's notice.
But he didn't interfere.
It was a good thing Jirachi was bonding with the others.
And he'd also noticed something—
Jirachi was a glutton.
The entire jar portion of Combee Honey he'd given it was already gone.
Two energy cubes followed.
Now it was running around with Togekiss and the others.
Charizard leaned against a tree, digesting.
Togekiss dragged Jirachi onto his belly to play "bungee jumping."
Charizard spat a small flame in mock anger, which only made Jirachi laugh harder.
They treated Dragapult's back like a slide.
Even Mew couldn't resist.
Still disguised as Eevee, it joined in.
The ranch filled with laughter.
Chen Shi and Cynthia watched quietly from nearby.
After a while, Chen Shi sighed softly.
"This kind of life is wonderful."
"If only it could stay like this forever."
Cynthia smiled and squeezed his hand.
"Don't think too much."
"Just live each day well."
"The more you think, the heavier it feels."
Chen Shi nodded and tightened his grip on her hand.
Listening to Jirachi's bright laughter, he suddenly remembered—
this would only last seven days.
After that, Jirachi would sleep for another thousand years.
The thought made his chest ache.
Such a sweet little creature.
Why did fate treat it this way?
He shook his head.
No point dwelling on it.
Like Cynthia said—live each day well.
"Let's go join them."
Cynthia looked surprised at his shining eyes.
But somehow, she agreed.
"Jirachi! We're coming too!"
Chen Shi called out, pulling her along.
Jirachi waved excitedly.
"Yay! Xiao Shi, play with me!"
Chen Shi grinned mischievously.
"How about we play a game?"
"Pidgeot catches Caterpie!"
"I'll be Pidgeot—"
"And you're the Caterpie!"
...
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