Chapter 27: A Precious Gift

On Christmas Eve, the moon was a slender crescent, like a silver boat suspended in a lake-like night sky. Moonlight spilled over the snow outside, as if the entire world was draped in a gentle silvery glow.

Principal Tongshan, wearing a Santa hat with a gift sack slung over his shoulder like Father Christmas himself, stood in the snow, rubbing his hands together for warmth. He noticed a light flickering on in a room. Looking up, his gaze met that of Hu Yang, who was standing by the window. Neither spoke; they simply exchanged a knowing smile.

Hu Yang turned away and picked up a gingerbread man he had bought the day before from the table, handing it to the little candy orb to take back. “Slu?” The candy orb accepted it with curiosity. Hu Yang explained, “It’s a Christmas present for all of you.” “Slu!” the candy orb exclaimed happily, glanced at Hu Yang, then turned and left the room, clutching the gingerbread man.

Through the window, Hu Yang saw the pleased smile that appeared on Principal Tongshan’s face as he received the gift. The principal carefully stowed it away, then, with the candy orb, continued on to deliver presents to the other teachers. A gentle warmth filled Hu Yang’s heart as he and his own Pokémon unwrapped their gifts together.

Unfastening the ribbon, removing the wrapping paper, and lifting the lid, Hu Yang found a round stone before him, marbled with two colors like a glass marble. As Hu Yang fixed his gaze on it, a line of information appeared in his mind:

[Gardevoirite: Allowing Gardevoir to hold this wondrous stone enables it to Mega Evolve in battle. It was once carried for twenty years as a lucky charm by an elderly man who never knew its real purpose.]

Hu Yang was stunned. His first reaction was that this gift was far too precious.

In this world, research into Mega Evolution had not yet been discovered. At this moment in time, Professor Sycamore in the Kalos region should only just be beginning his studies on Mega Evolution. In other words, it would be a long while before Mega Evolution entered the sight of trainers.

Hu Yang suddenly felt the stone was burning hot in his hand. Principal Tongshan didn’t know its use, but Hu Yang did. If he simply accepted it, it would feel as though he were taking advantage. The thought made his conscience uneasy.

After much deliberation, Hu Yang decided to return this invaluable evolution stone. Yet when he expressed his intentions, Principal Tongshan merely blinked and said, “But haven’t we already exchanged gifts?”

Hu Yang was at a loss for words. He didn’t reveal the stone’s true effects, only said, “This stone looks extremely rare and valuable. I really can’t accept it.”

Principal Tongshan smiled and asked, “I heard from Lijia that you seem to be preparing to become a trainer, is that right?” Hu Yang nodded and responded honestly, “I want to see the world beyond these walls.”

The principal’s eyes showed approval. “That’s a wonderful idea,” he said. Casting his gaze at the stone, he explained, “I found that stone many years ago while traveling, deep in a mine.”

“It’s been with me for many years. Sadly, I never made it to the end of my journey. I’m giving it to you now because I hope you’ll continue the journey on my behalf. In a way, it’s my own regret.” Nostalgia and longing flickered in the principal’s eyes.

Hu Yang understood. Since coming to this world, he had met many kind-hearted people—teachers who looked after him at school, students who were both classmates and friends. Everyone loved Pokémon and looked forward to the day they could set out on their own journeys and encounter unknown Pokémon. Such pure hopes and dreams could easily move anyone.

He gripped the evolution stone tightly and said solemnly, “I understand. I’ll do my best.”

Principal Tongshan smiled and nodded. “Then go for it!”

…

Meanwhile, deep within Petalburg Woods.

A Gardevoir stood facing a young Ralts. The Ralts was panting, kneeling on the ground, its body covered in fresh wounds. Gardevoir’s expression was serene as she watched, asking, “Was it worth it?”

Ralts clenched its tiny fists and stood up, replying with determination, “I want to see the world of humans. I want to travel with that human!”

Gardevoir took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Once again, she could sense her daughter’s resolve.

“Very well.” She opened her eyes, psychic power swirling within them. “Let’s continue.”

“Dad…” Ralts opened her mouth, not understanding. “Why…?”

All this time, Gardevoir had been battling her, though it was less a battle and more a lesson. Gardevoir had been imparting everything she knew to her daughter. Ralts had never realized this, believing her father was simply punishing her for sneaking out, and she had felt miserable for a long time.

Gardevoir spoke softly, “If that human can’t protect you, I hope you’ll be able to protect yourself. So while you’re still here, learn my abilities well.”

Ralts was taken aback, then joy blossomed on her face. “Daddy, does that mean you’re letting me go on this journey?”

Gardevoir sighed helplessly. “I can’t keep you tied to my side forever, can I?”

The last time Ralts had sneaked away, she was nearly caught by humans. And it wasn’t the first time; it had happened many times before. If Gardevoir hadn’t arrived in time, the consequences might have been dire.

Rather than continue letting Ralts sneak away behind her back, it was better to grant her wish. After all, Gardevoir’s kind possessed a natural ability to sense the hearts of humans. She could sense that the human Ralts had chosen was a good person.

“Thank you, Daddy! You’re the best!” Ralts exclaimed, throwing herself into Gardevoir’s arms with excitement.

…

What happened in the forest, Hu Yang knew nothing about. After Christmas, just a few more classes remained before the students would welcome the final holiday of the year—winter break.

That day, Hu Yang was pondering where he should go after the holiday began. The entire school would close, the cafeteria would shut down, and the teachers would all return to their own homes.

He had two options.

One, stay at the school and spend the winter holed up in his dorm.

Two, take a vacation in Lavaridge Town at the foot of Mt. Chimney.

Thanks to its proximity to Mt. Chimney, Lavaridge Town’s climate remained mild and humid even in winter, making it the perfect place to enjoy hot springs. When winter arrived and the temperature dropped below zero, most traveling trainers would also pause their journeys, return home to rest, and wait for spring before setting out again. At such times, finding a wild trainer for a Pokémon battle became nearly impossible.

Hu Yang didn’t want to spend the whole winter under his covers. With his bank balance steadily growing, he finally decided to set off for a holiday in Lavaridge Town.

“Let’s treat it as a vacation for myself,” he consoled himself.

Besides Lavaridge, there was also a small town with fields at the foot of Mt. Chimney—Fallarbor Town. Owing to its closeness to the volcano, volcanic ash often drifted through the area, making the plants there especially lush.

But what drew Hu Yang’s attention wasn’t the scenery; it was the Contest Hall in Fallarbor Town!

Where there were contests, there were trainers; where there were trainers, there were Pokémon battles. There, he wouldn’t have to stand around on the streets of Petalburg City for half a day without finding a single wild trainer to battle.