The moon on Christmas Eve curved like a silver boat, hanging in the lake-like night sky. Moonlight cast its glow upon the snow outside, enveloping the world in a soft, silvery sheen.
Principal Kiriyama, wearing a Santa hat and carrying a Santa Claus-style gift bag on his back, stood in the snow, rubbing his hands together for warmth. He noticed the lights in a nearby room were still on. Looking up, his gaze met Albus's, who stood by the window. Neither spoke, but both exchanged knowing smiles.
Albus turned away from the window and picked up a gingerbread man he had bought the day before. He handed it to Powerful Duck.
"Slip?"
Powerful Duck tilted its head curiously.
"A Christmas gift for you," Albus said with a gentle smile.
"Slip!"
With a happy chirp, Powerful Duck clutched the gingerbread man and waddled out of the room. Through the window, Albus saw Principal Kiriyama's delighted smile when he received the gift. The principal carefully tucked the gift away before continuing to deliver presents to other teachers with Powerful Duck.
A warm feeling spread through Albus's heart. He turned his attention back to his own presents, unwrapping them alongside his Pokémon. As he untied the ribbon, peeled off the wrapping paper, and lifted the lid, a round stone with a two-tone pattern, much like a marble, was revealed.
As Albus laid eyes on it, a message surfaced in his mind:
[Gardevoir Evolution Stone: A magical super stone that allows Gardevoir to carry it and undergo super evolution during battle. It was once carried as an amulet by an old man who didn't know its function for twenty years.]
Albus was stunned. His first thought was that this gift was far too valuable.
At this point in time, research on Mega Evolution had barely begun. Dr. Buratano, in the Kalos region, had only just started studying the phenomenon. It would be years before Mega Evolution became widely known among trainers.
Holding the stone, Albus felt uneasy. Principal Kiriyama clearly didn't know what it was, but Albus did. Keeping it felt like taking advantage of the situation. Additionally, the principal had always shown him kindness, and this made him even more uncomfortable.
After much deliberation, Albus decided to return the evolution stone.
However, when he voiced his concern, Principal Kiriyama merely blinked and said, "But we've already exchanged gifts, haven't we?"
Albus hesitated. Without revealing the stone's true purpose, he explained, "This stone seems very rare. It's too valuable—I can't accept it."
Principal Kiriyama smiled. "I heard from Elvina that you're preparing to become a trainer, correct?"
Albus nodded. "I want to travel and see the world."
The principal's eyes gleamed with admiration. "That's a wonderful ambition."
He glanced at the stone in Albus's hands and continued, "I found that stone in a mine when I was young, traveling far from home. It has been with me for many years, but unfortunately, I never made it to the end of my journey. I'm giving it to you now in hopes that you can continue the adventure I never finished. Consider it a way to fulfill my old dream."
There was nostalgia and regret in Principal Kiriyama's eyes.
Albus understood. Since arriving in this world, he had met many kind-hearted people—teachers who cared for him, classmates who became friends. Everyone he met loved Pokémon and dreamed of setting out on their own journeys.
Such pure aspirations and ideals were truly touching.
Clutching the evolution stone tightly, Albus nodded solemnly. "I understand. I'll do my best."
Principal Kiriyama chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Then go for it!"
Meanwhile, deep in the Amazon Forest, a Gardevoir stood face-to-face with a young Ralts.
Ralts panted heavily, bruised and battered from battle.
Gardevoir gazed down at her calmly and asked, "Is it worth it?"
Clenching her tiny fists, Ralts stood tall. "I want to see the human world. I want to travel with that human!"
Seeing the determination in Ralts's eyes, Gardevoir took a deep breath, closed her eyes momentarily, then reopened them, psychic energy swirling in her gaze.
"Then go," she said.
Ralts's eyes widened. "Dad…?"
For the past few weeks, Gardevoir had been training her in battle. Though it had seemed like punishment at times, it had really been teaching. Passing on everything it knew.
Until now, Ralts had believed her father was only trying to discipline her for sneaking away. She had even been upset about it.
Gardevoir sighed. "If that human cannot protect you, I want you to be able to protect yourself. Before you leave, you must master my techniques."
Ralts was stunned before a smile spread across her face. "Dad… does this mean you're letting me go?"
Gardevoir shook its head in resignation. "I can't keep you chained to me forever."
Ralts had snuck out many times before, nearly getting captured by humans. Had Gardevoir not arrived in time on those occasions, the consequences would have been dire.
Rather than let her run off recklessly again, it was better to support her choice.
Besides, as a Gardevoir, it could naturally sense the emotions of humans. And the one Ralts had chosen… was a good person.
"Thank you, Dad! You're the best!" Ralts cried joyfully, throwing herself into Gardevoir's arms.
Albus had no idea what was happening in the forest.
After Christmas, students had a short period of classes before their final holiday of the year—winter vacation.
As the break approached, Albus pondered his plans.
The entire school would be closed, the cafeteria shut down, and all the teachers would leave for the holiday. With temperatures dropping below zero, most traveling trainers would return home to wait for spring. This would make it difficult to find wild Pokémon to train with.
He had two choices:
Stay at the school and live in the dormitory.
Travel to Melbourne City for a vacation.
Because of its proximity to Chimney Mountain, Melbourne City had a mild and humid climate, even in winter—an ideal place to soak in hot springs.
Albus didn't want to stay cooped up in bed all winter. Glancing at his growing bank balance, he finally decided to leave for Melbourne City.
"Just think of it as a well-earned break," he told himself.
Aside from Melbourne City, there was also Autumn Leaf Town at the foot of Chimney Mountain. Due to its location, volcanic ash often drifted there, making the vegetation lush.
However, that wasn't what interested Albus. What caught his attention was the Gorgeous Contest Hall in Autumn Leaf Town!
Where there were contests, there were trainers. And where there were trainers, there were Pokémon battles.
Unlike Adelaide City, where he had struggled to find opponents in the wild, in Autumn Leaf Town, he would have plenty of opportunities to battle.
With that, Albus's winter vacation plans were set.
Now, all that was left was to prepare.
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