Early morning, at the Jubilife Breeding Center.
With time running short, Li Wei, Dayou, and the others got up before six.
Fortunately, even though Li Wei had come up with the idea out of the blue, everyone set to work with enthusiasm and a clear plan.
With the vendors who had heard the news joining in, they could still pull it off despite the tight schedule.
First thing in the morning, Dayou brought Incineroar, Lucario, and the other Pokémon along to set things up.
Even Steven's, Lance's, and Cynthia's Pokémon joined in. Not a single Pokémon sat it out.
Machamp carried a pile of timber in all four arms, ready to build a towering bonfire frame in the clearing.
This was the centerpiece of tonight's festivities.
How could they have a bonfire party without a bonfire?
Even in the height of summer.
"Yes, yes, hang it right there!"
"Lucario, pass me that star."
"Luca!"
Standing on a ladder, Dayou took the decoration Lucario handed him and continued decorating the string lights in the tree.
"Kang Jin!"
The two Metagross used their disk-shaped bodies like trays, ferrying supplies everywhere.
"Shana~~"
"Thank you, Gardevoir."
Diantha's Gardevoir and the Gardevoir belonging to Li Wei's mother, Wen Hui, acted as servers, bringing water around.
Having Gardevoir with Teleport deliver water was really a waste of their talents.
"Dragonite, we're decorating, not demolishing!"
"Woo~"
When it came to setting up the venue, Dayou was the undisputed authority.
Even when Dragonite broke a string of decorative lights, Dayou still dared to speak up.
"You're so brave, Dayou!"
The Breeding Center's employees watched in astonishment.
This was Lance's Dragonite, yet even Dragonite seemed meek and timid in front of Dayou.
That was Dayou for you!
After all, this was a man who dared to grapple with Pokémon.