On the evening of September 8,
at the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park.
The first day of the Water Balloon Music Festival had ended smoothly, and the clamor had died down.
Swan Lake lay mirror-smooth, reflecting the bright moon and stars.
After Li Wei, Red, and the others finished eating,
Darkrai, who had arrived early that morning, finally appeared.
Li Wei had known since early morning that Darkrai was there.
During the afternoon's Water Balloon Music Festival, Li Wei had also spotted Darkrai.
But whether he would willingly appear in front of so many people was another question, so Li Wei had never gone looking for him.
To his surprise, Darkrai had appeared on his own.
Lance asked quietly, "Is he the Darkrai from Alamos Town?"
Li Wei nodded. "That's right."
Red, Blue, and the others had already met Darkrai before.
Darkrai gazed at Red.
"I'm here."
Darkrai had come at Red's invitation.
Li Wei: "???"
Li Wei stared at Red and Darkrai in utter bewilderment.
"What's going on?"
Yellow smiled brightly. "Red invited Darkrai to a battle, and Darkrai agreed."
Li Wei nodded in understanding. He should have thought of that sooner.
Red pulled his cap lower, the corners of his mouth lifting. "All right."
Pikachu, perched on Red's shoulder, perked up too. "Pika!"
At the battle arena in the Breeding Center's backyard.
The air still held the cheerful mist from the daytime water-gun fights, but anticipation had now taken its place.
Ash was thrilled. "Yes! We get to watch Red battle!"
Li Wei said, "No cheering."
Come on, a battle between Red and Darkrai won't demolish my home, will it?!
Since this was a battle between Red and Darkrai,
Steven, Lorelei, Lance, Cynthia, Diantha... all of them were intensely interested.
The Pokémon were no exception. Lucario, Zeraora, Garchomp, and