The Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park.
After a brief fifteen-minute break,
Li Wei and Blue's match began first.
This had been Li Wei's request.
He had asked to postpone Red and Cynthia's battle, giving them both more time to recover and prepare.
As for which Pokémon he would choose?
Li Wei had made his decision the moment he learned he would be facing Blue.
"Go, Arcanine!"
"Awooo-"
Arcanine ran onto the field from the sidelines and shook his head, his soft, fluffy mane dancing in the wind.
Li Wei's choice surprised many people.
Arcanine was definitely not the strongest member of Li Wei's team. He still had Metagross and Diancie, after all.
But Blue had expected it.
Blue tossed out a Poké Ball as well.
"We had the same idea, Li Wei."
What appeared on the field was...
A majestic Arcanine.
Arcanine vs Arcanine!
Darkrai had told Li Wei
that it could enter the match and follow his commands.
But Li Wei had refused.
On the night Darkrai had made the offer,
Li Wei had smiled and turned it down.
"I can't rely too much on your power.
This is just a battle."
Darkrai said, "I understand."
Just as with Black Rayquaza and Regigigas, Li Wei would not ask for their help unless it was absolutely necessary.
Li Wei smiled. "If you want to battle Blue, you can go find him yourself another day."
Darkrai shook its head.
"No, I just want to help you."
Having spent a hundred years in Alamos Town,
Darkrai had effectively entered retirement, even though its body had yet to grow old.
It was no longer as eager to fight as it had once been.
Perhaps it had listened to Oración too many times.
If not for Red's invitation and the fighting spirit it had sensed