Recaps

Li Wei livestreamed his plans to turn the central plaza into a showcase of lifelike Legendary Pokémon statues and sent Yellow off with rare golden Pokéblocks for Darkrai. Afterward, he joined Cynthia to work on a research report.

• Li Wei showed viewers the plaza’s statues of Arceus, Giratina, the other Sinnoh dragons, Regigigas, Rayquaza, and other Legendary Pokémon, then described plans to add more statues and make the plaza an AR attraction.
• Li Wei explained that the plaza was also a gift for Cynthia, who loved the legends behind Legendary Pokémon and shared those stories with Trainers.
• Li Wei ended the livestream and gave Yellow three jars of golden Pokéblocks, one for her and two as gifts for Darkrai.
• Li Wei had Corviknight fly Yellow safely to her destination, and Yellow thanked him before they departed.
• Li Wei brought Smoked Apricorn Juice to Cynthia, and they began working on a research report while their Pokémon trained outside.

Yellow visited Gaudí's Courtyard in Alamos Town, where she met Alice, Tonio, and Darkrai and learned how the town was helping Darkrai recover from the recent disaster. The residents had begun accepting Darkrai, and the town was making changes to protect its home and ease its nightmares.

• Yellow arrived at Gaudí's Courtyard with Corviknight, greeted the Pokémon there, and warmly welcomed Darkrai as it emerged from the shadows.
• Alice and Tonio told Yellow that reports of Darkrai saving people had helped replace fear with gratitude and acceptance, and that Darkrai had begun venturing outside the courtyard.
• Yellow asked about Darkrai's nightmares, and Alice explained that Baron Albert had funded Oración music boxes for every household to soothe them and express apologies and gratitude to Darkrai.
• Tonio gave Yellow one of the music boxes, which bore a message from Albert, and Yellow revealed that Li Wei had told her about Albert's Lickilicky transformation.
• The town decided to relocate residents near Gaudí's Courtyard, create more natural habitat around the Time Tower for Darkrai, and develop a special edition of Silent Oración with the Devon Research Institute.

Yellow began training Darkrai to control its nightmare energy in Gaudí's Courtyard, using the Viridian Force and a method inspired by Norman and Slaking. Darkrai managed to contain its energy for a few seconds, and Yellow encouraged it to keep practicing.

• Li Wei, Cynthia, Steven, Nurse Joy, and the town officials arranged Music Boxes, the Silent Oración, and relocated residents to reduce the harm caused by Darkrai's nightmares.
• Yellow decided to train with Darkrai for several weeks, while Alice felt reassured and left them to begin their routine in Gaudí's Courtyard.
• Yellow told Darkrai how Norman had helped Slaking overcome its Truant Ability, inspiring Darkrai to believe its own limits could be changed.
• Yellow used the Viridian Force to help Darkrai sense its nightmare energy and contain it when Luxray's Thunderbolt triggered an instinctive response.
• Darkrai successfully reined in its nightmare energy for a few seconds, and Yellow urged it to try again.

Yellow trained Darkrai to control its nightmare energy, and the two reaffirmed their friendship with Li Wei. Darkrai followed Yellow toward Jubilife City, while Li Wei’s Radar detected it approaching his city.

• Yellow guided Darkrai through exercises that helped it briefly contain the range of its nightmares.
• Yellow gave Darkrai the Pokéblocks from Li Wei, and Darkrai recalled that Li Wei had called them friends rather than asking it to become his partner.
• Yellow encouraged Darkrai to visit Li Wei, and Darkrai agreed to go.
• At dusk, Yellow flew back toward Jubilife City with Corviknight while Darkrai followed in its shadow.
• Alice planned a trip for Alamos Town residents to the Pokémon Theme Park and considered waiting for Li Wei’s event.
• Li Wei and Cynthia worked on a special report when his Radar detected Darkrai moving toward him.

Darkrai arrived at Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park hidden in Corviknight’s shadow, curious about the place and determined to see Yellow safely back. Li Wei welcomed Darkrai and introduced it to his family, friends, and Pokémon over a special dinner.

• Corviknight brought Yellow back to the closed Theme Park, while Darkrai concealed itself in its shadow.
• Cynthia noticed Darkrai emerging from Corviknight’s shadow, and Li Wei’s Pokémon hurried over to greet the newcomer.
• Darkrai explained that it had come to see the Theme Park, and Li Wei invited it to stay for dinner and meet everyone.
• Li Wei introduced Darkrai to his family, friends, and Pokémon, who welcomed it with casual warmth and took a photo.
• Dayou and Incineroar recommended Candied Sweet Potato to Darkrai as the group began their meal.

Li Wei and his friends welcomed Darkrai at a banquet, helping Darkrai relax through food, conversation, and Yellow’s reassurance. After dinner, Darkrai agreed to visit again and appeared alongside everyone in a photo by Mirror Lake.

• Yellow, Dayou, and Incineroar encouraged Darkrai to try candied sweet potato, and Darkrai enjoyed it while remembering Alicia and fighting beside Li Wei.
• Li Wei raised a toast to Darkrai, and Darkrai joined the others as they celebrated and talked about Alamos Town, Blue’s business, and Yellow’s training progress.
• Pikachu and Shaymin played around the table while Darkrai listened to the group and gradually became less tense.
• Li Wei asked Darkrai whether Darkrai liked the park, and Darkrai said it was beautiful and agreed to visit again.
• Li Wei, Lucario, Zeraora, Diancie, and Darkrai gathered by Mirror Lake as Rotom took a photo.

After the Alamos Town incident, Li Wei finalized plans for the Pokémon Theme Park and prepared to visit Fullmoon Island to find Cresselia. Meanwhile, Yellow advanced Darkrai’s training, helping it gather and carefully release its nightmare energy.

• Lucian and the International Police searched for the Temporal Dragons while Cynthia and Professor Carolina investigated why they had fought in Alamos Town.
• Cynthia and Li Wei worked on a research report about Sinnoh’s Legendary Pokémon and finalized upcoming Theme Park events.
• Li Wei decided to go to Fullmoon Island to find Cresselia.
• Yellow helped Darkrai progress from gathering nightmare energy to releasing it slowly and precisely.
• Yellow brought Tonio and Alice into Darkrai’s training so it could practice controlling its energy amid distractions.

Darkrai continued training to control the energy from his Nightmare ability, making clear progress and agreeing to battle Red the next evening. As the Pokémon Theme Park festival approached, Darkrai found a growing sense of belonging in Alamos Town while Li Wei and the others gathered in Jubilife City.

• Darkrai trained through September 7, learning to contain his nightmare energy for longer and resist its spread even under Luxray's Thunderbolt.
• Red visited Alamos Town with Blue and Yellow, praised Yellow's training, and invited Darkrai to battle; Darkrai agreed to meet him the following evening in Jubilife City.
• Yellow told Darkrai she would be away for three days, and Darkrai reflected on the friends he had made in the courtyard and the goodwill he felt from them.
• That night, Darkrai practiced holding his energy within his core and gradually blending it into the moonlight, believing he had taken an important step toward control.
• In Jubilife City, Li Wei and his friends prepared for the Water Balloon Music Festival, while Red draped his vest over the sleeping Yellow and the others quietly admired the moon.

Li Wei and his Pokémon finished preparing Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park for the Wave Carnival, a three-day water festival featuring music, performances, and water gun battles. At 8:30, the park opened and visitors streamed in for the festivities.

• Li Wei checked the water gun stations and other preparations with Dayou, Incineroar, Lucario, and Zeraora, then told his Pokémon to take a break and enjoy the event.
• Li Wei promoted the festival and invited guests including Elesa, Diantha, Erika, Roxie, Lance, Lorelei, Steven, Blue, and Red.
• Akin arrived eager to join the festivities, while Diancie prepared a performance with the Carbink.
• Li Wei toasted the start of the festival with the guests and employees gathered in the cafeteria.
• At 8:30, Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park opened, and visitors streamed in for the Water Balloon Music Festival.

Li Wei’s Water Balloon Music Festival opened at the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park with a spectacular Pokémon performance, followed by DJ Elesa and Roxie’s high-energy collaboration. As the crowd’s excitement peaked, Li Wei launched the festival’s water balloon frenzy.

• Li Wei, Lance, Lorelei, Yellow, Blue, Ash, and Cynthia arrived at the festival in waterproof outfits and chose their water guns.
• Four Primarina opened the festival with “Oración” as Pokémon musicians and water displays cooled the audience.
• Elesa made a dramatic entrance, DJed with her Pokémon, and drew Ash’s attention as he challenged her to a battle.
• Roxie and her band joined Elesa for a raucous performance, while Primarina, Popplio, Swanna, and Milotic accompanied them.
• Li Wei announced the water balloon frenzy, and Blastoise and other Water-type Pokémon fired streams of water into the sky.

Li Wei and the festivalgoers joined a chaotic water-gun battle at the Pokémon Theme Park’s Water Balloon Music Festival. As evening fell, the crowd settled down for gentler music, and Diancie's performance was about to begin.

• Li Wei, Elesa, and Roxie launched the festival’s water-gun revelry, and Ash, Dawn, Brock, Pikachu, Cynthia, and the others joined in.
• Cynthia ambushed Green, Steven used Metagross to attack him, and Lorelei froze Lance and his Dragonite after they created huge waves with Twister.
• Zeraora dodged the crowd’s water guns while Lucario blocked shots before striking Li Wei with a water-ball Aura Sphere.
• Metagross used Confusion to fire several water guns at once, then blasted Ash and Pikachu with a volley after Ash hit it.
• Arcanine drenched Ash, Yellow, and the others with a shake, while Dragapult secretly splashed Lance and Green.
• As evening arrived, the crowd listened to gentler music and waited for Diancie's performance.

The first day of the Water Balloon Music Festival ended with Diancie’s spectacular Mega Evolution performance and a park-wide water dance. Li Wei completed the second-stage quest and received a challenging third-stage goal, which he planned to pursue by encouraging visitors to return.

• Sirfetch'd defended participants in the water gun battles, including Alice, with its leek blade and shield.
• Diancie performed with the Carbink, Mega Evolved, and filled the stage with a dazzling Diamond Storm and rainbows.
• Darkrai watched the festival from a building and quietly guarded the happy crowd.
• Li Wei saw the festival end successfully and completed the second-stage quest, earning three Pokémon Item Prize Tickets and two rare Pokémon clues.
• The third-stage quest required one million total visits and 80,000 visitors in a day, with four Pokémon Item Prize Tickets and a random Mythical Pokémon clue as rewards.
• Li Wei announced that tickets bought that day would remain valid through the festival’s third day so he could attract more visits.

Li Wei hosted a welcome dinner for Elesa, Roxie, and the other guests, who learned more about his cooking and his connections to powerful Pokémon. Elesa asked about Regigigas, and after dinner Darkrai arrived to accept Red’s invitation to battle.

• Li Wei formally greeted Elesa, who excitedly admired and cuddled Ash’s Pikachu and Zeraora.
• Roxie told Li Wei she was a fan of his cooking tutorials, and he signed an autograph for her before preparing dinner.
• Roxie tasted Li Wei’s Candied Sweet Potato and burned her mouth, while Cynthia advised her to cool it in water.
• Elesa asked Cynthia whether Regigigas was at the park, and Cynthia offered to take her to see it.
• Darkrai arrived at the restaurant to accept Red’s invitation to battle.

Red and Darkrai began their long-awaited battle at the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park, drawing a crowd of powerful Trainers and Pokémon. Pikachu and Darkrai traded rapid attacks, and Darkrai ended the chapter by swallowing Pikachu’s surprise Thunderbolt with Dark Void.

• Darkrai appeared after dinner and confirmed that he had come at Red’s invitation to battle.
• Lance refereed the one-on-one match as the assembled Trainers and Pokémon watched from the arena’s edge.
• Red opened with Quick Attack, but Darkrai predicted Pikachu’s path and stopped him with Shadow Claw.
• Darkrai evaded Pikachu’s Thunderbolt and tried to seal the move with Disable, but Pikachu dodged the binding field.
• Pikachu used Iron Tail to smash the ground and send rubble at Darkrai, who broke through it with Dark Pulse.
• Red and Pikachu concealed a Thunderbolt behind the smoke, but Darkrai absorbed it with Dark Void.

Red’s Pikachu and Darkrai traded attacks in a close, evenly matched battle, with both trainers adapting to the other’s tactics. The chapter ended as Darkrai used Nasty Plot to raise its power while both Pokémon caught their breath.

• Red had Pikachu use Double Team and Volt Tackle, but Darkrai released nightmare energy and spread Dark Void across the battlefield, weakening the real Pikachu.
• Pikachu spun with Iron Tail to unleash a wide, indiscriminate Thunderbolt that destroyed Darkrai’s copies and struck its real body.
• Darkrai countered with Dark Pulse, but Red had Pikachu block it with Protect.
• Red sent Pikachu in with Volt Tackle, and Darkrai used Shadow Claw to meet the charge while its shadowy body softened the blow.
• Pikachu blocked Darkrai’s follow-up Shadow Claw with Iron Tail, and Darkrai used Nasty Plot to increase its power.

Red's Pikachu and Darkrai fought to a draw in a destructive battle at the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park. Inspired by the match, Cynthia realized that powerful opponents could help Garchomp reach the next level and decided to pursue that opportunity.

• Red's Pikachu and Darkrai exchanged powerful attacks, and Li Wei and Steven protected the arena with Light Screen and Reflect.
• Red's Pikachu and Darkrai unleashed their strongest attacks but redirected them skyward instead of colliding, and Lance declared the battle a draw.
• Red praised Pikachu, while Li Wei and Steven complimented the battle; Blue expressed interest in challenging Darkrai, but Li Wei postponed another match.
• Darkrai returned to Alamos Town, and Cynthia recognized that battles against opponents such as Regigigas, Darkrai, Red, and Blue could help Garchomp take its final step toward challenging Gigantamax Charizard.

Elesa chose a pair of Pikachu to take with her after visiting the Electric-type pavilion with Cynthia, who also showed her Regigigas’s temple. As the Water Balloon Music Festival’s second day began, crowds flocked to the park and Lorelei caught several people following Elesa.

• Cynthia told Elesa that Li Wei had offered her a Pikachu or Pichu, and Elesa eagerly agreed to choose one the next morning.
• Cynthia took Elesa to the Electric-type pavilion, where Elesa showed the Pikachu her Pokémon and defeated a male Pikachu in a battle.
• Elesa chose a young pair of Pikachu that had recently evolved from Pichu and left delighted with her new partners.
• Cynthia introduced Elesa to the twin Temple Shrine Maidens Frost Moon and Frost Star, then showed her the sleeping Regigigas and its dormant Legendary Titan guardians.
• The second day of the Water Balloon Music Festival began as the park drew more visitors, and Lorelei caught Lt. Surge, Brock, Akin, and Lance following Elesa around.

Li Wei’s Pokémon fashion show at the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park opened with Erika, Dawn, and Valerie modeling alongside their Pokémon. The chapter ended as Valerie began her runway performance, after Lance reacted with surprise to Li Wei’s knowledge of Donghuang poetry.

• Yuka hosted the fashion show, welcoming the audience and introducing Erika as the first model.
• Erika walked the runway with Lilligant and Vileplume, whose moves sent fragrant petals drifting over the audience.
• Dawn modeled with Piplup and Galarian Ponyta, earning applause for her confident walk.
• Valerie made a dramatic entrance in an ornate outfit as Li Wei quoted a Donghuang poem about her fan.
• Lance asked Li Wei about his knowledge of Donghuang poetry, then watched as Valerie’s runway performance began.

A Pokémon fashion show at Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park featured Valerie, Lily, Elesa, and Diantha performing with their Pokémon. The models returned to the runway to applause as the crowd looked forward to the water-gun battle.

• Yuka introduced Valerie, whose Sylveon and Spritzee created a glowing, dreamlike runway performance.
• Lily modeled her own designs with Glameow and received enthusiastic cheers.
• Elesa performed in a futuristic LED dress while Emolga and Magnezone synchronized their electric abilities with the music.
• Diantha walked beneath an arch of suspended fountain water created by Gardevoir and Diancie’s Confusion, earning thunderous applause.
• All the models and Pokémon returned to the runway, and the audience praised their different styles while anticipating the water-gun battle.

At the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park, Red and Blue teams fought a chaotic water gun battle for a flag, with both sides bending the rules until Blue won. As the festival’s second day ended, Ash looked forward to the Pokémon battles, while Li Wei doubted he could win the championship.

• Yuka explained the water gun battle rules and assigned participants to Red and Blue teams by wristband.
• Ash led the Red Team’s charge while Green coordinated their flanks, and Steven commanded the Blue Team’s defense.
• Both teams used Pokémon abilities, illusions, fake flags, and other tricks as the battle descended into a free-for-all.
• Akin slid onto the platform and grabbed empty air because Steven’s team had replaced the real flag with a fake.
• Yellow’s Pikachu took the real flag, and Elesa and Diantha declared the Blue Team the winner.
• Brock handed out towels and hot drinks as the festival’s second day ended, and Ash announced he would win the day-three championship.

Red, Blue, Li Wei, and other prominent Trainers entered the Pokémon Theme Park tournament, drawing a huge crowd. After the morning Qualifiers and the round of thirty-two, Dawn advanced to the round of sixteen, while Li Wei’s Darkrai offered to battle for him.

• Red, Blue, Cynthia, Steven, Lance, Lorelei, Valerie, Elesa, and Li Wei decided to enter the tournament, and Darkrai offered to battle for Li Wei after he considered his chances.
• On September 10, Li Wei assigned Red and the others to referee while he took Sirfetch'd around the Qualifiers to defeat challengers.
• Dawn and Gengar advanced through the Qualifiers, while Yellow and Blue stayed out of the competition and Blue turned her attention to making money.
• Pikachu defeated Roark in the round of thirty-two, and Sirfetch'd defeated Fantina's Drifblim with Meteor Assault.
• Dawn's Dratini evolved into Dragonair and defeated Lt. Surge, earning Dawn the final place in the round of sixteen.

The round of 16 began at the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park, with Red, Cynthia, Diantha, and Steven advancing past their opponents. The tournament continued after Silver’s Feraligatr was knocked out by Steven’s Metagross.

• Dawn’s Dragonair defeated Lt. Surge’s Magnemite, sending Dawn into the final sixteen and boosting her confidence.
• Yuka hosted the live broadcast as the sixteen contestants began the single-elimination tournament, and Dawn drew Red as her opponent.
• Red defeated Dawn’s Togekiss with Pikachu after giving her a chance to battle.
• Cynthia defeated Akin’s Typhlosion after Spiritomb used Trick Room and a barrage of Shadow Balls.
• Diantha defeated Brock’s Rhyperior with Gardevoir, while Steven defeated Silver’s Feraligatr with Metagross.

The remaining quarterfinal matches concluded, and Li Wei defeated Ash after Lucario overpowered Sceptile. With all eight quarterfinalists decided, the tournament continued.

• Blue defeated Erika after Blastoise knocked out Vileplume.
• Lance defeated Valerie when Gyarados knocked out Sylveon.
• Lorelei defeated Elesa after Lapras knocked out Emolga.
• Ash sent out Sceptile against Li Wei, but Lucario gained the advantage with Aura Sphere, Bone Rush, and Extreme Speed.
• Li Wei commanded Lucario to use Protect against Leaf Storm and then defeated Sceptile with Close Combat and Sky Uppercut.
• Ash accepted Li Wei's advice to train harder, and the tournament moved on with all eight quarterfinalists decided.

Leon and Raihan reached the Isle of Armor with Mustard just before the quarterfinals, where Leon explained that he wanted to watch Red compete. The first quarterfinal began with Red facing Steven, and both Champions Mega Evolved their Pokémon.

• Leon and Raihan got lost on their way to the Isle of Armor but arrived at the Master Dojo before the quarterfinals began.
• Mustard welcomed Leon and Raihan, and the three ate together while preparing to watch the livestream.
• Leon said he wanted to see how much of a gap remained between him and Red, while Mustard and Raihan discussed the tournament.
• The quarterfinal brackets were announced, with Red facing Steven in the first match.
• Red sent out Charizard and Steven sent out Metagross, and both Trainers Mega Evolved their Pokémon.

Red and Steven began their battle at Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park by Mega Evolving Charizard and Metagross, then traded powerful attacks under Charizard’s harsh sunlight. The fight continued with Metagross advancing through the air as Charizard unleashed a Heat Wave across half the arena.

• Yuka introduced Red’s battle against Steven, and both Trainers Mega Evolved Charizard and Metagross as the match began.
• Red ordered Charizard to use Flamethrower, but Steven lifted Metagross into the air with Magnet Rise to avoid the attack.
• Metagross struck with Bullet Punch and Psychic Fangs, while Charizard blocked the latter with Protect and countered with Flamethrower; Metagross also used Protect.
• Steven fired Flash Cannon, and Red had Charizard dodge and use Solar Beam, which Metagross partially blocked by using Psychic to raise a stone barrier.
• Steven sent Metagross in with Meteor Mash, while Red kept it at a distance with Flamethrower and then unleashed a Heat Wave that covered half the arena.