Based on Lu Ye's vague memories, this Darkrai had always been guarding White Poplar Town.
However, as the 'Nightmare God', Darkrai brought nightmares and was thus considered ominous by the local residents.
The townspeople had organized hunting parties multiple times, but all ended in failure.
To be fair, Lu Ye would also become irritable if he couldn't sleep properly.
Organizing hunting parties was understandable.
It's just that very few people understood Darkrai - beneath its seemingly ferocious appearance lay a gentle heart.
It protected White Poplar Town to repay Grandma Alice for allowing it to inhabit the Pokémon Garden.
It was precisely because of the movie "The Rise of Darkrai" that Lu Ye developed deep fondness for Darkrai.
Lu Ye gazed into the distance, frowning slightly.
And those conditions likely involved Wallace using various methods to eliminate the townspeople's nightmares.
Among those methods, there was a high probability it included defeating Darkrai...
"I should go there first."
With the worldline changed, he couldn't guarantee 100% accuracy of the plot.
If Wallace and Darkrai really ended up fighting...
When the Temporal-Spatial Twin Dragons appeared, wouldn't everyone present have to surrender?
Moreover, he happened to have a method to dispel nightmares.
Lu Ye took out the [Lunar Wing].
Grandma Alice's approach back then had its shortcomings - she didn't consider how Darkrai might trouble the townspeople.
If Darkrai could gain the townspeople's recognition and settle down peacefully...
Having lived for centuries, wouldn't it know where all the treasure chests were buried in town?
"Whether the mayor offers a reward or not doesn't matter!"
At this moment, Teacher Lu transformed into a 'Witcher', tightening the Pokéballs on his belt.
"Mainly because I like playing cards... no, I mean upholding justice!"
"Gengarrr~" Haunter floated beside him with determined eyes.
In this town, it sensed an extremely familiar aura.
Perhaps here it could find a way to become stronger!
"We need to solve this before Ash arrives."
Lu Ye looked at the wide lake separating him from the town, pondering:
"First, we need to figure out how to cross..."
"Is this your navigation result?"
Lu Ye glanced at Rotom, "Leading us to the middle of the lake?"
The Rotom Dex proudly declared: "This is the shortest route, Rotom!"
The silly navigation was taking them by water!
Lu Ye sighed lightly, taking out a Dive Ball to summon Blastoise for crossing.
Under the clear sky with drifting clouds, a hot air balloon approached.
Hearing someone shout, Lu Ye looked up.
The Meowth-shaped balloon slowly descended as the trio in white uniforms waved vigorously:
"We're here to take you across the river!!"
Lu Ye's pupils contracted, a drop of cold sweat running down his forehead.
Te-Team Rocket appearing here?
Didn't that mean Ash and the Temporal-Spatial Twin Dragons were also on their way?
Lu Ye: "Stay calm... Musashi is here for the Mikuri Cup, so her presence in White Poplar Town makes sense!"
The balloon landed beside them. Meowth stood on Wobbuffet's head, arms crossed proudly:
"This is Meowth's latest hot air balloon model, made with insulating materials - it's shockproof, meow!"
"Whatever... let's get to White Poplar Town quickly." Lu Ye said.
Jiro asked: "Executive, why are you sweating so much?"
"But your face looks pale too, meow."
"Stop asking or I'll transfer you to Africa."
"Nooo~ what a horrible feeling! o(╥﹏╥)o"
White Poplar Town, Pokémon Garden.
Shaded by greenery with a crystal-clear stream running through, abundant fruit trees grew here.
Shinx, Aipom, Marill... Pokémon played leisurely.
On the marble railing, a girl in a dress swung her legs while playing a leaf whistle, its melody lingering sweetly.
Bespectacled researcher Tony rushed over with a tablet.
"White Poplar Town is dangerous recently, you should leave soon!"
Alice quietly watched Tony, her clear eyes showing a hint of smile:
"Where Tony goes, I go."
The researcher blushed, protesting: "B-but!"
A well-dressed noble approached, arms crossed, declaring loudly:
"The recent anomalies are definitely caused by Darkrai!"
"And I, Baron Alberto, have organized a hunting party."
Alberto placed a hand on his chest, smugly proud: "The equally elegant Champion Wallace will assist us!"
"Champion Wallace is also hunting Darkrai?" Tony adjusted his glasses, stammering.
Alberto shifted his gaze, voice softening: "After I defeat Darkrai, Miss Alice..."
"Sorry Alberto, I already like someone else." Alice hugged Tony's arm with an apologetic smile.
Alberto stepped back.
W-was I the clown all along?
"Hmph, just wait! I'll definitely defeat Darkrai!" Baron Alberto left angrily.
Tony looked at Alice, scratching his head:
"I don't think Darkrai means any harm."
Alice: "Grandma mentioned she once met Darkrai, even helped it..."
Tony froze - why Darkrai suddenly went berserk, the spatial rift above... everything seemed to make sense now.
"I need to return to the library for more research!" Tony hurried off.
Alice watched Tony's retreating figure with a helpless smile, continuing her leaf whistle.
It was the song Grandma taught her.
The legendary melody said to calm anger and hatred - "Oración".
The marble-paved town was decorated with lanterns as people gathered in the square - tap dancing, playing accordions, celebrating.
Several bold girls twirled past Lu Ye.
After being ignored, their companions burst into bell-like teasing laughter.
"Looks so lively." Jiro and others had changed back to casual clothes.
"That's because they're celebrating the Mikuri Cup and traditional festivals." Musashi answered.
"But," Meowth looked around, "these people all have heavy dark circles, meow."
Lu Ye: "Haunter also has dark circles."
"Gengarrr!" Haunter deliberately pulled down its eyelids to show its blood-red eyes, scaring Meowth back several steps.
"Gengarrr~o(*≧▽≦)ツ" Haunter rocked with laughter.
Meowth complained: "Executive!"
Lu Ye: "Philippines or UAE?"
"Never mind meow~" Meowth rubbed its hands sheepishly.
Lu Ye looked at the magnificent Tower of Time and Space in the distance, feeling complicated.
Fortunately, Cynthia wouldn't arrive for a while yet, avoiding danger.
But lacking Ash's 'special constitution', Darkrai hadn't appeared despite waiting.
Closing his eyes, Lu Ye's Aura sensing yielded nothing.
"Let's find Mr. Wallace first!" Musashi's eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands by her face, "I heard he arrived today."
Wallace was handling affairs with White Poplar Town's officials.
If Darkrai truly appeared, he would know.
Unless... he was just being paranoid and this wasn't the Temporal-Spatial Twin Dragons plot at all—
A flock of Starly scattered from the square.
The sound of clashing moves followed by audience cheers.
Lu Ye: "Is there a battle performance today?"
"It's the festival's battle competition, meow!" Meowth smiled. "Annual tradition."
Jiro pointed into the distance: "Over there."
Mentioning battle competitions, the most likely participant would be...
On the marble square's battlefield, a blue-vested youth commanded energetically:
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Team Rocket: "The twerp!?"
Lu Ye's expression turned complicated.
The opening theme of Pokémon movies seemed to play in his ears.
Pikachu became a white streak leaping forward, then jumped high, body glowing with brilliant electricity.
An opposing Empoleon was engulfed, instantly knocked out.
"Great job, Pikachu!" Ash high-fived Pikachu's tail.
Teacher Lu looked up, suddenly feeling his eyes moisten.
The opening movie protagonist, the undefeatable Ash!