March 30th, Tuesday, Alamos Town.
The picturesque Alamos Town, with its crystal-clear river winding through breathtaking gardens and a towering clock spire, was a sight to behold.
The grand gardens and the spire, designed by the genius architect Gaudí, stood as the town's most iconic landmarks.
And that clock tower had another, far more famous name—the Space-Time Tower.
Inside a dusty library attic,
a bespectacled researcher frantically rummaged through a room cluttered with scattered blueprints and stacked books.
"No… not this one… Where's the ancient text on Darkrai…?"
Finally, the researcher slumped onto the floor, removed his glasses, and pulled out a photo from his shirt pocket.
It was a picture of a cheerful girl hugging his shy, awkward self, both of them smiling brightly.
Tony took a deep breath, steeling his resolve before diving back into the sea of books.
"If I can just find that book… the one documenting the Darkrai legend…"
"Then I can find a way to stop the nightmares… and summon Darkrai!"
Dong— dong— dong—
The majestic tower's solemn chimes echoed across the flower-scented town.
A flock of Starly soared overhead.
Young boys and girls, hand in hand, laughed as they tap-danced across the marble plaza.
"Did you hear? The famous Mr. Wallace is visiting Alamos Town today!"
"Because of the Wallace Cup, right? We'll get to see another dazzling performance!"
"But… what about that shadow haunting the town…?"
"It's fine! I heard Natsume-sensei is coming too! With two Champions here, they'll definitely drive it away!"
A crisp breeze swept across the outskirts, sending ripples through the wild grass.
A sleek, rose-red convertible cruised down the country road.
Wallace, in his white hat, kept one hand on the wheel and the other resting on the windowsill, breathing in the earthy fragrance.
"Back in Alamos Town again."
He smiled wistfully. "Every time I come here, I'm overwhelmed by its beauty."
"You seem to visit often," his assistant remarked with a chuckle.
Wallace didn't deny it, his gaze lingering on the distant Space-Time Tower.
"That tower… it's a masterpiece of artistry."
"Hosting the Wallace Cup there would be an honor."
The assistant flipped through her notes. "Audiences and contestants will arrive at the main stage soon."
"Natsume-sensei and Madam Fantina are also on their way." She closed her notebook.
"Say, Saori." Wallace glanced at the road ahead, intrigued. "What kind of person do you think Natsume-sensei really is?"
Pidgey scattered from the fields, wings flapping toward the sky. Budew peeked at the passing car before pretending it hadn't noticed.
"Hard to describe."
The assistant pondered for a long moment. "He acts like he's broke, yet he donates prize money without hesitation."
"As a Top Coordinator, his style is unconventional—completely different from the norm."
"And as a Champion…"
She paused. "Some say he enjoys Baby Cup battles, but I think he's like Unova's Champion Alder—scouting fresh talent."
"Just like Master Juan mentored you, and you mentored Ruby."
"Natsume-sensei's obsession with rookie tournaments? He's just searching for a successor."
Wallace burst into laughter, his voice echoing across the wilderness.
"Saori, you're absolutely right!"
The green-haired artist's smile faded slightly, his eyes gleaming.
"To him, money, fame, power… they're all trivial."
"What he truly wants is to embrace the title of 'teacher'—to spread knowledge and ideals."
"Isn't that why you started the Wallace Cup?" the assistant teased.
Wallace nodded, feeling a kinship with Natsume-sensei—much like the trust he shared with Steven.
Natsume-sensei would understand.
And then, atop the Space-Time Tower…
Wallace gazed at the spire, grinning.
He'd challenge Natsume-sensei.
He'd show the world the beauty of a dazzling battle!
Bluetooth connecting to Steven's line, Wallace chuckled:
"Steven, my apologies. I might just battle Natsume-sensei before you do!"
The blue-haired suit-wearing man blinked in surprise.
Wallace, ever the gentleman, rarely initiated battles.
Even becoming Hoenn's Champion had required multiple pleas from Steven himself.
Yet now, he was eager to face Natsume-sensei…
Steven realized—perhaps it was their shared identity as Coordinators that sparked Wallace's competitive spirit.
"Good luck."
Steven smirked.
"Try not to owe him your life like I did."
Wallace's green bangs fluttered in the wind as he smirked, eyes sharp.
"Even in an all-out battle…"
"I'll make it a performance worth remembering!"
...
Natsume stood atop a hill overlooking Alamos Town, the wild grass brushing against his legs.
Across the lake, the uniquely styled town stood proudly, its most striking feature being the towering, spiral-carved twin spires of one colossal structure.
His pupils reflected the towering peaks as he pressed his lips together.
This thing… looks familiar.
Rotom Dex cheerfully explained: "Alamos Town's clock tower, also known as the Space-Time Tower, is Gaudí's most famous work!"
"Rotom, silent mode."
Natsume massaged his temples. "I need a moment."
"System overload… Rotom! (⊙x⊙;)"
If Alamos Town had only vaguely rung a bell…
The Space-Time Tower sent a chill down his spine.
This landmark was iconic enough to name a movie after it.
A catastrophe rivaling Hoenn's awakening of ancient deities—a clash between two gods!
"The Battle of Space-Time Tower! Dialga VS Palkia…"
Natsume muttered the movie's title, his expression grim.
If I get caught in that… even 100,000 lives wouldn't be enough!
He glanced up at the clear blue sky.
Everything was peaceful. The town's cheerful music drifted in the distance.
Maybe I'm overthinking it.
Just passing through doesn't mean we're dealing with time-space dragons.
Though timeline-wise, Ash is traveling through Sinnoh… and the first movie's events should be soon—
Suddenly, a shiver ran down his spine.
He whipped around, scanning the area.
After confirming Ash wasn't nearby, he exhaled in relief.
As long as the Chosen One isn't here, the plot won't start… probably.
All he needed to do was meet up with Moe-Moe!, then get her out of this death trap.
Sure, Cynthia was strong.
But Ash's protagonist immunity meant he'd handle it alone. No need to drag her into danger.
Natsume checked the group chat—Ash wasn't arriving today. Good.
He'd just tell Wallace he was "sick" and couldn't judge!
As he turned to leave, his eyes lingered on the Space-Time Tower.
A thought crossed his mind.
…Or maybe, before Ash shows up… I could save Darkrai first?