From Natsume's hazy memories, this Darkrai had always been Alamos Town's silent guardian.
Yet the "Nightmare Pokémon" brought terror in its wake, earning it a cursed reputation among the townsfolk.
Time and again, the locals organized hunting parties—all ending in failure.
To be fair, Natsume would be irritable too if he couldn't sleep.
Forming a militia was understandable.
But few knew the truth: beneath its fearsome exterior, Darkrai had a gentle heart.
It protected Alamos Town out of gratitude—repaying Iris's grandmother for sheltering it in the Pokémon Gardens.
And it was because of the movie "Clash at the Space-Time Tower!" that Natsume held such fondness for Darkrai.
Natsume frowned as he gazed into the distance.
He worried Alamos Town had only agreed to lend Wallace the tower… on one condition.
That condition? For Wallace to use any means necessary to end the nightmares.
And "any means" likely included… defeating Darkrai.
Natsume muttered:
"I'd better head over."
With the worldline shifting, he couldn't guarantee the plot would unfold as he remembered.
If Wallace did clash with Darkrai…
And if the Temporal and Spatial Dragons showed up…
Wouldn't we all be doomed?
Besides… he happened to have a way to stop the nightmares.
Natsume pulled out the Lunar Feather.
Iris's grandmother hadn't considered one flaw in her kindness—Darkrai's presence tormented the town.
But if Darkrai could earn the townspeople's trust, settle down peacefully…
With centuries of life, wouldn't it know where every hidden treasure was buried?
"The mayor's reward doesn't matter!"
Natsume tightened the Poké Balls on his belt, transforming into a 'monster hunter.'
"I just love playing cards—wait, no—I love justice!"
"Gengar~!" Gengar floated beside him, eyes blazing with determination.
In this town, it sensed something… familiar.
Maybe here, it could find a way to grow stronger!
"Gotta finish this before Ash arrives."
Natsume stared at the vast lake separating him from town, then sighed.
"First… how do we cross this…?"
He side-eyed Rotom. "This is your navigation? Leading us into the middle of the lake?"
Rotom Dex beeped proudly. "Most efficient route! Rotom!"
The world's dumbest GPS was trying to drown them.
Natsume sighed, reaching for a Dive Ball to summon Blastoise—
When a shadow fell over them.
A hot air balloon, shaped like Meowth, descended from the cloudless sky.
"EXECUTIVE!!"
Team Rocket's trio leaned over the basket, waving frantically in their white uniforms.
"We're here to ferry you across!!"
Natsume's pupils shrank. A cold sweat dripped down his temple.
Team Rocket… here?
Did that mean Ash—and the space-time gods—were on their way too?!
Natsume steadied himself. "Jessie's here for the Wallace Cup. It's just a coincidence!"
The balloon landed beside him. Meowth, perched on Wobbuffet's head, crossed its arms.
"Dis balloon's made of insulated material! Shockproof, baby! Meowth's latest invention!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Whatever. Just get me to town. Fast." Natsume stepped aboard.
James blinked. "Executive… why are you sweating so much?"
"Heat."
"But ya look pale, meow…"
"One more word, and I'm transferring you to Africa."
"NOOO—SUCH A HORRIBLE FEEEEELING! o(╥﹏╥)o"
"Wobbuffet!"
...
Alamos Town, Pokémon Gardens
Shaded by lush greenery, a crystal-clear stream wound through the center of the gardens.
Fruit trees heavy with bounty lined the paths, while Shinx, Aipom, and Marill played leisurely among them.
Perched on a marble railing, a girl in a dress swung her legs, blowing a leaf whistle—its melody soft and soothing.
"Iris!"
A bespectacled researcher, Tonio, hurried over with a tablet in hand, his expression frantic.
"Alamos Town isn't safe right now. You should leave as soon as possible!"
Iris gazed at Tonio quietly, a faint smile in her clear eyes.
"Wherever Tonio goes, I go."
The researcher flushed red, stammering, "B-But—!"
"No buts!"
A well-dressed nobleman strode up behind them, arms crossed, declaring loudly:
"The recent disturbances are undoubtedly Darkrai's doing!"
The two froze.
"And I, Baron Alberto, have already assembled an expeditionary force."
Alberto placed a hand over his chest, brimming with pride. "The ever-graceful Champion Wallace will also lend us his aid!"
"Champion Wallace… is joining the hunt for Darkrai?" Tonio adjusted his glasses nervously.
"Hmph, enough talk."
Alberto's gaze shifted, his voice softening. "Once I defeat Darkrai, Miss Iris…"
"I'm sorry, Alberto. My heart already belongs to someone." Iris hugged Tonio's arm, offering an apologetic smile.
"Guh—!"
Alberto stumbled back a step.
…Was he the clown here?
"Hmph! Just wait—I will bring Darkrai down!" Baron Alberto stormed off in a huff.
Tonio scratched his head, looking at Iris.
"I don't think Darkrai means any harm."
"Grandmother once told me she met Darkrai… even helped it," Iris murmured.
Tonio stiffened. The reason for Darkrai's sudden rampage, the rift in the sky—it all seemed to click.
"I need to check the library for more records!" He dashed off in a fluster.
Iris watched him go, sighing before resuming her leaf whistle.
It was a song her grandmother had taught her.
A melody said to soothe rage and hatred—"Oración."
...
Festival in the Plaza
The marble-paved town was alive with decorations. People filled the square, dancing to tap rhythms, playing accordions, celebrating the festival.
A few bold girls twirled past Natsume, only to be completely ignored. Their friends burst into teasing, silvery laughter.
"Sure is lively," James remarked. The team had changed back into casual wear.
"They're celebrating the Wallace Cup and the traditional festival," Jessie explained.
"But," Meowth glanced around, "everyone's got real dark circles under their eyes, meow."
"Gengar has dark circles too."
"Gengar!" Gengar pulled down its eyelids, flashing its crimson eyes at Meowth, who yelped and scrambled back.
"Gengar~ (≧▽≦)ツ" It doubled over laughing.
"Executive!" Meowth whined.
"Philippines or UAE?"
"Never mind, meow~" Meowth rubbed its paws together sheepishly.
Natsume's gaze drifted toward the towering Space-Time Tower in the distance, his mood complicated.
At least Cynthia wouldn't arrive for a while—she'd avoid the danger.
But unlike Ash, he didn't have that special resilience. Darkrai still hadn't appeared.
Closing his eyes, Natsume reached out with his Aura senses but found nothing.
"Let's go find Mr. Wallace first!" Jessie clasped her hands, eyes sparkling. "I heard he arrived today!"
Natsume nodded.
Wallace was handling negotiations with Alamos Town's leaders.
If Darkrai did show up, he'd know.
…Or maybe this was all paranoia. Maybe this wasn't even the Temporal and Spatial Dragons arc—
BOOM!
A flock of Starly burst from the square in panic.
The clash of moves echoed, followed by cheers from spectators.
"Battle exhibition today?" Natsume asked.
"It's a tournament for the festival, meow!" Meowth grinned. "A long-standing tradition!"
James pointed. "Over there."
Natsume blinked.
If this was a battle tournament, then the most likely participant would be—
On the marble battlefield, a young man in a blue vest raised his hand, commanding:
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Team Rocket: "THE TWERP!?"
Natsume had a complicated look on his face.
The opening theme of every movie seemed to play in his ears.
Pikachu shot forward like a white streak, leaping high as crackling electricity engulfed its body.
The opposing Empoleon took the full brunt—instantly knocked out.
"Way to go, Pikachu!" Ash high-fived Pikachu's tail.
Natsume looked up at the sky, suddenly feeling his eyes grow damp.
There he was.
The unstoppable battle prodigy of the movie openings—Ash Ketchum.
--------------------------------------
No More Waiting - The Story is Complete!
Love what you're reading? Get instant access to the entire story—all 380+ chapters are available right now!
👉 Unlock everything: patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
--------------------------------------