December 15th, the weather is clear.
In the picturesque Eterna City, clear rivers flow slowly, passing through one magnificent courtyard after another, bringing a continuous stream of vitality to this town, where two clock towers soar into the clouds.
Winter seems unable to affect this town that resembles a fairy-tale world; the sky remains blue, the ground green, the water emerald, and the clouds white.
These two clock towers, designed by the genius architect Godey, are magnificent and atmospheric, becoming the most distinctive landmarks of Eterna City.
People call these two towering, magnificent, and solemn clock towers the "Spear Pillar."
At this moment, within the Spear Pillar, in a simple and unsophisticated library alcove.
A Researcher wearing glasses was constantly searching for some information; the floor was covered with drawings, documents, and books.
"No, not this one, and not this one either—"
Connie had an anxious expression.
"If I can just find that book, I can solve the problem of Darkrai—"
Connie pulled a photo out of his upper pocket—
In the photo, an enthusiastic and cheerful girl was hugging his shy self.
"If I find that book, I can solve Darkrai's problem, right?"
Connie muttered to the photo, then continued to immerse himself in various ancient books.
Meanwhile, outside of Eterna City, Ash and his group were looking at the town across the river.
"Wow—is this Eterna City?"
Dawn, holding her Piplup, looked at the magnificent town across the river and couldn't help but exclaim.
"It's so beautiful—"
"So how are we supposed to get across?"
Ash looked at the river blocking their path and scratched his head, asking.
Seeing this, Brock closed the map and remained silent.
"Hey, I say, Brock, you didn't lead us the wrong way again, did you?"
Dawn looked at Brock with an unfriendly gaze and asked.
Brock wanted to make an excuse at first, but finally hung his head.
"Forget it, forget it, we're used to it."
Dawn waved her hand and said.
Just as the three were at a loss, a hot air balloon flew over with a girl on it, who waved to Ash and the others.
Thanks to the help of the girl, Alice, Ash and the others crossed the river and arrived at Eterna City, which was preparing to host a Pokémon Contest.
Wallace walked out of the Spear Pillar and looked at the extremely beautiful scenery before him.
"Back in Eterna City again. The scenery here is truly something one never tires of looking at."
Wallace said.
"The wind here blows with a warm and happy atmosphere."
At this time, the assistant beside him picked up the conversation, "Isn't that exactly why you've returned to Twinleaf Town so many times?"
Wallace laughed, "Yes, the scenery here is truly unforgettable. So when Lucas agreed to let me attend the Pokémon Contest as a special guest, I decided to set the venue in Eterna City."
"I want him to see a scenery similar to his Breeding House."
"Lucas—"
The assistant muttered to himself; it was a name he hadn't heard of.
"You'll know who he is when the time comes."
Wallace glanced at his phone and then spoke: "Let's go, we're going to pick up a distinguished guest."
The assistant followed Wallace's footsteps, "Who? That Lucas?"
Wallace shook his head, "A very powerful Champion Trainer."
After saying that, he sensed something, stopped his pace, and looked up at the sky, "Here she comes."
The assistant, Saori, looked up and saw a figure descending from the sky.
Cynthia?!
Saori was incredibly surprised.
Cynthia, wearing high heels, jumped down from Garchomp's back.
"Long time no see, Wallace."
"I hope you've been well, Champion Cynthia."
Wallace gave a proper greeting, "I really didn't expect you to come watch the Pokémon Contest."
Cynthia put both hands into her trench coat pockets; the climate in Eterna City was mild, so she revealed her face from her scarf.
"I heard you invited Lucas as a special guest for the Pokémon Contest?"
Wallace was startled, thought of something, and said while standing: "Yes, I suppose Champion Cynthia is looking forward to Lucas's performance?"
Cynthia nodded, "I've come to see. Actually, I was also thinking of inviting him to be a special guest at the Lily of the Valley Conference."
A special guest for the Lily of the Valley Conference?
"I'm sure he wouldn't refuse."
Hearing Wallace's words, Cynthia thought of something and laughed, "He'll most likely refuse."
Wallace didn't understand why she would say that.
"Eterna City actually agreed to lend you the Spear Pillar to hold the Pokémon Contest?"
Cynthia was very curious about this.
"Because some things have been happening in Eterna City recently. The condition for lending me the Spear Pillar was for me to help solve these matters."
"Hmm?"
Wallace told Cynthia about the video of Darkrai.
"So, the condition is for you to help resolve the Darkrai nightmare incident?"
Hearing Cynthia's question, Wallace nodded.
"Exactly."
"Darkrai? The Mythical Pokémon, said to bring nightmares to people."
Cynthia narrowed her eyes.
She remembered Lucas mentioning that someone seemed to be entering this year's Lily of the Valley Conference with a Mythical Pokémon.
"Leave this matter to me to handle; you just focus on the affairs of the Pokémon Contest."
Cynthia said.
"But this—"
Wallace looked at Cynthia's expression; after all, this was the Sinnoh region. He would just prepare a gift to thank her later.
"Then I shall trouble Champion Cynthia."
Cynthia waved her hand and then left in her high heels.
"I am the Sinnoh Champion after all; this matter should have been my responsibility anyway."
Watching Cynthia's departing back, Wallace turned and returned to the Spear Pillar.
Inside the Pokémon Garden.
A stream flowed through the middle, crystal clear, and the garden was full of greenery.
In the garden, Infernape, Grotle, Azumarill, Shinx, Aipom, and other Pokémon were closing their eyes.
Feeling the music Alice was playing with a leaf.
Alice, wearing a dress, sat on a rock and played 'oración' with a leaf, a song her grandmother had taught her.
"Alice."
The Researcher Connie came over with an anxious look, "Something very dangerous is going to happen here recently. You should leave for a while—"
"Wherever Connie is, I'll be there too."
Alice interrupted Connie with a smile, making Connie's face turn red.
"But—"
"It's okay, Connie. You'll protect me, right?"
Connie scratched his head, "But you still should—"
Alice directly hugged Connie's arm, her smile sweet.
"Don't worry, Alice, I, Baron Alberto, will protect you."
The sudden voice startled Connie and Alice.
Alberto was still going on at length.
"I know the culprit behind this; it's Darkrai's doing."
"Darkrai?"
Connie and Alice looked at each other.
Alberto nodded, "Don't worry, I've already organized a subjugation team. Once we defeat the evil Darkrai, the town will return to normal."
"At that time, Alice, you—"
Only then did Alberto notice that Alice was hugging Connie's arm.
Alberto took two steps back.
"Sorry, Alberto, I already have someone I like."
Alice hugged Connie's arm even tighter.
Alberto: ————
Mom, I've had my heart broken. (*)
He turned and left, "Just you wait, I will definitely defeat Darkrai."
After Alberto left, Connie looked at Alice, "The books say Darkrai isn't bad."
Alice nodded, "Grandmother once told me she had seen Darkrai and even saved it, so it probably has some hidden troubles."
Connie was startled. Hidden troubles—
The rift in time and space overhead—
"Alice, go home first. Wait for me, I'm going to find something and will be back soon."
Connie finished and turned to leave.
Alice watched Connie's hurried departure and gave a helpless smile.
Then she continued to play the song that was legendary for being able to calm anger and hatred—'oración'—with a leaf.