Recaps

Roy awakened Golurk in the Alforf Kingdom’s sealed temple, and Golurk recognized an inexplicable closeness to him. Golurk explained that he was the kingdom’s first Golurk and recounted how a disaster and creatures from sky rifts led the royal family to seal the temple; he ended the chapter lost in sorrowful memories.

• Roy placed Golurk on the Altar, and the temple’s runes joined to shine a beam of light on him.
• Golurk awakened and prepared to attack Roy, but stopped when he felt strangely close to him.
• Roy sensed Golurk’s thoughts, introduced himself, and explained that he had restored the seal on Golurk’s chest.
• Golurk introduced himself as the Alforf Kingdom’s first Golurk and explained that he had guarded the temple since his creation.
• Golurk recalled that, fifteen hundred years earlier, a natural disaster and powerful creatures from sky rifts devastated the kingdom, prompting the royal family to seal the temple with him inside.

Roy told Golurk that the Alforf Kingdom had disappeared about fifteen hundred years ago and helped him realize that protecting the ruins had been meaningful. Golurk struggled with what freedom meant until Roy invited him to explore the modern world, and Golurk agreed to follow him.

• Golurk asked Roy about the Alforf Kingdom and learned that it had vanished roughly fifteen hundred years earlier.
• Golurk wondered whether his duty to protect the ruined temple still mattered, and Roy reassured him that his guardianship had preserved the kingdom’s history for later generations.
• Roy told Golurk that his mission was complete and that he was free, recalling the creator who had promised him freedom once people from a later age opened the ruins.
• Golurk became overwhelmed by the idea of choosing what to do next, so Roy invited him to travel outside and see the modern world.
• Golurk worried that he would hold Roy back, but Roy told him he would be a great help, and Golurk agreed to go with him.

Roy took Golurk from the ancient ruins and guided him into the outside world, where Golurk experienced the moonlight and stars for the first time. The chapter left Roy carrying Golurk in his Poké Ball as he prepared to introduce him to someone.

• Golurk remembered defeating the intruders who had invaded the ruins, then left the altar with Roy after one final look around.
• Roy reassured the uncertain Golurk and took his hand as they walked through the passage toward the exit.
• Officer Jenny and Arcanine prepared to confront Golurk, but Roy identified himself and gave Officer Jenny no explanation beyond saying his research was confidential.
• Outside the ruins, Golurk explored the night sky and repeatedly tried to catch the moonlight in his hand.
• Roy recalled Golurk into his Poké Ball to avoid the people and prying eyes at the camp.

Roy returned to the researchers’ camp and learned that the Ruins of Alph’s murals were connected to Ancient Sinnoh, prompting Professor Carolina to come from Sinnoh. He then showed Professor Oak that Golurk had revived, though he concealed how it had happened, and Oak began examining it.

• Roy found Professor Shuli exhausted from studying and learned that Professor Carolina had been contacted about the murals’ links to Ancient Sinnoh.
• Professor Oak dismissed the researchers crowding his tent, then called Roy back when Roy tried to leave without speaking to him.
• Roy led Professor Oak to an open area and revealed that Golurk had been revived.
• Professor Oak noticed the Sealing Strip covering Golurk’s chest and asked Roy how it had returned to life.
• Roy claimed his energy had revived Golurk and evaded questions about where he had gone that evening.
• Professor Oak examined Golurk while Roy told it to cooperate.

Roy and Professor Oak learned from Golurk that Pokémon from spatial rifts had attacked the Alforf Kingdom over a thousand years ago. Roy recognized the beast Golurk described as Guzzlord, raising questions about Ultra Beasts appearing in Johto and the kingdom’s destruction.

• Professor Oak called Roy’s Golurk the largest he had ever seen and asked Roy to share what it knew about the ruins.
• Roy told Professor Oak that Golurk said a natural disaster had coincided with Pokémon emerging from spatial rifts and attacking humans.
• Golurk described a terrifying beast that nearly broke into the temple before a force from the rift pulled it away, after which Golurk was ordered to guard the ruins.
• Roy recognized the beast as Guzzlord after Golurk confirmed it had two faces, and wondered why Ultra Beasts had attacked the Alforf Kingdom.
• Roy sketched Guzzlord for Professor Oak, who concluded that the unknown Pokémon was an exceptionally powerful extinct species that may have contributed to the kingdom’s destruction.

Roy stayed overnight at the Ruins of Alph and messaged Cynthia, learning that she and her grandmother were traveling to Johto to investigate ruins linked to Arceus. Cynthia confirmed they would arrive at Goldenrod Port in about a week and a half, then struggled to hide how excited she was to see Roy.

• Professor Oak told Roy to stay at the ruins until the next day, and Roy set up a tent outside the researchers' camp.
• Golurk tried to stand guard while Roy slept, but Roy told Golurk to rest and promised to take them out for fun the next day.
• Cynthia's grandmother told her about Johto ruins with Ancient Sinnoh writing and murals connected to Arceus, and Cynthia began packing for their trip.
• Roy messaged Cynthia and sent her a photo of himself at the Ruins of Alph, and Cynthia told him that she and her grandmother would reach Goldenrod Port in about a week and a half.
• After chatting with Roy, Cynthia recalled their past adventures and blushed as she remembered secretly kissing him before leaving Hoenn.
• Garchomp told Glaceon that Cynthia was excited to see Roy, while Cynthia denied it and went to bed.

Cynthia chose which Pokémon would accompany her to Johto, while Roy left the Ruins and began introducing Golurk to the modern world. Roy planned to decide his next destination after Cynthia reached Goldenrod City.

• Cynthia asked her Pokémon who wanted to travel with her to Johto, and Glaceon, Garchomp, Lucario, Togetic, and Spiritomb volunteered.
• Cynthia left Roserade and Gastrodon to care for the institute and set off after her grandmother called her.
• Professor Oak let Roy leave the Ruins after questioning him and warned him not to cause more trouble.
• Roy considered his Johto route and the Cianwood City Martial Arts Tournament, then decided to wait until Cynthia reached Goldenrod City before choosing.
• Roy released Golurk in a forest clearing, where Golurk spent an hour observing sunlight, plants, and ants as Roy rested nearby.

Roy introduced the ancient Golurk to his Pokémon and promised to help it meet other Golurk. After the group welcomed Golurk, they gathered for lunch, where Roy began making it a special Pokéblock.

• Roy woke from his nap, thanked Golurk for guarding him, and answered its many questions about the modern world.
• Ancient Gengar emerged from Roy’s shadow and began teaching Golurk about the world beyond the Ruins.
• Roy released his Pokémon so they could meet Golurk, and Little Absol climbed onto Golurk’s shoulder while Dhelmise welcomed it.
• As lunchtime approached, Dusclops set up Trick Room and charged ahead, prompting the other Pokémon to surround and kick it until it promised to stop.
• Roy called the Pokémon to eat and handed out Pokéblocks, then used the Pokéblock Maker and Berry Blender to prepare a special batch for Golurk.

Roy made Pokéblocks for Golurk, who befriended Mimikyu, then used the Key Stone in his Pocket Watch to Mega Evolve Golurk. Mega Golurk emerged nearly eight meters tall, ready for Roy to test its power.

• Golurk returned Mimikyu's dropped Pokéblock without harming her, and she realized he was not frightening.
• Roy gave Golurk Ghost- and Ground-type Pokéblocks, which Golurk enjoyed before standing guard while Roy prepared lunch.
• Mimikyu approached Golurk, and they cautiously made friends when Golurk offered her his hand.
• Roy called Golurk over after the meal and explained that he would help him evolve further.
• Roy activated the Key Stone in his Pocket Watch, and Golurk Mega Evolved, growing nearly eight meters tall as his markings and bands of energy changed.

Roy’s Mega Golurk lost control after the Red Orb merged with him, but the Ghost Slate restored his senses. Mega Golurk learned that he had attacked Roy and his Pokémon, leaving him distraught over what he had done.

• Roy noticed that Mega Golurk’s appearance and Ability had changed after Mega Evolution.
• The Red Orb flew from Roy’s Spatial Bracelet and merged with Mega Golurk, causing him to lose control and reach High-level Elite Four strength.
• Mega Golurk attacked Roy, but Marshadow restrained him while Roy tried to bring him back to his senses.
• The Ghost Slate emerged from Roy’s Spatial Bracelet and restored Mega Golurk’s senses, separating the Red Orb from his body.
• Roy and Marshadow explained what had happened, and Mega Golurk felt guilty for attacking Roy and his Pokémon.

Roy discovered that the Red Orb had given Mega Golurk the Drought Ability and tested Golurk’s new power. When Golurk and Dhelmise combined their strength and coordination, Roy saw the potential for a powerful Double Battle team.

• Roy found Drought listed as Mega Golurk’s second Ability and took him to practice Precipice Blades.
• Mega Golurk split the ground with Precipice Blades and launched a boulder into the air with a burst of stone spikes.
• Roy asked Mega Golurk to lift Dhelmise, and the two discovered they could sense each other’s thoughts through Dhelmise’s seaweed.
• Mega Golurk used Dhelmise to strike the ground with Precipice Blades, then launched them both skyward and smashed a boulder with Heavy Slam.
• Roy recognized Mega Golurk and Dhelmise’s potential as a Double Battle pairing and planned to teach Dhelmise Trick Room.

Roy taught Golurk several new moves, then rode him toward Violet City and tested his flying speed against Dragapult. When Golurk startled a flock of Spearow, Roy briefly captured their Fearow leader before letting him go, and the flock watched them fly away in relief.

• Roy spent 100,000 Popularity Points on Technical Machines and taught Golurk new moves, including the Three Farmer Punches, Comet Punch, Drain Punch, Protect, and Iron Defense.
• Roy rode Golurk toward Violet City and raced him against Dragapult, finding Golurk slower but comfortable to ride.
• Golurk spotted a flock of Spearow and flew into their midst, frightening the Fearow leader and the rest of the flock.
• Roy grabbed the Fearow leader and introduced him to Golurk, then released him unharmed.
• The Fearow leader stayed frozen until Roy and Golurk flew away, then relaxed after realizing he had escaped danger.

Roy stopped at Sprout Tower to enter its local tournament with Little Absol. After watching Kuniko’s Bellsprout win, he left the chapter with Absol having defeated Rattata in five seconds.

• Roy landed near Sprout Tower and learned that villagers held monthly tournaments for Pokémon below level 30, then registered with Absol.
• Kuniko’s Bellsprout dodged Meowth’s attacks, tripped him, and knocked him out with an axe kick, winning their match.
• Roy suspected Kuniko’s Bellsprout was the same one that had defeated Pichu at the Indigo Plateau Conference.
• A spectator called Absol a Calamity Beast, and Roy’s cold stare drove the man away.
• Absol defeated the weakened Rattata with one Quick Attack in five seconds.

Roy entered the Arena with Little Absol and faced Kuniko’s Bellsprout, which had previously defeated Pichu God. Little Absol overwhelmed Bellsprout with ranged attacks and won, while Kuniko used a healing spray on her injured Pokémon.

• Roy noticed that Little Absol had grown and sent him into the Arena to battle Kuniko’s Bellsprout.
• Bellsprout and Little Absol stared at each other until the impatient crowd prompted Kuniko to order Vine Whip.
• Little Absol dodged Bellsprout’s attacks and wore him down with Flamethrower, Dark Pulse, and Shadow Ball.
• Bellsprout tripped in a hole, and his Venoshock could not stop Little Absol’s Flamethrower from knocking him out.
• The staff member declared Roy the winner, and Kuniko treated Bellsprout with a healing spray before recalling him.

Roy found Kuniko surrounded by a gang that wanted to steal her Pokémon, and he arrived as Bellsprout was about to give up her Everstone to protect her. The chapter left Roy standing in the middle of the battle, with both sides stunned by his sudden appearance.

• After Little Absol won another battle, Roy left the arena and followed a faint sound into a nearby forest.
• Roy found Kuniko facing a gang whose leader demanded that she hand over Bellsprout, then Scyther as well.
• Kuniko tried to leave with Scyther, but the gang leader attacked with his Pokémon and ordered Beedrill to target Bellsprout.
• The gang's Pokémon overwhelmed Scyther and struck the injured Bellsprout, leaving Kuniko to gather her in her arms.
• Bellsprout decided to remove her Everstone to protect Kuniko, but Roy suddenly leaped into the battlefield.

Roy helped Kuniko defeat a gang that had attacked her, overpowering their Pokémon and leader before the League Officers arrived. After the thugs were captured, Bellsprout collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion.

• Roy approached the gang leader, caught Beedrill's Twineedle with his bare hands, and hurled Beedrill into a tree.
• The gang's Pokémon fled, and Roy broke the leader's fist before knocking him unconscious.
• Roy's Annihilape, Ancient Gengar, and Golurk blocked the remaining thugs, who tied themselves up after Roy threatened to hang them.
• Roy told Kuniko to contact the League Police Bureau, and he knocked the gang leader unconscious again when he woke and threatened him.
• Two League Officers from Violet City arrived, recognized the gang leader as a repeat offender, and apologized to Roy and Kuniko.
• Bellsprout collapsed in Kuniko's arms after she was safe.

Roy helped Kuniko get her injured Bellsprout treated at a Pokémon Center in Violet City, where he learned that Bellsprout had chosen not to evolve because she wanted to keep practicing fighting techniques. The chapter ended with Roy reflecting on Bellsprout’s determination and his own lazy Dusclops.

• Roy advised Kuniko to take Bellsprout to a Pokémon Center, and two officers gave them a ride to Violet City.
• Kuniko brought Bellsprout and Scyther to Nurse Joy, while Roy transferred Shiny Dreepy and a box to the Pokémon Center in Lilycove City.
• Nurse Joy treated Bellsprout’s burns and told Kuniko not to let her battle again that day.
• Roy explained how he had guessed Bellsprout was holding an Everstone, and Kuniko told him that Bellsprout had chosen to remain unevolved so she could practice fighting techniques.
• Kuniko revealed that Bellsprout had suppressed her evolution at level nineteen, so Kuniko had bought her an Everstone with two years of saved pocket money.

Bellsprout began learning Bruno’s fighting techniques from Annihilape while Roy’s Little Absol challenged Kuniko’s Scyther and lost. Kuniko and Bellsprout left for Goldenrod City with Roy’s letter of recommendation, which would let them train at Bruno’s dojo if they returned to Kanto.

• Bellsprout agreed to learn close-combat techniques from Annihilape, who tested her skills and began teaching her Bruno’s Extreme Fighting Technique.
• Roy encouraged Annihilape to teach Bellsprout every technique he had learned, especially Chop Down.
• Little Absol challenged Scyther, but Scyther dodged his attacks and defeated him; the loss made Little Absol reflect on his weaknesses.
• Roy took Little Absol and Scyther to Nurse Joy for treatment, then let Little Absol learn from his defeat without comforting him.
• Kuniko hurried to catch the evening maglev train to Goldenrod City, and Roy gave her a letter of recommendation for Bruno’s Fighting Dojo in Kanto.

Roy said goodbye to Kuniko and Bellsprout, then reached Violet City Gym to challenge its Acting Gym Leader, Falkner. Falkner accepted Roy’s challenge and sent out Skarmory for their battle.

• Roy gave Kuniko a letter of introduction to Bruno and encouraged her and Bellsprout to pursue their training and Indigo Plateau Conference goal.
• Bellsprout worried that evolving might conflict with her dream of becoming a fighter, but Roy reassured her that Kuniko would respect her choices.
• Roy searched for information about Violet City Gym and learned that its most difficult challenge was a speed contest.
• Roy arrived at Violet City Gym, where he met Falkner and presented his Trainer ID to challenge him.
• Falkner led Roy into the Gym arena, and a referee took to the air on Staraptor as Falkner sent out Skarmory.

Roy sent Dhelmise to battle Falkner’s Skarmory, using the unfamiliar matchup to build Dhelmise’s strength before striking. Su Tian arrived and took over as referee, and the battle left Skarmory caught on Dhelmise’s anchor and being reeled in.

• Roy chose Dhelmise instead of Golurk to face Falkner’s Beginner King-level Skarmory.
• Su Tian arrived on his Intermediate King-level Skarmory and took over as referee.
• Roy had Dhelmise pretend to prepare Energy Ball while it used Growth, raising its Attack and Special Attack as Falkner waited.
• Falkner ordered Skarmory to use Air Cutter, and Roy countered with Anchor Shot.
• Dhelmise’s anchor returned after Skarmory dodged it, striking and hooking Skarmory before Dhelmise began reeling it in.

Roy defeated Falkner after Dhelmise trapped Skarmory, spun him into a wall, and finished him with Heavy Slam. Su Tian announced Roy as the winner and took him to explain the Gym’s racing challenge, while Falkner followed, determined to battle Roy again.

• Roy ordered Dhelmise to bind Skarmory with Wrap and drag him down into the Arena.
• Falkner ordered Brave Bird, but Roy had Dhelmise use Rapid Spin and break up Skarmory’s attack before it formed.
• Dhelmise flung Skarmory into a wall, then struck him with Heavy Slam while he was disoriented.
• Su Tian declared Skarmory unable to battle and named Roy the winner; he advised Falkner to watch his opponent’s Pokémon as well as listen to commands.
• Su Tian led Roy away to explain the racing challenge, and Falkner followed, intending to challenge Roy again.

Roy accepted Violet Gym Leader Su Tian’s highest-difficulty challenge, a race with their Pokémon to Sprout Tower. Roy surged ahead with Dragapult, while Su Tian Mega Evolved Pidgeot and launched his pursuit.

• Su Tian explained that the challenge required each Trainer to ride their Pokémon along a marked course, collect a yellow flag at the mountain summit, and reach Sprout Tower first.
• Su Tian chose his level 78 Pidgeot, and Roy sent out Dragapult for the race.
• Falkner realized Roy’s Dragapult was far stronger than he had expected and gave up the thought of challenging Roy again.
• After the referee counted down, Roy had Dragapult use Agility and immediately pulled ahead.
• Su Tian Mega Evolved Pidgeot and ordered it to use Tailwind to catch up.

Roy and Dragapult raced Su Tian and Mega Pidgeot through mountain passes and a hazardous winding course, using speed and attacks to stay ahead. As more obstacles appeared near the summit, Dragapult dodged falling rocks and incoming attacks, leaving the race unresolved.

• Roy urged Dragapult to maintain its lead as it crossed turbulent air and entered the mountain course ahead of Su Tian and Mega Pidgeot.
• Dragapult accelerated around the mountain using Dragon Dance while Su Tian boosted Mega Pidgeot with Agility and Tailwind to close the gap.
• Roy ordered Dragapult to blast a falling boulder apart, allowing Dragapult to pass while Mega Pidgeot slowed to break up the fragments.
• Dragapult shielded Roy from a barrage of falling rocks, dodged most of them, and endured several impacts against its energy shield.
• Dragapult evaded Air Cutters and countered them with Dragon-type energy, then swerved to avoid a Hyper Beam as they neared the summit.

Roy and Su Tian raced from the mountain summit toward Sprout Tower, with Roy’s Dragapult taking the lead despite the Gym apprentices’ attacks. As Mega Pidgeot caught up near the finish, Roy ordered Dragapult to counter with Dragon Ascent, leaving the winner undecided.

• Gym apprentices attacked Dragapult and Mega Pidgeot as the racers climbed through the clouds, forcing Mega Pidgeot to shield Su Tian and slow down.
• Dragapult reached the summit first, took one yellow flag, and began diving toward Sprout Tower while Mega Pidgeot collected the other flag and pursued him.
• Roy kept Dragapult on course past the blue flags, and Falkner and two apprentices saw him arrive ahead of Su Tian.
• Su Tian ordered Mega Pidgeot to use Brave Bird, letting him catch up and disrupt Dragapult with the air currents from his wings.
• Roy commanded Dragapult to use Dragon God Dive, and Dragapult answered with Dragon Ascent as both racers neared the finish.

Roy and Su Tian raced to Sprout Tower, where frame-by-frame footage showed Dragapult had crossed the finish line first. Roy received the Wing Badge and accepted Falkner's invitation to stay at the Gym overnight.

• Su Tian and Roy raced their Pokémon to Sprout Tower and crossed the finish line nearly together.
• Falkner and the referee reviewed his recording frame by frame and determined that Dragapult had reached the tower first.
• Su Tian congratulated Roy and awarded him the Wing Badge.
• Su Tian hinted that he wanted to leave the Gym to travel, but Falkner resolved to keep him from abandoning his duties.
• Roy planned to stay at the Pokémon Center, but Falkner invited him to spend the night at the Gym.