Recaps

Li Wei persuaded Momondo to oppose Dread’s plan to move Sword of the Vale Castle, while Steven confronted Dread at the Guardian Pillars. After Dread summoned Zekrom, Steven Mega Evolved Metagross to face the legendary Pokémon.

• Li Wei explained the danger to Momondo, who decided to stop Dread, while Victini grew frightened as the battle began overhead.
• Steven found Dread activating the Guardian Pillars and warned him that moving the castle could cause another disaster.
• Dread refused to listen, so Steven sent out Aggron, Corviknight, and Skarmory to stop him.
• Steven’s Pokémon quickly defeated Dread’s Sigilyph and Gothitelle, prompting Dread to call on Zekrom.
• Zekrom arrived amid dark clouds and lightning, and Steven Mega Evolved Metagross to challenge them.

Steven and Mega Metagross fought Zekrom above the Sword of the Vale Castle while Li Wei sent Ash to awaken Reshiram and joined the battle. As Li Wei’s Pokémon pressured Zekrom, Steven urged him to stop Dread, who was controlling the Guardian Pillars.

• Steven triggered Mega Evolution and sent Mega Metagross into battle against Zekrom, whose attacks shook the castle and destabilized the Guardian Pillars.
• Li Wei and Ash rushed from the mayor’s office, and Li Wei gave Ash the Light Stone and told him to awaken Reshiram at Dragonspiral Tower to reveal the consequences of Dread’s plan.
• Ash flew toward Dragonspiral Tower on Charizard with Pikachu, while Brock accompanied Mayor Momondo to the castle.
• Li Wei arrived with his Pokémon and joined Steven’s fight as Darkrai, Zeraora, Lucario, Diancie, and the others attacked and hindered Zekrom.
• Steven told Li Wei to stop Dread, and Li Wei ordered Meloetta to attack him.

Li Wei and Steven’s Pokémon overwhelmed Zekrom, while Ash awakened Reshiram at Dragonspiral Tower by speaking honestly about the future he wanted with his Pokémon. Reshiram accepted Ash as the hero of truth and flew with him toward the Sword of the Vale Castle to stop Dread.

• Li Wei Mega Evolved Metagross, Latios, and Latias as his Pokémon joined Steven’s forces in attacking Zekrom.
• Dragapult struck Zekrom with Shadow Force and Spacial Rend, inspiring Lucario to hit it with Roar of Time; the combined blows sent Zekrom plummeting.
• Ash and Pikachu reached Dragonspiral Tower, where Ash used the Light Stone to awaken Reshiram.
• Ash told Reshiram that he sought a future with his Pokémon partners and explained that Dread’s plan threatened the dragon vein.
• Reshiram accepted Ash as the hero of truth, and Ash climbed aboard as Reshiram flew toward the Sword of the Vale Castle.

Ash and Reshiram showed Zekrom that the battle was destabilizing the Dragon Vein, while Li Wei defeated Dread and freed the Guardian Pillars from his control. Zekrom withdrew its support for Dread’s plan, and Cynthia and Iris arrived as the group turned to restoring the Dragon Vein and Victini’s freedom.

• Ash rode Reshiram to the battlefield and warned Zekrom that their fighting and Dread’s control of the Guardian Pillars were damaging the Dragon Vein.
• Reshiram cleared the clouds, letting Zekrom see the damage below, while Meloetta knocked Dread unconscious and the Guardian Pillars dimmed.
• Steven explained how the Sword of the Vale Castle had been moved and how the King of the People and Victini had stabilized the Dragon Vein a thousand years earlier.
• Momondo, Brock, Janta, and Carlita arrived at the castle, where Li Wei told them the situation was not fully resolved.
• Zekrom acknowledged Dread’s ideals but said the Dragon Vein’s stability came first, then withdrew its support for Dread’s plan.
• Cynthia and Iris arrived at the Sword of the Vale Castle riding Garchomp and Dragonite.

Cynthia and Iris researched the People of the Land and the Guardian Pillars at the Icirrus City Public Library, uncovering how ley lines connected Eindoak Town and the former Land of the Earth. Cynthia found the Guardian Pillars’ ancient design plans, but their effect on the ley lines remained unresolved as she sought power from Victini, Reshiram, and Zekrom.

• Cynthia brought Iris to the Icirrus City Public Library and paid the staff to find records about the People of the Land, the ancient kingdom, and the Guardian Pillars.
• Cynthia explained that Eindoak Town stood at a crucial junction of the Dragon Vein, while the former Land of the Earth was another important point in its network.
• Cynthia and Iris pieced together that protecting the ley-line junctions helped keep the network stable and that the king had moved Sword of the Vale Castle to Eindoak Town because of its location.
• Cynthia showed Iris a rubbing of the Guardian Pillars’ intricate base patterns, identified as their design plans from a thousand years earlier.
• At Sword of the Vale Castle, Cynthia asked Victini, Reshiram, and Zekrom to lend her their power to deal with the Guardian Pillars.

Cynthia researched the Guardian Pillars and identified a way to stabilize the Dragon Vein by channeling energy into seven critical nodes at once. Zekrom chose Cynthia as the Hero of Ideals, and the group prepared to carry out her plan.

• Cynthia showed Iris ancient rubbings suggesting the Guardian Pillars could be controlled through resonance with the earth’s energy.
• Cynthia and Iris reached Sword of the Vale Castle after Dread was defeated, and Zekrom recognized Cynthia as the Hero of Ideals.
• Cynthia announced that they needed to stabilize the increasingly chaotic Dragon Vein and explained that restoring its flow could also revive the Land of the Earth.
• Cynthia identified seven critical Dragon Vein nodes around Eindoak Town and proposed injecting calm, stable energy into them simultaneously.
• The group assigned people to the seven nodes, and Cynthia instructed them to act when Li Wei gave the signal.

Li Wei and the others stabilized the Dragon Vein by channeling gentle energy through its seven critical nodes, restoring the Land of the Earth. They then turned to Cynthia’s plan to free Victini from the Guardian Pillars without damaging the ley lines.

• Li Wei coordinated Zekrom, Reshiram, Regigigas, Darkrai, Metagross, Garchomp, and Diancie as they infused the seven critical nodes with energy simultaneously.
• The Dragon Vein settled into a steady flow, and grasslands and rivers returned to the Land of the Earth.
• Li Wei invited the others back to Sword of the Vale Castle, where everyone celebrated the successful restoration.
• Cynthia explained that the Guardian Pillars could be deactivated without disrupting the Dragon Vein, though doing so would prevent the castle from moving.
• Cynthia proposed replacing the existing Guardian Pillars with a new protective barrier powered by the Dragon Vein and established by descendants of the People of the Land, which would free Victini.

Li Wei, Cynthia, and the others freed Victini from the Guardian Pillars and created a new barrier with Dread, Reshiram, and Zekrom to protect Sword of the Vale Castle. Victini tested its newfound freedom, then joined Ash and Pikachu on Reshiram for a trip to the sea.

• Li Wei chose Dread to guide the process of replacing the barrier, and Dread agreed to help atone for his actions.
• Victini and Dread used the Guardian Pillars to dissolve the old pact, freeing Victini from the barrier that had confined it for a thousand years.
• Dread, Zekrom, and Reshiram channeled the dragon vein’s power into the Guardian Pillars to form a new protective dome that did not restrict Victini.
• Victini flew beyond the old boundary and celebrated its freedom alongside the Pokémon gathered in the sky.
• Ash, Pikachu, and Victini climbed onto Reshiram, which flew west toward the coast to take Victini to see the sea.

After the battle at Sword of the Vale Castle, Cynthia and Li Wei left Dread’s fate to Victini, while Ash, Pikachu, and Victini flew with Reshiram to the West Coast. Ash showed Victini the ocean for the first time.

• Zekrom asked Cynthia’s name, acknowledged her as the Hero of Ideals, and flew away as the storm clouds cleared.
• Li Wei received the Flame Plate, Zap Plate, and Mind Plate for completing the hidden quest.
• Momondo asked Li Wei what would happen to Dread, and Li Wei said Victini would decide his fate.
• Cynthia suggested leaving the castle and waiting for Ash to return so they could regroup.
• Reshiram carried Ash, Pikachu, Victini, and Meloetta across Unova to the West Coast.
• Ash pointed out the ocean to Victini, who gazed at the sea in wonder.

Ash kept his promise to take Victini to the sea, then returned with it to Eindoak Town, where Dread apologized for his plan to sacrifice Victini. With Victini choosing not to hold Dread responsible, Li Wei let him go and told him to rebuild the revived Land of the Earth.

• Ash took Victini to the west coast, where Victini delighted in playing at the sea with Ash, Pikachu, and Meloetta.
• Reshiram gave Ash a feather and told him to call its name while holding it if he needed help.
• Ash returned to Eindoak Town with Victini, and the group learned the dragon vein was stable and the Land of the Earth had become habitable.
• Dread apologized to Victini and confessed the details of his plan to sacrifice it.
• Victini forgave Dread, and Li Wei told him to focus on rebuilding the Land of the Earth.

After Victini forgave Dread, Dread, Janta, Carlita, and Momondo planned to rebuild the Land of the Earth as a Pokémon-friendly destination centered on Eindoak Town. As the town celebrated, Li Wei considered taking Victini with him to see the world, while videos of the Legendary Pokémon's appearance spread online.

• Victini accepted Dread's apology, and Dread announced he would rebuild the Land of the Earth with Janta, Carlita, and Momondo's support.
• Momondo proposed developing tourist attractions around the dragon vein nodes and building a Pokémon world near Eindoak Town.
• Descendants of the People of the Land returned for a grand banquet, while Steven confirmed the dragon vein's energy flow had stabilized.
• The Meloetta sang Oración over Eindoak Town as residents and visitors celebrated.
• Li Wei considered taking Victini to places such as the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park and Cameran Palace, while explaining that Victini could decide whether to join him.
• Videos of Ash with Reshiram and Cynthia with Zekrom sparked discussion on the Eevee Network, and fans understood why Li Wei and others had forfeited Master League matches.

Looker contacted Li Wei to ask what reward he wanted for helping resolve Unova’s crises, and Li Wei requested a seaside villa in Eindoak Town. Before leaving, Li Wei and Cynthia said goodbye to the town’s residents and took Victini with them.

• Looker’s superiors learned that Ash and Cynthia had become the Heroes of Ideals and Truth during a crisis in Eindoak Town, then asked Looker to find out what reward Li Wei and the others wanted.
• Looker called Li Wei, who requested a seaside villa in northwestern Unova after Cynthia suggested the idea.
• Li Wei and Cynthia prepared to fly back to Sinnoh while Ash, Iris, and Brock continued their Unova journey.
• Li Wei and Cynthia formally said goodbye to Town Mayor Momondo, Shanta, and Carlita in Eindoak Town.
• Victini chose to leave with Li Wei after being won over by treats, praise, and the Pokémon’s companionship.

After helping resolve the crisis in Unova, Li Wei and Cynthia returned to Jubilife City with Victini and the DNA Splicers. On the flight home, Li Wei decided to start looking for an Ice-type Pokémon to train.

• Steven stayed in Eindoak Town to investigate the Dragon Vein, White Ruins, Dragonspiral Tower, and Sword of the Vale Castle.
• At Icirrus Airport, Alder thanked Li Wei and Cynthia for their help and saw them off.
• Li Wei introduced Victini to the Chat Group, and Red revealed that he had muted Akin and Lt. Surge for provoking Lorelei.
• On the flight, Li Wei considered his Unova gains and decided to seek an Ice-type Pokémon, with Chien-Pao and Alolan Ninetales among his candidates.
• On May 18, Li Wei and Cynthia arrived in Jubilife City and rode Arcanine home with their Pokémon.

Li Wei showed Victini around Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park, gave Arcanine, Zeraora, and Alolan Ninetales three Arceus Plates, and checked on construction of the hot spring wellness center. He planned to take Victini to the Kanto Region next, including Cameran Palace, while Shaymin invited Victini to play at Little Ranch.

• Victini woke Li Wei early, and he took it and Meloetta around the Theme Park, introducing Victini to the staff and its new home.
• Li Wei gave Arcanine the Flame Plate, Zeraora the Zap Plate, and buried another Plate in Alolan Ninetales's den after consulting the Ice Gym Pokémon.
• Li Wei surveyed the hot spring wellness center's construction and described plans for indoor and outdoor baths, hoping the facility would be finished by mid-November.
• Li Wei finished showing Victini around the Theme Park and planned to take it to the Kanto Region and Cameran Palace during his upcoming away matches.
• Shaymin invited Victini to play at Little Ranch, and Li Wei told Victini to go join it.

Li Wei learned that Ash and his friends had found an injured Keldeo, whose unfinished duel with Kyurem had led to a chase. As Ash carried Keldeo toward a Pokémon Center, Kyurem was thrown from the train at a tunnel entrance.

• Li Wei read Ash's group message about finding an injured Keldeo, who had warned that Kyurem was coming.
• Li Wei recalled that Keldeo had challenged Kyurem at Giant Chasm, fled after Kyurem broke its horn, and prompted Kyurem to freeze Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion when Terrakion intervened.
• Kyurem caught up with Ash and his friends on the train and demanded that they step aside because the duel with Keldeo was unfinished.
• Ash refused to let Kyurem attack the unconscious Keldeo, and Kyurem went flying when the train entered a tunnel.
• Ash picked up Keldeo and headed to a Pokémon Center for a checkup.

Ash and his friends learned that Keldeo had secretly challenged Kyurem to prove he could join the Swords of Justice, but fled when he became frightened. After Ash challenged Keldeo’s resolve, Keldeo declared he would rescue the Swords of Justice.

• Ash carried the injured Keldeo to a Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy treated him and explained what she knew about Kyurem.
• Nurse Joy showed Ash and his friends footage of Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, and Keldeo, the Swords of Justice and their successor.
• The Chat Group realized Ash repeatedly encountered Legendary Pokémon even when Li Wei was not with him.
• Li Wei flew to Rota City with his Pokémon and headed for Cameran Palace after landing.
• Keldeo told Ash, Iris, and Brock that he had secretly challenged Kyurem to become one of the Swords of Justice, but had become frightened and fled.
• Ash challenged Keldeo for backing down, and Keldeo vowed to rescue the Swords of Justice.

Li Wei visited Cameran Palace and introduced Victini to Mew, while asking to spend time with Queen Arianna and learn more desserts from Philip. Mew brought Victini and the other Pokémon to its lavish game room, where they settled in to play.

• Li Wei arrived at Cameran Palace for the Master League and introduced Victini to Queen Arianna and Mew.
• Mew and Victini quickly became friends and chased each other through the air.
• Li Wei asked to stay at Cameran Palace and seek more dessert-making guidance from Philip for Shaymin and Meloetta.
• Lucario greeted Li Wei and said it wanted to grow stronger and more mature to protect Cameran Palace.
• Mew led Victini, Diancie, Shaymin, Meloetta, and Sirfetch'd to its game room, where Victini played with a large Arcanine plush and Meloetta sang along to a music box.

Li Wei and Philip prepared desserts for their Pokémon and Queen Arianna at Cameran Palace before Li Wei left for Celadon City. There, Li Wei defeated Erika’s team of three Pokémon with Arcanine and remained ready for his upcoming matches.

• Sir Aaron's Lucario and Li Wei's Lucario began a Trainer-free duel while Metagross and Zeraora also battled at Cameran Palace.
• Li Wei joined Philip in preparing an assortment of desserts for the Pokémon and Queen Arianna.
• Li Wei left Mew, Victini, Diancie, and the others at Cameran Palace and flew to Celadon City on Metagross for his match against Erika.
• Erika sent out Venusaur and two other Pokémon against Li Wei's Arcanine at the crowded Celadon Gym.
• Li Wei's Arcanine defeated all three of Erika's Pokémon, shrugging off Sleep Powder and remaining energetic after the battle.

Li Wei taught a battle lesson at Celadon University, then learned that Giovanni wanted to meet him at Rainbow Tower. Meanwhile, Ash and his friends faced Kyurem and its Cryogonal allies and fled the city toward a cave on Back Mountain.

• Li Wei taught Celadon students about battle tactics and Pokémon bonds, noting that Arcanine had reached the Champion Tier and brought his Champion Tier roster to six.
• Matori called Li Wei on Giovanni’s behalf and arranged a meeting at Rainbow Tower for the evening after tomorrow.
• Li Wei returned to Cameran Palace, found Victini and Mew still playing video games, and offered to make them food.
• Ash and his friends helped Keldeo train, but Kyurem and its Cryogonal attacked them in town; Kyurem changed from White Kyurem into Black Kyurem after Pikachu’s Thunderbolt.
• Ash and his friends decided to lure Kyurem out of the city, then flew toward a cave on Back Mountain with help from Charizard and Dragonite.

Ash helped Keldeo return to the Giant Chasm and face Kyurem again, encouraging it to admit it was only an apprentice and challenge Kyurem despite its fear. Keldeo charged through the ice gate as Kyurem prepared to settle their battle.

• On the way to the Giant Chasm, Keldeo remembered the Swords of Justice’s lessons about courage and the strength of companions, while Ash told it they were friends.
• Iris and Brock distracted Kyurem, allowing Ash and Keldeo to reach the Giant Chasm.
• Ash entered the cavern with Pikachu, and Keldeo followed despite its fear; Ash told Kyurem he was there only to watch as a friend.
• Keldeo admitted to Kyurem that it was still an apprentice and declared that it had to battle for Ash, the Swords of Justice, and itself.
• Kyurem recreated the ice gate and arena, while Ash tried unsuccessfully to free the frozen Swords of Justice.
• Remembering its companions and friends, Keldeo charged toward the ice gate as Kyurem acknowledged its courage and prepared to settle the battle.

Keldeo found the resolve to become a Sword of Justice and awakened its resolute form and Secret Sword, but Kyurem still overwhelmed it in battle. As Keldeo fought on, Ash and the others broke the ice imprisoning Terrakion, Cobalion, and Virizion.

• Encouraged by Ash and memories of its mentors, Keldeo overcame its fear and awakened its resolute form and Secret Sword.
• Keldeo charged Kyurem with Aura Sphere and Double Team, but Kyurem countered its attacks and sent it tumbling.
• Kyurem told Keldeo that its resolve was not enough, then froze Keldeo's hind legs and transformed into Black Kyurem.
• Keldeo stopped Pikachu from intervening, escaped Kyurem's Freeze Shock with Aqua Jet, and met the attack with a barrage of Aura Spheres.
• The clash shattered the ice trapping Terrakion, Cobalion, and Virizion, who approached Ash and the others.

Keldeo found its resolve and fought Kyurem in its Resolute Form, earning Kyurem’s recognition by standing up for its companions despite losing. After Keldeo returned to its Ordinary Form, Li Wei prepared to go to Rainbow Tower at Giovanni’s invitation.

• Ash, Charizard, and Pignite helped free Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion from Kyurem’s ice prison.
• Keldeo rose again with Ash, Pikachu, and Axew cheering it on, then used Secret Sword to battle Kyurem.
• Keldeo pushed Kyurem back with Secret Sword, but Kyurem unleashed Teravolt and overwhelmed it.
• Keldeo shielded Ash and the others from Teravolt and cut through the attack with Secret Sword before collapsing.
• Kyurem praised Keldeo’s willingness to protect its companions, recognized it as a fine sword, and left the cavern.
• Keldeo returned to its Ordinary Form, while Li Wei prepared to head to Rainbow Tower at Giovanni’s invitation.

Li Wei arrived at Rainbow Tower in Saffron City to meet Giovanni, seeing how Team Rainbow Rocket had transformed into a major business and charitable organization. He met Giovanni in person for the first time and found him stronger than before, with Tornadus, Landorus, and Thundurus beside him.

• Li Wei arrived at Rainbow Tower with Lucario and Zeraora after Giovanni invited him to meet.
• Li Wei learned how Team Rainbow Rocket had expanded its businesses, built Children's Welfare Homes and Rainbow Academies, and partnered with the Pokémon League.
• Li Wei received a Special Advisor badge and rode the elevator to Giovanni's office, where Matori greeted him.
• Li Wei met Giovanni face-to-face and saw Tornadus, Landorus, and Thundurus standing beside him.

Li Wei met Giovanni at Rainbow Tower, where Giovanni had earned the Forces of Nature’s recognition and recruited Landorus, Tornadus, and Thundurus to help control Unova’s severe weather. Li Wei gave Giovanni the Reveal Glass, leaving Giovanni prepared to use it with the three Pokémon.

• Li Wei arrived at Giovanni’s office with Lucario and Zeraora and found Landorus, Tornadus, and Thundurus there.
• Giovanni explained that he had challenged the Forces of Nature and earned their recognition so they could intervene during severe weather in Unova.
• Li Wei offered Giovanni the Reveal Glass, which Meloetta had entrusted to him after Ash returned it from the Abyssal Ruins.
• Giovanni accepted the Reveal Glass and invited Li Wei to sit down and talk.

Giovanni invited Li Wei to Rainbow Tower, shared his understanding of Earth's Secret Arts, and asked him to lead Team Rainbow Rocket temporarily. Li Wei accepted after considering the responsibility and the support of Lucario and Zeraora.

• Giovanni explained that Earth's Secret Arts centered on nurturing and supporting, then shared his personal understanding with Li Wei.
• Giovanni told Li Wei that Silver had chosen to remain a Pokémon League Investigator and had no interest in leading Team Rocket.
• Giovanni asked Li Wei to take over Team Rainbow Rocket temporarily, believing he could guide it and keep its factions balanced.
• Li Wei worried that he lacked the ability to handle the responsibility, but Giovanni cited his strength and actions at Cameran Palace and in Eindoak Town.
• Li Wei considered the decision with Lucario and Zeraora, who offered their support, and finally decided to accept.