Chapter Summaries

After Steelix defeated Lucario and advanced Yong to the final, Steven postponed the tournament until the damaged venue could be repaired. Meanwhile, Dr. Fuji discovered a fossilized strand of Mew’s hair and began preparations on New Island, while Mew sensed something from the Mirage Tower and vanished.

• The referee declared Lucario unable to battle after Steelix’s attack, advancing Yong as Bruno accepted his loss and praised him.
• Steven postponed the final until the afternoon so the venue could be repaired, and Yong left with Fu Pang following him.
• Half a month earlier, Dr. Fuji and members of a black-uniformed organization found a mural of Mew in Guyana and searched the ruins for more evidence.
• Dr. Fuji discovered a fossil containing a strand of hair, demanded funding and living specimens from Giovanni, and was directed to New Island.
• Mew sensed something while wandering in the space atop the Mirage Tower, flashed away, and a chained figure raised its head in displeasure.

Yong and Cynthia began their six-on-six tournament final on the Grass Field, with Roserade facing Aerodactyl. Elsewhere, Giovanni prepared to leave for New Island and ordered Athena not to touch Silph Co.

• At Silph Co., an elderly man told a hidden madam that Ouka was returning, and she learned that Chakra had blocked their people.
• Giovanni praised a young trainer at Viridian Gym, then told Athena he was leaving for New Island and warned her not to interfere with Silph Co.
• Yong arrived at the final and learned that each trainer would use six Pokémon, with the match changing fields after either lost three.
• The field lottery selected the Grass Field, and Yong activated Mainstay on Steelix while he considered Cynthia's hidden trump card.
• Cynthia sent out Roserade, and Yong answered with Aerodactyl as the final began.

Cynthia’s Roserade used Sunny Day to pressure Yong’s Aerodactyl, but he countered its attacks and spotted her Toxic Spikes strategy. Cynthia switched Roserade for Togekiss, whose Serene Grace and boosted stats made Yong treat it as an even greater threat; the battle continued with Aerodactyl and Togekiss charging into their next attacks.

• Roserade used Sunny Day, and Aerodactyl boosted his speed with Agility.
• Cynthia ordered Roserade to use Leaf Storm, but Aerodactyl dodged it and answered with Flamethrower.
• Roserade fired Solar Beam through the flames, and the attacks collided; Yong noticed purple powder burning in the air.
• Cynthia had Roserade use Toxic Spikes, then recalled it and sent out Togekiss.
• Togekiss used Ancient Power and gained a boost to all his stats, so Yong ordered Aerodactyl to use Agility and Ice Fang while Cynthia commanded Extreme Speed.

Yong’s Togekiss defeated Aerodactyl, but Claydol then used Trick Room and Sandstorm to defeat Cynthia’s Togekiss. With the battle level, Yong waited to see whether Cynthia would send out her ace or Lucario next.

• Togekiss interrupted Aerodactyl’s attack with a fast strike and defeated it with Tri Attack, prompting Yong to recall Aerodactyl.
• Cynthia noted that Aerodactyl and Claydol had not reached elite class, and Yong sent Claydol into battle against Togekiss.
• Claydol used Trick Room and Rapid Spin to withstand Togekiss’s Solar Beam, then spread a Sandstorm across the battlefield.
• Yong ordered Claydol to strike Togekiss with Ancient Power and draw it into a sandstorm tornado.
• The referee declared Togekiss unable to battle, leaving Yong and Cynthia tied as Yong awaited her next Pokémon.

Cynthia’s Spiritomb defeated Yong’s Claydol by copying its psychic barrier and exploiting Taunt to interrupt Teleport. Yong sent out Big White, his Aggron, to face Spiritomb next.

• Cynthia recalled Togekiss and sent out Spiritomb against Claydol in the sandstorm.
• Spiritomb copied Claydol’s psychic power barrier and struck it with Dark Pulse, but Claydol dodged with Teleport and landed Ancient Power, raising its stats.
• Cynthia used Taunt to make Claydol interrupt Teleport and repeat Ancient Power, leaving it open to Spiritomb’s Dark Pulse.
• The referee declared Claydol unable to battle, and Yong recalled it.
• Yong sent out Big White, his Aggron, as his next Pokémon.

Yong’s Aggron and Cynthia’s Spiritomb knocked each other out with Dragon Rush and Destiny Bond, ending the first half of their battle. The Water Field was selected for the second half, where Milotic and Swampert surfaced as their next Pokémon.

• Yong sent Aggron to face Cynthia’s Spiritomb, and Aggron’s Stealth Rock had no effect on it.
• Aggron broke through Spiritomb’s Psychic with Dragon Rush, but Cynthia used Destiny Bond to knock both Pokémon out.
• The referee declared both Pokémon unable to battle and began the second half on a Water Field.
• Yong and Cynthia sent out Swampert and Milotic, and Yong recognized Milotic’s formidable level and mastery-level moves.

Yong’s Swampert broke through Milotic’s mental Force Domain and fought it to a standstill in a fierce exchange of attacks. Cynthia then sent Milotic underwater and prepared a new technique, leaving the battle poised to continue.

• Cynthia’s Milotic used its mental Force Domain to weaken Yong and Swampert’s will to fight, then fired Hyper Beam at Swampert.
• Swampert awakened after Yong heard the conch call, countered Hyper Beam with Hammer Arm, and cleared the mist with its offensive Force Domain.
• Yong ordered Swampert to charge with Waterfall and Hammer Arm, while Cynthia’s Milotic answered with Twister; their attacks collided in a massive explosion.
• Swampert and Milotic both survived the clash, with Milotic recovering through Aqua Ring, and Cynthia teased Yong about Swampert’s impressive defense.
• Cynthia recalled Milotic underwater and announced Magic Mirror Ice Crystal as Yong told Swampert to watch for its next move.

Yong and Swampert trusted each other through Cynthia’s devastating Multi-Attack, but Swampert’s final Liquidation failed to defeat Milotic. Yong sent out his newly evolved Flygon to continue the battle.

• Cynthia’s Milotic surrounded Swampert with mirror-like crystals and attacked with Multi-Attack, while Yong ordered Swampert to use Protect.
• Yong and Swampert united their hearts and minds, strengthening their bond as Swampert endured the assault and activated Torrent.
• Yong ordered Swampert to use Liquidation, and Milotic countered with Twister; their attacks collided, leaving Swampert unable to battle and Milotic badly bruised.
• Yong comforted Swampert, which gained training points, improved move proficiency, reached Lv49, and learned Screech.
• Yong sent out Flygon, which had evolved during its recent special training.

Yong used Flygon to disrupt Cynthia’s weakened Milotic, then switched to Steelix, whose devastating strike knocked Milotic out. Steelix’s sudden power suggested that Yong’s Mainstay talent had boosted it, leaving Cynthia stunned.

• Flygon evolved during a sandstorm after learning Dragon Dance, and Yong later sent her out against Milotic.
• Yong ordered Flygon to use Sandstorm and Bug Buzz, interrupting Milotic’s attempt to recover underwater.
• Milotic fired Ice Beam, but Flygon countered with Dragon Breath and used U-turn to return to her Poké Ball.
• Yong sent in Steelix, which shattered the ice and struck Milotic with Breaking Swipe, destroying half the battlefield while leaving the surroundings untouched.
• The referee declared Milotic unable to battle, and Yong realized Steelix had gained a major boost from his Mainstay talent as Cynthia stared in shock.

Yong’s Steelix battled Cynthia’s Lucario in a fierce contest that devastated the secondary arena. Steelix remained standing after Lucario’s Reversal, leaving the match’s outcome with the referee as he searched the sand-covered ruins.

• Cynthia recalled her unconscious Milotic and sent out her faster Lucario to face Yong’s Steelix.
• Lucario boosted its power with Swords Dance, dodged Steelix’s Fire Fang with Agility, and bombarded it with Aura Sphere.
• Yong ordered Steelix to trap Lucario with Sand Tomb, but Lucario escaped the quicksand and struck Steelix with Close Combat.
• Steelix rolled through the sand and used High Horsepower to slam Lucario into the ground, then loomed over it under crushing pressure.
• Cynthia ordered Lucario to use Swords Dance and then Reversal, damaging Steelix and shattering the arena before Lucario was buried in sand and rubble.
• Steelix rose and shook itself off while the referee searched the ruins for Lucario, and Yong wondered how the water field had become a sand field.

Yong’s Steelix defeated Cynthia’s Lucario, but Cynthia sent out her fully evolved ace, Garchomp, for the final battle. Garchomp overwhelmed Steelix with her savage aura and strength, leaving Steelix dazed and vulnerable to her Bulldoze.

• Steelix defeated Cynthia’s Lucario, earning training points and experience, while Drake told the referee to keep the final round within the general boundaries.
• Cynthia sent out her scarred, powerful level-50 Garchomp, whose savage aura and extensive move set impressed Yong and the watching Elite Four members.
• Garchomp and Steelix began their battle by boosting their defenses and attack power with Swords Dance and Iron Defense.
• Garchomp’s aura unsettled Steelix, and she overpowered its Iron Tail with an aura-infused Dragon Claw before wrenching Steelix to the ground.
• Cynthia ordered Garchomp to use Swords Dance and Bulldoze while Steelix lay off balance.

Yong’s Steelix awakened its dormant consciousness and revealed a dramatically stronger aura, overpowering Cynthia’s Garchomp in a clash of attacks. The chapter ended with Garchomp launching a high-speed attack from above as Steelix braced itself with Iron Defense.

• Steelix awakened after Garchomp’s attacks, gaining a 30% stat bonus and unleashing a powerful Force Domain.
• Drake and Wallace reacted to Steelix’s intensified aura, and Wallace said its Force Domain could make it a future Elite Four candidate.
• Steelix’s Breaking Swipe overpowered Garchomp’s Dragon Claw twice, with the second strike sending Garchomp flying.
• Cynthia ordered Garchomp to use Multi-Piercing, while Yong commanded Steelix to use Iron Defense.
• Garchomp soared into the sky at tremendous speed as Steelix coiled its body and prepared for the attack.

Yong’s Steelix defeated Cynthia’s Garchomp after a devastating clash, leaving Cynthia’s final Pokémon, Roserade, to face Flygon. Their next battle began with Flygon’s Bug Buzz striking Roserade, but the match remained undecided.

• Steelix launched Heavy Slam as Garchomp met it with Outrage, and the two Pokémon collided in a massive burst of energy.
• Steelix crashed into a crater, while Garchomp exhausted its strength and fell; the referee declared Steelix the winner.
• Yong and Cynthia praised the battle, then Cynthia sent out Roserade and Yong chose Flygon for the next match.
• Flygon used Sand Tomb, but Cynthia countered with Grassy Terrain and Ingrain to stabilize the ground and restore Roserade.
• Flygon’s Bug Buzz reached Roserade despite its Extrasensory, leaving Roserade strained as its terrain and roots replenished its stamina.

Yong defeated Cynthia after Flygon used a sandstorm to overwhelm Roserade, making him the tournament champion. As they headed to the Medical Center, Yong asked Cynthia to battle him again once Garchomp had mastered its evolved strength, and she agreed.

• Yong ordered Flygon to create a sandstorm, obscuring it and weakening Roserade's recovery from Grassy Terrain and Ingrain.
• Flygon used the sandstorm as cover to land three Fire Punches, knocking Roserade out.
• The referee declared Yong the winner after all six of Cynthia's Pokémon were unable to battle, and Yong celebrated with Flygon.
• Brawly, Roxanne, Wattson, Bertha, and Blaine discussed Yong's victory and Garchomp's recent evolution.
• Yong asked Cynthia to battle him and Garchomp again at full strength, and Cynthia agreed.

After winning the Elite Tournament, Yong received a Ground-type Secret Treasure and learned that he could challenge the Elite Four directly. As Cynthia reached for her reward, an attack erupted in the arena, and Yong was knocked unconscious.

• Yong checked his system rewards, receiving Training Points, the Rock-type Secret Treasure Uncut Jade, and the TMs Sunny Day and Dragon Claw.
• Lorelei defeated Bruno, who took third place, and the four tournament finalists gathered for the awards ceremony.
• Wallace invited the finalists to join the Elite Four evaluation program, but Bertha angrily objected when he offered Cynthia a place in Hoenn.
• Drake gave Yong the Ground-type Secret Treasure Ground Membrane and presented Cynthia with three Secret Treasures to choose from.
• Forretress Pokémon exploded across the secondary arena as an attacker reached for Cynthia's reward tray, and Yong lost consciousness after hearing someone call for Gardevoir to use Moonblast.

After waking in a Lilycove City hospital, Yong learned the attack on the Elite Tournament had injured him and others but did not claim any lives. Brawly explained that the Evil Moon Organization had used the Rage Potion as a diversion, while Yong wondered whether the mysterious “R” referred to Team Rocket.

• Yong woke in the Lilycove City hospital and recalled the explosion at the Elite Tournament.
• Yong’s mother urged him to give up being a Trainer, but his father supported Yong’s dream while insisting he wait until he had fully recovered.
• Yong asked Brawly and Bruno about the attack, and Brawly said the Gym Leaders had been prepared for trouble but were held up by powerful opponents.
• Brawly explained that Steven had left because of an energy upheaval at the Old Chateau, and said the Golden Honey was only a smokescreen for the attackers’ real target.
• Brawly told Yong to thank Wallace and Will for reacting quickly, leaving Yong puzzled about Will’s connection to the mysterious “R.”

After recovering from the attack at the Elite Tournament, Yong returned home and prepared his Pokémon for the upcoming Hoenn League. Meanwhile, Bruno visited Chuck in Johto, where the two renewed their rivalry and prepared for training.

• Bruno told Yong that Mr. Steven had subdued the attackers and rampaging Pokémon, while a Teleport user had helped other members of the Dark Organization escape.
• Bruno said Cynthia and Lorelei had recovered, then left the hospital to return to Johto.
• Yong healed, was discharged, and returned to Dewford Town as the Elite Tournament champion, with fewer than two months remaining before the Ever Grande Conference.
• Yong sent his tournament Pokémon to rest and focused his upcoming training on Larvesta, Tyrunt, Shieldon, and Rhydon, while Larvitar joined Steelix and Swampert for special training.
• As illegal Pokémon captures surged in Kanto and Johto, Will led a crackdown and became Chief Captain of the Johto Region's Investigators.
• Bruno arrived at Cianwood Gym, where Chuck ambushed him, learned Bruno had placed third in the tournament, and challenged him to Hellish Training.

Yong left his island base with Larvesta, Flygon, Aggron, and Aerodactyl to fulfill promises to Flygon and Aggron by taking them home. In the Great Desert, Flygon found its old companions, and Yong introduced himself to the group.

• Yong asked Steelix and Swampert to oversee his Pokémon’s training while he was away, then flew north from the Secret Base with Larvesta.
• Yong passed Slateport City and Mauville City without stopping, then landed near the southern edge of the Great Desert and sent out Flygon.
• Flygon guided Yong through the desert to ancient ruins and used sound waves to clear the sand while searching for its companions.
• A Trapinch, two Diglett, and a Nincada emerged from the sand, and Trapinch and Flygon joyfully greeted each other.
• Yong greeted the group and introduced himself as Yong.

Yong camped in the Great Desert with Flygon and reunited with Trapinch, Vibrava, Diglett, and Nincada, leaving food and supplies for them before departing. He headed west toward Mt. Chimney and Aggron's home, while a Pokémon in his ball trembled with fear.

• Yong made a campsite near the ruins and fed Trapinch, Diglett, and Nincada while Flygon reunited with its companions.
• Vibrava arrived, and Yong left ore, Pokémon food, and Ground-type Pokéblocks for the group before resting under Aerodactyl's watch.
• The next morning, Yong fed the Pokémon and said goodbye, asking Vibrava and Trapinch to protect the others.
• Yong and Flygon left the Great Desert with Aerodactyl and turned west toward Mt. Chimney, the Ever Grande Tunnel, and Aggron's home.
• A Pokémon ball at Yong's waist trembled with eagerness and fear, and Yong teased its occupant as Flygon reacted awkwardly.

Yong followed Aggron through Rusturf Tunnel to find the Aggron leader, who welcomed them into a hidden cavern and agreed to train Aggron. In recognition of Yong’s help, the leader offered him a rare stone, and Yong chose a Steelix Mega Stone.

• Yong returned to Rusturf Tunnel with Swampert and followed Aggron to its former home, but the Aggron leader had moved away.
• Aggron led Yong and Swampert deep underground, where they met Lunatone and learned that an illusion concealed the entrance to a vast cavern.
• Yong entered the cavern and reunited with the Aggron leader, who thanked him for helping Aggron grow stronger.
• The Aggron leader asked Yong to leave Aggron behind for training and offered him a gift of rare stones.
• Yong chose a Steelix Mega Stone from the leader’s collection.