Chapter Summaries

Yong, Reggie, and Akemi shared a meal and discussed Pokémon breeding, Sinnoh’s Elite Four, and Yong’s plans to begin his Sinnoh Gym challenge. Yong decided to prepare Larvitar and his other Pokémon for the Pastoria Gym, where he would challenge Crasher Wake.

• Yong learned that Akemi was a Pokémon Groomer and an Intermediate Pokémon Breeder preparing for the Senior certification exam.
• Reggie and Akemi discussed Yōka, Mr. Lucian’s appointment to Sinnoh’s Elite Four, and Mr. Aaron’s expedition to Kalos.
• Yong considered the possibility of discovering Mega Evolution before it had been researched in Kalos.
• Reggie asked whether Yong would challenge the Pastoria Gym, and Yong agreed while deciding not to use Swampert as his main fighter.
• Yong planned to use Larvitar, Drilbur or Larvesta, and Bastiodon against Crasher Wake, then the three friends spent the day eating and chatting as their Pokémon played.

Yong took Larvitar, Larvesta, and Drilbur to train in the Great Marsh while investigating the possibility of finding Arceus’s Plates in Sinnoh. Meanwhile, Drake’s investigators guarded the Mirage Tower as a blue-gray figure emerged from a rift in the Great Desert and flew away.

• Yong left the crowded Great Marsh for Deepwater Marsh and began training Larvitar, Larvesta, and Drilbur under Rhydon’s and Bastiodon’s supervision.
• Yong reflected on the eighteen type origins, Arceus’s nineteen Plates, and his hope of finding the Earth Plate or Stone Plate in Sinnoh.
• Drake learned that the Mirage Tower’s appearances had become more frequent and its energy surges had spread, then ordered investigators to guard the Great Desert’s entrances.
• A black rift opened in the desert, and a blue-gray figure emerged before wobbling into the air and flying away.
• A nearby Sandshrew mistook the figure for a Bronzor and wondered why it had looked unreal.

Yong challenged the Pastoria Gym and battled Yuza’s Wingull with Larvitar. Larvitar knocked Wingull out of the air with Rock Slide, leaving the battle’s outcome unresolved.

• Yong entered the Pastoria Gym and followed the pool platforms toward Mr. Crasher Wake’s arena.
• Yuza challenged Yong to a one-Pokémon battle and sent out Wingull, while Yong chose Larvitar.
• Larvitar struggled to balance on the floating platform, then used Sandstorm to hinder Wingull.
• Yong directed Larvitar to use Rock Throw and then Rock Slide as Wingull tried to escape the storm.
• Wingull crashed into the Rock Slide and fell onto the floating platform.

Yong defeated Heiji’s Seaking in the second stage of the Pastoria Gym challenge by having Larvesta unleash a powerful Flamethrower into the pool. As Yong advanced to the third stage, Reggie decided to stop slacking off and return to training.

• After Larvitar defeated Yuza’s Wingull, Yong lowered the bridge by stepping on the green button and crossed to the second platform.
• Heiji introduced himself as the Gym apprentice for the second stage and sent a Pokémon into the pool; Yong chose Larvesta to battle it.
• When Heiji’s hidden Pokémon attacked with Water Gun, Larvesta countered with Ember, but Yong saw that it struggled to turn and defend itself.
• Yong ordered Larvesta to unleash a full-power Flamethrower into the water, forcing Heiji’s Seaking to surface in the nearly boiling pool.
• Heiji conceded, and Yong advanced toward the third stage while Reggie resolved to end his vacation and resume battling.

Yong battled Fu Jiang’s Azumarill on the third level, choosing Bastiodon for its defensive strength and Shock Wave. After Azumarill’s Belly Drum-boosted Brick Break nearly drove Bastiodon into the pool, Yong’s attacks struck back, and the chapter ended as Shock Wave detonated against Azumarill’s Rollout.

• Fu Jiang introduced herself and sent out her level 28 Azumarill to battle Yong.
• Yong chose Bastiodon, making its battle debut after evolving, and ordered it to use Rock Polish against Azumarill’s Water Gun.
• Fu Jiang had Azumarill use Belly Drum and Brick Break, but Bastiodon braced itself with Iron Defense and endured the attack.
• Yong ordered Shock Wave as Azumarill leapt to use Bounce, striking her with electricity in midair.
• Bastiodon used Taunt, provoking Azumarill into Rollout, and Yong commanded another Shock Wave as she charged; the electric attack exploded on the platform.

Yong reached the Pastoria Gym’s final arena and challenged Crasher Wake, opening their three-on-three battle with Larvitar against Gyarados. Larvitar lost to Gyarados’s Whirlpool but endured the fight, and Yong was pleased that it had faced the battle with determination.

• Yong defeated Ukie’s Azumarill with Bastiodon and advanced to the final arena without healing his Pokémon.
• Yong met Crasher Wake, and the referee announced a three-on-three Gym match for the Fen Badge.
• Crasher Wake sent out a level 30 Gyarados, and Yong chose Larvitar as his first Pokémon.
• Gyarados struck Larvitar with Waterfall, but Larvitar stayed conscious and endured the attack.
• Larvitar used Dragon Dance and Dragon Claw against Gyarados’s Whirlpool, but the vortex dragged it underwater and knocked it out.

Yong's Bastiodon defeated Crasher Wake's Gyarados with a defensive counterattack and leveled up. Crasher Wake sent out Quagsire for his next battle.

• Yong recalled his defeated Larvitar and chose Bastiodon to face Gyarados.
• Bastiodon held off Gyarados's Hydro Pump and blocked its Aqua Tail by quickly shuffling to face the attack.
• Bastiodon struck Gyarados with Shock Wave and Rock Slide, then electrocuted the pool to defeat it.
• Crasher Wake praised Yong's final attack and sent out Quagsire as his second contender.

Yong’s Bastiodon lost to Crasher Wake’s Quagsire in their battle for the Fen Badge. After two defeats, Yong prepared to take the match more seriously.

• Yong studied Quagsire’s moves and ordered Bastiodon to use Taunt to prevent it from using Yawn.
• Quagsire struck Bastiodon with Ice Punch, then fought through its Taunt by using Water Pulse and Slam.
• Quagsire grabbed Bastiodon during its Take Down and slammed it into the floating platform, knocking it out and breaking the platform.
• The referee declared Quagsire the winner, and Crasher Wake challenged Yong to show his true strength.
• Akemi worried that Yong had lost twice, while Reggie said Yong had only sent out his weaker Pokémon so far.
• Yong recalled Bastiodon, admitted he was competitive, and took out a Luxury Ball.

Yong defeated Crasher Wake’s Quagsire with Rhydon, earning the Fen Badge. Crasher Wake then chose to continue with a final battle against Seismitoad, and Yong prepared for the new opponent.

• Yong sent out Rhydon to face Crasher Wake’s Quagsire in the pool arena.
• Rhydon dived beneath the platform, seized Quagsire, and knocked it out with Drill Run despite taking an Aqua Tail.
• The referee declared Rhydon the winner, and Crasher Wake awarded Yong the Fen Badge.
• Crasher Wake brought out a Pokémon from his reserves for a final battle unrelated to the badge.
• Crasher Wake sent out Seismitoad, and Yong recognized its powerful punching attacks as a serious threat.

Yong defeated Crasher Wake’s Seismitoad in an official battle, using Rhydon’s strength and swimming ability to overcome the type matchup. Rhydon reached Lv47 and learned Earthquake.

• Yong opened the match by ordering Rhydon to use Body Slam, but Seismitoad dodged and attacked with Drain Punch.
• Rhydon shook the floating platform to disrupt Seismitoad’s balance, grabbed his wrist, and threw him into the air to avoid Gastro Acid.
• Seismitoad’s Brick Break clashed with Rhydon’s Rocket Headbutt, and Rhydon’s counterblow launched Seismitoad away.
• Rhydon pursued Seismitoad through the pool with Drill Run and knocked him unconscious, earning Yong the victory.
• Rhydon gained experience, improved his Body Slam, Drill Run, and Rocket Headbutt proficiency, reached Lv47, and learned Earthquake.

Yong won his first Sinnoh Gym battle and received Crasher Wake’s Badge and a Brine TM. As he traveled onward with Reggie and Akemi, events across several regions set other prominent Trainers on new paths, while Yong headed toward Iron Island to strengthen his Pokémon.

• Crasher Wake awarded Yong a Badge and a Brine TM after their battle, then praised his potential when Yong explained that Steelix and Swampert had stayed in Hoenn.
• The Johto League recruited Bruno for its Investigation Team and approved Jasmine to take charge of the Olivine Gym on probation.
• Lance urged Clair to return to Blackthorn City, protect the Dragon’s Den, and improve her battle skills.
• Lorelei decided to go to Cerulean City with Lapras to visit the cave.
• Cynthia prepared to return to Celestic Town, while Caitlin said Darach could look after the Battle Chateau for now.
• Yong chose to part ways with Reggie and Akemi at Hearthome City and travel to Iron Island to help Steelix and Aggron grow stronger.

Yong, Reggie, and Akemi traveled north through Sinnoh and met Xiao Yi, a Pokémon observer and Trainer from Unova who dreamed of becoming an archaeologist so he could defeat Cynthia. Xiao Yi and Reggie bonded over their past losses to Cynthia, while Yong and Akemi watched them eagerly compare their ambitions.

• Yong, Reggie, and Akemi crossed Sinnoh’s wetlands and forests, and Yong battled passing Trainers with his Pokémon.
• Akemi spotted Xiao Yi observing a Linoone with his Samurott, and Xiao Yi introduced himself as a Pokémon observer and Trainer from Unova.
• Xiao Yi shared his homemade Pokémon candies and revealed that his dream was to become an archaeologist.
• Xiao Yi said he had come to Sinnoh to prove he was stronger than Cynthia, and Reggie revealed that he also wanted to defeat her.
• Xiao Yi explained that Cynthia had beaten him in a Unova tournament and that he believed archaeology would teach him her secret training methods.

Yong and Xiao Yi became rivals for the Lily of the Valley Conference as Reggie resolved to keep working toward his goal. In Kanto, Lance’s raid on Team Rocket uncovered a possible secret in Saffron City, while Agatha invaded the Celadon base and confronted Athena.

• Xiao Yi said he planned to enter the Lily of the Valley Conference, and he and Yong agreed they would be rivals.
• Reggie, Akemi, and Yong continued toward Veilstone City after Xiao Yi set off for Pastoria City.
• Lance interrogated Team Rocket grunts in Goldenrod City, but a squad captain triggered a Graveler’s Explosion; Lance ordered the Investigators to secure the area and arrest survivors.
• Sabrina arrived to help Lance identify Team Rocket’s psychics, and Lance wondered what secret Saffron City was hiding.
• In Celadon City, Athena warned Chakra not to act against Giovanni’s wishes and told him Apollo considered him no threat.
• Agatha entered the Celadon Game Corner and used Gengar’s Haunted Domain against the Team Rocket members in the base.

Giovanni responded to the Celadon City arrests by pursuing genetic research, Legendary Pokémon, and new test subjects while directing his subordinates to advance secret projects. At Silph Co., his mother watched over her own operations and reflected on the power she had entrusted to him.

• Giovanni learned that Agatha had destroyed Team Rocket's Celadon City base and toasted his mother, then reviewed the Evil Moon Organization's Pokémon genetics research and its Rage Potion.
• Giovanni ordered Will to search for traces of the Legendary Birds and Legendary Beasts, and Will left suspecting Team Rocket was hiding something extraordinary.
• Giovanni sent Ouka to retrieve what he wanted, ordered Lance to go to New Island and keep Dr. Namba away from cloning experiments, and directed Lambda to seek test subjects and traces of 'it' in the Orange Islands.
• Giovanni dismissed Lance's concern about Saffron City and told him to go, then wondered what his mother was thinking as he spoke with Persian.
• At Silph Co. in Saffron City, Madame Giovanni reassured Miyamoto and Bixias that Giovanni was still her son, despite his aggressive plans, and considered the power she had entrusted to him.

Yong, Reggie, and Akemi rescued an injured Starly while resting beside a river near Hearthome City. After caring for it and sharing a meal, they continued toward Hearthome, a welcoming Sinnoh hub known for its many attractions and Pokémon-friendly streets.

• Larvitar caught a hungry Starly stealing food, and Reggie discovered that the bird had a broken wing.
• Reggie treated Starly's injury while Akemi helped care for it, and Larvitar fed it Berries, Pokémon food, and Moomoo Milk.
• Yong told Reggie that growing up around Rock-type and Ground-type Pokémon had drawn him to raising them.
• Akemi explained that her father had been attacked by a rampaging Pokémon while fighting poachers, but said her mother had since accepted her choice to become a Pokémon Breeder.
• Yong, Reggie, and Akemi shared lunch in the sunshine near Hearthome City, a central Sinnoh transportation hub known for its welcoming, Pokémon-friendly community.

Yong received a letter from Steven confirming the Fiore Region’s peaceful contact with the Ranger Team and explaining that Larvitar was his personal gift. The letter also included an intriguing stone, while Yong considered entrusting some of Heross’s former Pokémon to the Rangers and called his father about his plans and the Stone family.

• Yong explored Hearthome City with Reggie and Akemi, then rested at the Pokémon Center after they arrived.
• The next morning, Nurse Joy told Yong that Reggie and Akemi had gone to the Interaction Plaza and gave him a package that had arrived for him.
• Yong read Steven’s letter, which described the Ranger Team’s peaceful contact and said the stone in the package might interest him.
• Yong reflected on the Pokémon he had rescued from Heross and considered placing some of them with the Ranger Team.
• Yong called home to tell his father about his plans for those Pokémon and his views on the Stone family.

Yong prepared his Pokémon for the Hearthome Gym Challenge after receiving Steven’s gifts, then entered the dark Ghost-type Gym. He discovered unseen Pokémon lurking inside and had Larvitar unleash a Sandstorm.

• Yong examined Steven’s gifts, fed Flint to Larvitar, gave Black Sludge to Drilbur, and saved the Fire Stones for Larvesta.
• Yong trained Larvesta, Larvitar, and Drilbur before challenging Fantina at Hearthome Gym.
• Yong entered the Gym’s pitch-dark hall after a frightened challenger warned him away, and a woman’s voice told him to watch his step and seek the deepest darkness.
• Yong sensed unseen eyes in the dark, released Larvitar, and ordered it to use Sandstorm.
• Larvitar’s Sandstorm swept through the hall, revealing eerie figures and lessening the chill.

Yong used Larvitar, Drilbur, and Larvesta to navigate the Gym’s dark, Ghost-filled room while searching for blue floor symbols. After the trio drove off a Haunter and the other Ghost Pokémon, Yong continued onward with new ideas about their teamwork.

• Yong had Larvitar maintain a sandstorm, Drilbur guard against attacks, and Larvesta light the way as they followed the Ghost Pokémon’s cries.
• Yong searched the floor for blue symbols and found flame-shaped symbols that were red or yellow instead.
• A Ghost Pokémon attacked with Shadow Ball, but Larvitar blocked it and Yong ordered Larvesta to fire Flamethrower into the darkness.
• Yong identified a level 36 Haunter and sent Drilbur in with Rapid Spin and Metal Claw while Larvesta attacked with Flamethrower.
• Larvitar blocked Haunter’s Night Shade, and Larvesta’s flames struck Haunter, forcing it and the other Ghost Pokémon back into hiding.
• Yong praised the trio’s teamwork and continued searching for blue floor symbols.

Yong and his Pokémon completed the Hearthome Gym’s dark-room trial and met Gym Leader Fantina in the final arena. Their battle began with Fantina’s Drifblim striking Larvitar with Phantom Force, leaving Larvitar airborne as Fantina ordered a Hex.

• Yong and his Pokémon found the Relic Badge floor symbol, stepped on it, and were transported to another dark room.
• Yong and his Pokémon evaded Ghost-type attacks, found the next blue symbol, and reached the final arena despite a Misdreavus nearly hypnotizing Yong.
• Fantina introduced herself as the Hearthome Gym Leader, and the referee announced a three-on-three battle in which only Yong could switch Pokémon.
• Fantina sent out her level 32 Drifblim, and Yong chose Larvitar to battle it.
• Fantina ordered Phantom Force, and Larvitar used Dragon Dance before taking the hit while using Stockpile.
• Fantina ordered Drifblim to finish the airborne Larvitar with Hex.

Yong’s Larvitar lost to Fantina’s Drifblim, but gained a level and learned Crunch. Yong then sent out Bastiodon, which paralyzed Drifblim with Shock Wave as their battle continued.

• Larvitar used Payback, Rock Slide, and Bite against Drifblim, but Fantina’s Pokémon recovered with Absorb Energy and knocked it out with Shadow Ball.
• The referee declared Drifblim the winner, and Yong recalled Larvitar.
• Larvitar gained experience, reached Lv26, and learned Crunch.
• Yong sent out Bastiodon, which used Taunt to provoke Drifblim into choosing Phantom Force.
• Bastiodon endured Drifblim’s Phantom Force with Iron Defense, then struck it with Shock Wave and paralyzed it.
• Bastiodon used Shock Wave again, unleashing electricity across the battlefield.