Chapter Summaries

Yong’s Flygon defeated Sidney’s Shiftry, Cacturne, and Crawdaunt in succession, dominating the sandstorm-filled battle. After Flygon’s third straight victory, Sidney’s challenge remained underway.

• Flygon trapped Shiftry in a sandstorm and knocked it out with a super-effective Bug Buzz.
• Ash cheered for Flygon, while Gary praised Yong and Iris admired the Dragon-type Pokémon.
• Sidney sent out Cacturne, but Flygon caught it with Sand Tomb and finished it with Bug Buzz.
• Sidney’s Crawdaunt failed to hit Flygon with its Ice- and Water-type moves and was defeated by Bug Buzz followed by Giga Drain.

Sidney sent out Honchkrow, his strongest Pokémon, to battle Yong’s Flygon in the sixth round. Honchkrow used Quash and Icy Wind to turn the fight around, leaving Flygon frozen and falling toward the ground.

• Sidney sent out Honchkrow, and the referee began the sixth round against Flygon.
• Honchkrow used Nasty Plot while Flygon pursued it with Rock Tomb, striking its wings.
• Flygon charged with Aerial Ace, but Honchkrow used Quash to interrupt it and land Icy Wind.
• Flygon endured the attack and used Rock Slide, but Honchkrow dodged the rocks with Acrobatics and collided with it.
• Honchkrow struck Flygon with another Icy Wind, covering it in ice and sending it plunging toward the ground.

Yong sent out his level 76 Aerodactyl after Flygon lost to Sidney’s Honchkrow, revealing his powerful ace and putting Sidney under greater pressure. As the next round began, Yong ordered Aerodactyl to use Agility and Ice Fang, while Pheobe prepared for her afternoon match against Yong.

• Sidney defeated Yong’s Flygon with Honchkrow’s Quash, leaving the score at 4-2.
• Drake told Pheobe to prepare for her match, and Glacia warned her that Yong had not yet sent out his main Pokémon.
• Yong recalled Flygon and sent out his level 76 Aerodactyl, whose intimidating presence made Honchkrow retreat.
• Lorelei suggested that Yong was using his battles against the Elite Four to train his team, and the spectators considered the possibility.
• The referee started the Aerodactyl-versus-Honchkrow round, and Yong ordered Aerodactyl to rush in with Agility and use Ice Fang.

Shiyan Yong defeated Sidney when Aerodactyl overwhelmed Honchkrow with Stone Edge, leaving Honchkrow buried and badly injured. Sidney surrendered and left for treatment with Honchkrow, while Yong prepared to face the remaining Elite Four members.

• Aerodactyl charged through Honchkrow's Icy Wind and knocked it into the ground.
• Yong ordered Aerodactyl to use Stone Edge, and Aerodactyl buried Honchkrow beneath a massive boulder and rubble.
• Sidney surrendered, and the referee declared Aerodactyl the winner.
• Yong ordered Aerodactyl and Excadrill to clear the rubble, and they found Honchkrow badly injured.
• Sidney accepted Yong's apology, praised the battle, and left with Honchkrow while encouraging Yong to do his best against the remaining Elite Four members.

After defeating Sidney, Yong rested and prepared for his next Champion Challenge match while his friends and the Elite Four celebrated and chatted. He returned to the arena to face Hoenn Elite Four member Pheobe, who greeted him before their battle began.

• Yong recalled Aerodactyl and Excadrill after defeating Sidney, then sent his Pokémon to Chansey for healing.
• Iris told Shauntal and the others that she wanted Aerodactyl, Flygon, and Tyrantrum, and Steven offered to give her an Aerodactyl when she began her journey.
• The arena staff replaced the battlefield with a grassy field and extended panels over the stands to block the sun.
• Yong returned to the arena and met his next opponent, Hoenn Ghost-type Elite Four member Pheobe.
• Pheobe said she had heard about Yong from her grandfather, Steven, and Drake, and both trainers agreed to give the match their best.

Yong began his Champion Challenge battle against Elite Four member Pheobe, whose level 71 Banette faced his level 72 Rhyperior. The opening exchanges left Rhyperior standing firm while Banette vanished into the Sandstorm with Phantom Force.

• President Charles Goodshow announced the match and left, while the chapter described the Pokémon League's expanding exploration and cooperation with the Aether Foundation.
• Yong and Pheobe sent out Rhyperior and Banette, and the referee began the first round.
• Yong ordered Rhyperior to create a Sandstorm across the battlefield.
• Pheobe ordered Banette to use Sucker Punch; Banette struck Rhyperior from the shadows, but Rhyperior held its ground.
• Pheobe commanded Phantom Force, and Banette disappeared into the Sandstorm as Yong watched a dark glimmer fall across Rhyperior.

Yong’s Rhyperior battled Miss Pheobe’s Banette, countering its shadow attacks and hidden Will-O-Wisp with a sandstorm-detonating technique. After the explosions subsided, Rhyperior remained standing, but Banette had disappeared from the battlefield.

• Miss Pheobe’s Banette darted through Rhyperior’s sandstorm, but Yong ordered Rhyperior to dodge and strike it with Ice Punch.
• Miss Pheobe had Banette use Will-O-Wisp, which burned Rhyperior and left it vulnerable to Hex.
• Miss Pheobe commanded Banette to use Hex, while Yong ordered Rhyperior to detonate the sandstorm and attack again with Ice Punch.
• Rhyperior unleashed a chain of explosions throughout the sandstorm, engulfing the battlefield and breaking free of Banette’s assault.
• When the sandstorm faded, Yong saw that Rhyperior was scorched and panting, purple flames had appeared again, and Banette was nowhere to be seen.

Yong’s Rhyperior lost to Pheobe’s Banette after Wraith Curse drained its stamina. Yong then sent out his level 73 Claydol, an old partner whose arrival made Pheobe and the other Elite Four members take notice.

• Banette used Wraith Curse to mark Rhyperior and drain its stamina, winning the battle.
• Pheobe explained that Banette’s curse fed on the marked opponent’s pain and negativity.
• Yong recalled Rhyperior and prepared to continue the match without losing his composure.
• Shauntal reassured Iris that Ghost-type Pokémon could be trusted companions with patient guidance.
• Yong sent out his level 73 Claydol, and Pheobe reacted with caution as the spectators recognized it.

Yong’s Claydol defeated Pheobe’s Banette by trapping it with Psychic Power and striking it with Hex, tying their score. Pheobe sent out Drifblim as the battle continued.

• Pheobe ordered Banette to use Phantom Force, but Yong’s Claydol found it and pulled it into view with Psybeam.
• Claydol held Banette in its Psychic Field, confused it with Psybeam, and knocked it out with Hex.
• Steven and Lance commented on Claydol’s unusual psychic strength, while Tengshu wondered if it had been trained to counter him.
• The referee declared Banette unable to battle, tying the score, and Pheobe recalled it.
• Pheobe sent out Drifblim, and Yong recognized the Pokémon.

Yong faced Miss Pheobe’s Drifblim with Claydol and used a spinning assault to exploit Drifblim’s limited mobility. Miss Pheobe sent Drifblim into a head-on attack with Explosion, leaving the battle’s outcome unresolved.

• Yong opened with Calm Mind and Cosmic Power while Miss Pheobe ordered Drifblim to use Stockpile.
• Yong’s Claydol attacked with Rock Slide, but Drifblim used Tailwind and Minimize to evade the rocks.
• Yong used Power Trick and Extreme Spin to charge at Drifblim, which took the hit while building up its defenses.
• Miss Pheobe had Drifblim create a Substitute, then ride the wind toward Claydol as it launched another Extreme Spin.
• Miss Pheobe commanded Drifblim to use Explosion, and a massive blast engulfed the battlefield.

Pheobe’s Drifblim used Explosion, knocking out both itself and Yong’s Claydol in a draw. Yong then sent out his Shiny Metagross, leaving Pheobe wary and the spectators eager to see what it could do.

• Drifblim’s Explosion devastated the battlefield and knocked out both Drifblim and Claydol.
• The referee declared the round a draw, and Yong accepted Pheobe’s strategy as part of Drifblim’s strength.
• Cynthia, Bruno, and Steven discussed how Claydol’s defeat might change Yong’s choices.
• Yong sent out his Shiny Metagross, whose powerful presence made Pheobe uneasy and caught Steven’s attention.

Yong sent out his shiny Metagross against Pheobe’s powerful Sableye, and Pheobe began Mega Evolution to strengthen their bond. The chapter ended as brilliant rainbow light engulfed Sableye.

• Roxanne and Ishida’s parents admired Yong’s shiny Metagross as it revealed its immense power on the battlefield.
• Pheobe summoned her level 78 Sableye, and Drake told Glacia that Pheobe had no chance against Yong.
• The referee began the battle between Metagross and Sableye.
• Pheobe and Sableye joined their rainbow energy and began Mega Evolution.

Pheobe Mega Evolved Sableye, but Yong answered by Mega Evolving Metagross and overwhelming her Pokémon in battle. Mega Metagross’s Heavy Slam struck Mega Sableye, leaving the outcome of the match unresolved.

• Pheobe Mega Evolved Sableye, whose new ability was Magic Bounce.
• Yong used his Key Stone to Mega Evolve Metagross, which gained the Tough Claws ability.
• The referee began the battle between Mega Metagross and Mega Sableye.
• Pheobe ordered Mega Sableye to use Nasty Plot and Will-O-Wisp, but Mega Metagross stopped the flames with its psychic power.
• Yong had Mega Metagross seize Mega Sableye with Confusion and use Heavy Slam, overpowering Pheobe’s Pokémon.
• Mega Metagross crashed into Mega Sableye, and a blinding light swallowed the battlefield.

Yong defeated Miss Pheobe in the second round after Mega Metagross overcame Mega Sableye and dominated her remaining Pokémon. The victory left Yong advancing in the tournament while the other experts considered his technique for using psychic power to manipulate space.

• Mega Metagross defeated Mega Sableye, and the referee declared Metagross the winner.
• Yong explained that Metagross used psychic power to manipulate space and restrain Sableye, then targeted Mega Sableye's red gem to end its Mega Evolution.
• Miss Pheobe sent out Mismagius, but Mega Metagross used Teleport and Shadow Claws to knock it out.
• Mega Metagross controlled most of Chandelure's attacks and defeated it with Shadow Balls and Flash Cannon.
• Despite Mega Metagross being drained after reverting from Mega Evolution, Metagross defeated Miss Pheobe's Jellicent with Thunder Punch and Flash Cannon, securing Yong's second-round victory.

After defeating Sidney and Pheobe, Yong discussed the stronger veterans awaiting him in the next day's battles. Remembering his first glimpse of Drake and Salamence, Yong declared that he would defeat Drake.

• Yong entrusted his battling Pokémon to Nurse Joy and Chansey, then joined Reggie, Cynthia, Roxanne, and Tengshu for a walk by the sea.
• Cynthia and Reggie discussed how Sidney and Pheobe had grown stronger and noted that Yong still had not revealed his full strength.
• Tengshu described Agatha and Bertha Grandmother as veteran Elite Four members before naming Drake as the strongest of the three.
• Tengshu explained Drake's history as a powerful Dragon Pokémon Trainer and revealed that Drake had more than one pseudo-legendary Pokémon, including Salamence.
• Yong recalled seeing Drake and Salamence in Petalburg Woods when he had only Onix, then firmly declared that he would win their coming battle.

Yong spent the evening discussing his upcoming battles against Glacia with his friends, then reunited with his parents and reassured them about his relationship with Cynthia. After a warm night at home, he headed to the venue ready to face the next day's competition without regrets.

• Tengshu, Roxanne, Reggie, and Cynthia discussed Glacia's strengths and strategies with Yong, who kept his planned Pokémon secret.
• Tengshu and Roxanne brought Yong's parents to the Competitors' Village, and Yong thanked them before visiting his parents that evening.
• Ishida's Mom asked Yong about his relationship with Cynthia, and he explained their journey and reassured his parents that Professor Carolina approved.
• Yong's family welcomed him warmly, and Ishida urged him to give the next day's battles his all.
• Yong set off for the venue, determined not to lose as the second day of competition began.

Yong faced Elite Four member Miss Glacia in a tense battle, with both Trainers eager to test each other’s strength. The chapter ended as Miss Glacia sent out Abomasnow and Yong chose Excadrill to lead.

• Ash, Gary, and Iris discussed Yong’s upcoming match and Ash confidently predicted that Yong would win.
• Miss Glacia entered the arena and greeted Yong, saying she had watched his matches and wanted to experience his strength firsthand.
• Yong and Miss Glacia each sent out their first Pokémon.
• Miss Glacia’s powerful Abomasnow appeared, and Yong sent out Excadrill to face it.

Shiyan Yong sent Excadrill against Glacia’s Abomasnow, whose refined ice origin power overwhelmed the battlefield. Excadrill struck Abomasnow with a surprise attack but became trapped in its grasp as it prepared a Focus Punch.

• The referee began Shiyan Yong’s battle against Elite Four Glacia, and Yong sent Excadrill charging with Swords Dance and Rapid Spin.
• Glacia’s Abomasnow countered with Icy Wind, slowing Excadrill and covering it in ice as it dug underground.
• Glacia ordered Abomasnow to use Earthquake, and the tremors damaged Excadrill beneath the ground.
• Excadrill burst out with Rapid Spin and struck Abomasnow’s body with Smart Strike, but its fur absorbed the blow.
• Abomasnow seized the weakened Excadrill by the neck and began gathering ice in its fist for Focus Punch.

Yong’s Excadrill lost to Glacia’s Abomasnow, whose unusual Ice-type techniques combined immense strength with freezing power. Yong accepted that his team still needed time to grow, then prepared to battle Glacia more seriously.

• Glacia’s Abomasnow encased its fist in dense ice energy and struck Excadrill, knocking it unconscious and winning the battle.
• Yong recalled Excadrill and asked Glacia about Abomasnow’s thick fur, learning it had once led a group in the northern snowy mountains.
• Yong acknowledged Abomasnow’s strength and praised Glacia’s use of Ice-type energy, then apologized to Excadrill for the loss.
• The spectators discussed the battle, noting that Excadrill’s explosive attack had still managed to hurt Abomasnow.
• Yong reconsidered his rush to strengthen his partners, chose a different Pokémon Ball, and declared he would give everything to win the challenge match.

Yong summoned Volcarona, whose overwhelming heat and aura transformed the battlefield and put Glacia under pressure. As the referee began their match, Glacia ordered Abomasnow to attack, and Yong calmly commanded Volcarona to counter with Heat Wave.

• Yong released Volcarona, whose flames dispersed the clouds and melted the ice across the battlefield.
• Glacia acknowledged the pressure Volcarona exerted as Yong entered his calm mode, drawing reactions from Steven, Cynthia, and Lance.
• The referee announced the battle between Abomasnow and Volcarona and retreated to the edge of the field.
• Glacia ordered Abomasnow to use Icy Wind and Rock Slide, and Yong directed Volcarona to use Heat Wave.